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There's a certain feeling you get from a handcrafted item, of holding something carefully created by skillful hands—an item made by one person for another.

Crafters, builders, makers—their work tells stories about a place inasmuch as the place influences their work. Consider how the unique mix of Arizona's climate and soil creates the perfect environment for small-batch wine and varieties of lavender. Or the way many native animals and plants (like our iconic saguaro) inspire and adorn a number of products and art.

Arizona has no shortage of talented makers, craftsmen and culinary artisans. Fortunately, many also have workshops or retail spaces that you can visit and see for yourself these masters in action. Or, find their goods lining the shelves in boutique shops or at local farmers' markets across the state.

We're all seeking a little more authenticity these days. That's why we sought out several of the state's most notable makers to ask them about their work and what sets them apart. See below for more of their stories and to learn about the kinds of work being done only in Arizona.

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Meet the Makers: Pine Creek Lavender Farm

Meet the Makers

Terry Vesci of Pine Creek Lavender

On property settled more than 200 years ago, on land nurtured by the surrounding flora and fauna, husband-and-wife Rick and Terry Vesci grow...

Julia Peixoto Peters of Peixoto Coffee

Meet the Makers

Julia Peixoto Peters of Peixoto Coffee

Brazilian-raised Julia Peixoto Peters brings her family’s long legacy of coffee farming full circle with Chandler-based roastery Peixoto Coffee...

Meet the Maker: Watson's Hat Shop

Meet the Makers

Eric Watson of Watson's Hat Shop

In Arizona, we know about cowboy culture; and no piece completes the look more than the iconic cowboy hat. And many, whether it's an authentic...

Arizona's Local Food Culture

Meet the Makers

Arizona's Local Food Culture

Arizona's food culture dates back 4,000 years and is a tapestry of Mexican, Native American and European traditions. This is one of the reasons...

Meet the Makers: Hopi Artist Iva Honyestewa

Meet the Makers

Meet the Makers: Hopi Artist Iva Honyestewa

As one of only two artisans weaving the "pootsaya," Iva Honyestewa continues the traditions of Hopi basketweaving by innovating with a unique...

Arizona's Foodies

Makers, Shakers & Bakers

Don Guerra of Barrio Bread

Meet the Maker

Don Guerra of Barrio Bread

Don Guerra of Barrio Bread's enthusiasm for artisanal bread translates into a bakery that’s not only rallied the community, but has also...

Eric Glomski of Page Springs Cellars

Meet the Maker

Eric Glomski of Page Springs Cellars

Being a winegrower is more than just an occupation for Page Springs Cellars owner Eric Glomski. It's a lifestyle, a craft, a passion and an...

Stephen Paul of Whiskey del Bac

Meet the Makers

Stephen Paul of Whiskey del Bac

There are certain crafts that require an artisanal touch and an experienced set of skills. In our "Meet the Makers" series, we dive into the...

Atsuo Sakurai of Arizona Sake

Meet the Makers

Atsuo Sakurai of Arizona Sake

Arizona Sake is shaking up the sake scene. Meet the man behind the world's best sake outside of Japan.

Wendell Crow of Crow's Dairy

Meet the Maker

Wendell Crow of Crow's Dairy

The goat cheese on the menu at more than 100 of Arizona’s best restaurants comes from a five-acre family farm on the western outskirts of...

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Cities & Regions

From the abundance of Saguaro cactuses and unique wildlife in the Sonoran Desert to the high country and forests of the White Mountains to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, Arizona’s regions are full of experiences that don’t disappoint.