Tours mix local lore with tastings in Scottsdale

Heather Bowman tells food tour groups at Outrageous Olive Oils & Vinegars that its traditional 18-year balsamic vinegar is the top seller.  (Katherine Rodeghier/For Chicago Tribune / Chicago Tribune)

Kelly’s at Southbridge took top honors from Arizona Foothills magazine for best outdoor seating.  (Katherine Rodeghier/For Chicago Tribune / Chicago Tribune)

The dough for pizzas at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria is made from a secret family recipe.  (Katherine Rodeghier/For Chicago Tribune / Chicago Tribune)

Zach Egedy, guide for Arizona Food Tours, gives his group their marching orders outside 5th and Wine.  (Katherine Rodeghier/For Chicago Tribune / Chicago Tribune)

En route to a tasting at The Mission, groups pass the Old Adobe Mission. Built in 1933 as Our Lady of Perpetual Help, it was the first Catholic church in Scottsdale and is now used as a spiritual center.  (Katherine Rodeghier/For Chicago Tribune / Chicago Tribune)

Cowboy Ciao opened in downtown Scottsdale in 1997 and serves modern American cuisine with Southwest accents. Its wine list has more than 1,800 entries.  (Katherine Rodeghier/For Chicago Tribune / Chicago Tribune)

Stetson Chopped Salad is the signature salad at Cowboy Ciao in downtown Scottsdale.  (Katherine Rodeghier/For Chicago Tribune / Chicago Tribune)