Glomski Unveils the Rich Tapestry of Verde Valley’s Wine Legacy

On February 13, Eric Glomski, founder of Page Springs Vineyards, delivered a compelling lecture at the Sedona Heritage Museum, focusing on the viticultural history of the Verde Valley. He highlighted the contributions of Heinrich “Henry” Schuerman, a notable settler in the Sedona area.

Schuerman was born in 1852 in Melle, Germany, where he initially trained as a baker. His family arranged for him to immigrate to the United States in 1872 to avoid military service. After several years spent in various states, he settled in Prescott, Arizona Territory, where he continued his career in baking and hospitality.

In 1884, Schuerman married his childhood friend, Karoline Dorothe “Dorette” Titgemeie, in New York City following a courtship carried out through correspondence.

Glomski noted Schuerman’s background as a baker likely influenced his future in viticulture. “Bakers work with yeast, which is essential for winemaking,” he explained. Schuerman moved to Red Rock Crossing after receiving land as repayment of a debt and established a homestead that would contribute significantly to the local community.

The Schuerman Homestead, situated near the intersection of Red Rock Loop Road and Cimarron Ridge Drive, became a hub of community development. They built the area’s first school in 1891 and established the first cemetery in 1893. Schuerman served as a Yavapai County justice of the peace and contributed to local road construction, while his home functioned as an informal postal drop. Their vineyards produced grapes that were transformed into wine, marking the establishment of Arizona’s first commercial winery.

However, the state’s enactment of prohibition in 1915 had a profound impact on Schuerman’s business. He was jailed in May 1917 for selling 100 gallons of wine but was pardoned later that year by Governor Thomas Campbell.

In January 2019, the 0.8-acre Schuerman Homestead was deeded to the Sedona Historical Society by Martha Loy, Schuerman’s granddaughter. The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in March 2023. Recent renovations included a new roof and essential structural improvements, preserving this historic location.

Nate Meyers, Executive Director of the Sedona Heritage Museum, spoke about ongoing collaborations between the museum and Glomski to revive the original Schuerman Zinfandel grape stock. “We aim to explore ways to reintroduce these grapes to their historic land,” he noted.

Plans are underway to plant an acre of Schuerman Zinfandel grapes at the homestead, an initiative supported by some of Schuerman’s descendants. Glomski expressed his commitment to volunteer and raise funds for this project, emphasizing the potential for commercial wine production to support further restorations.

“Ultimately, the legacy of Schuerman Zinfandel grapes will be planted at the Homestead House, perpetuating the family’s viticultural heritage,” the museum’s website affirms.

Glomski, originally from Illinois and raised in Massachusetts, developed a passion for history that was enriched by visits to historical sites. He studied ecology and restoration, eventually discovering a deep connection between winemaking and the natural landscape during his academic pursuit.

The next installment of the “Sedona Stories” program is scheduled for March 13, featuring screenwriter Dev Ross discussing “Disney’s First Female Writer.” Ross has an extensive background in writing for Disney cartoons and penned several movies in “The Land Before Time” series.

For further details on the Schuerman Homestead, visit sedonamuseum.org/homestead-house.