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Marana Gastronomy Tours

Taste the Desert

The Marana

Gastronomy Tour

TOURS ARE ON HOLD
12:30pm-6:00pm
 

will take you to ancient archaeological sites and exclusive tastings of ancient Sonoran wild foods creatively reimagined, in an unforgettable afternoon.

You will discover wild Sonoran Desert flavors that inspire chefs, gourmet foragers, brewmasters, artisanal bakers, and distillers; including a multi-course tasting of small plates at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, presented by Executive Chef Emily Dillport. 

You will learn about the cultures that farmed and foraged in this area for thousands of years and built the oldest agricultural irrigation canal system found in the United States.

Highlights

  • Learn about ancient foodways through a guided archaeology adventure led by Allen Denoyer, Preservation Archaeologist, Archaeology Southwest. Allen excavated Las Capas, the oldest agricultural irrigation canal system found in the United States.
  • Exclusive tastings, including a multi-course small plates tasting at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain in Marana presented by Executive Chef Emily Dillport.
  • Exclusive tastings of gourmet wildcrafted foods from Bean Tree Farm and local microbrewed craft beer from Catalina Brewing Company or Button Brew House.
  • Depart from and return to the Tucson Premium Outlets at Marana Center, right off the I-10 freeway at Twin Peaks Road in Marana

Inclusions

  • Food and beverage tastings

Essentials

  • Wear comfortable closed-toe walking shoes.
  • Plan to walk on flat desert for about one hour total, and make sure to bring a hat or parasol.
  • Water will be provided on the tour van.
  • This tour requires a minimum of 8 and is limited to 15 people.
  • Please contact Gray Line Tucson to confirm the operation of this tour at (520) 622-8811 or info@graylinearizona.com.

A Taste of the Wild:

The Marana Wild Foods Gastronomy Tour

TOURS ARE ON HOLD
9:30am-1:30pm

will take you to an ancient archaeological site, an expert-guided wild foods walkabout tour, and exclusive tastings of ancient Sonoran wild foods and beverages creatively reimagined, in an unforgettable afternoon.

You will discover wild Sonoran Desert flavors that inspire chefs, gourmet foragers, brew masters, artisanal bakers, and distillers; through tastings and guided tours by the region’s renowned experts.

You will learn about the cultures that farmed and foraged in this area for thousands of years and built the oldest agricultural irrigation canal system found in the United States.

Highlights

  • Learn about ancient foodways through a guided archaeology adventure led by Allen Denoyer, Preservation Archaeologist, Archaeology Southwest. Allen excavated Las Capas, the oldest agricultural irrigation canal system found in the United States.
  • Learn about the edible plants and delicious ways to enjoy them through a guided desert walkabout with Carolyn Niethammer, renowned wild foods cookbook author, speaker, and gourmet forager. 
  • Exclusive tastings of gourmet wildcrafted foods from Bean Tree Farm and local microbrewed craft beer from Button Brew House or Catalina Brewing Company.
  • Meet at Los Morteros Conservation Area, west of the I-10 freeway at W. Linda Vista Road near Silverbell Road in Marana. 
  • This is a car caravan tour and you will be provided a tour map after reserving your spot. There will be expert guides at each tour stop.

Inclusions

  • Food and beverage tastings

Essentials

  • Wear comfortable closed-toe walking shoes.
  • Plan to walk on flat desert for about two hours total, and make sure to bring a hat 
  • This tour requires a minimum of 8 and is limited to 20 people.
  • Please contact Laura Cortelyou, Marana Economic Development to confirm the operation of this tour at 520-382-1988.

The Marana Gastronomy Tours are the first tours approved by UNESCO's Creative Cities Network member, Tucson City of Gastronomy, the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the U.S.
For additional tour information please contact Laura Cortelyou at 520-382-1988 or lcortelyou@maranaaz.gov.



About the Town of Gastronomy Logo

The Town of Gastronomy logo image is inspired by the Hohokam stirrup vessel (ca. A.D. 1025-1080) in the collection of the Arizona State Museum in Tucson. The vessel was found at an archaeological site in Marana. It represents one of many sophisticated cultures that occupied this area. Special thanks to Darlene Lizarraga, Marketing Director, and Arthur Vokes, Senior Curatorial Museum Specialist at the Arizona State Museum, who made it possible to photograph the vessel for this project.

About Gray Line Tours

Locally owned and operated by the Morgan family for 100 years. Since 1916, Gray Line of Tucson has been showing the world Tucson and all its wonders. Gray Line has also been a pioneer in charter transportation, working with area schools, churches, associations, and hotel groups.

 

The Marana Gastronomy Tours are the first tours approved by UNESCO's Creative Cities Network member, Tucson City of Gastronomy, the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the U.S.