Tool Gets Serious About Wine

Tool has only released four albums in 16 years, but that doesn't mean these guys are simply lounging around. Maynard James Keenan, for example, is spending his time trying to introduce wine making to Arizona.

Um, wasn't this guy's first hit called "Sober"?

The singer — whose musical side projects include A Perfect Circle and Puscifer — partnered with Eric Glomski (Page Springs Cellars, David Bruce Winery) to launch the Arizona Stronghold vineyard in the state's Verde Valley. This is no small task given the climate conditions, and the enigmatic singer is documenting all his triumphs and frustrations in the forthcoming documentary Blood Into Wine.

The film, which wraps production in fall, is being co-directed by Ryan Page and Chris Pomerenke of "Moog" and "The Heart Is a Drum Machine" fame. Blood Into Wine, whose soundtrack will feature original Keenan music, will have a limited theatrical release in spring before hitting the retail racks as a DVD. A high-resolution trailer for the film is currently available here.

Keenan and Glomski started Arizona Stronghold two years ago when they decided to transform and re-launch the local Dos Cabezas Vineyard. So far, their plantings include Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Tempranillo and Sangiovese for red and Viognier and Malvasia Bianca for white. Their first wines — Tazi, Nachise and Mangus — debuted last year.