Wrigley Mansion
2501 E. Telawa Trail • Phoenix, AZ 85016
602-955-4079 • wrigleymansion.com
Flawlessly nestled on a hilltop between the soaring mountains and the cityscape of the valley sits the breathtaking grounds of Wrigley Mansion. The exquisite property, originally constructed in 1932 by chewing gum tycoon William Wrigley Jr. for his wife’s 50th-anniversary present, affords stunningly dramatic views of Phoenix and provides a picture-perfect location for taking tea in style.
Though tantalizing menus for brunch and dinner were already offered at the mansion, it was the brilliant idea of Cara Langley, Director of Guest Services, to add afternoon tea to the estate’s repertoire. “I really pushed for it when I came on board here,” Cara states. “There is no better setting for afternoon tea than from within our 1930s mansion, atop a 100-foot knoll, looking out at our city and the mountains.” Savoring teatime at Geordie’s, one of the fine dining options at Wrigley, is luxurious, extravagant, and inherently magical. Chairs constructed with luxe velvet in golden tones and pastel Royal Albert china draw one’s gaze to the tablescape as beautiful notes dance in the air from a Duo-Art Steinway player piano, a rare instrument that is deeded to the mansion— the only other one of its kind in existence is at The Smithsonian. Sipping tea in this incredible setting is,
as Cara deems it, “Phoenix’s best kept secret,” with its secluded and exclusive atmosphere that is attainable to tea afficionados from near and far.
To commence afternoon tea at Wrigley Mansion, a welcome glass of Cava, a Spanish sparkling wine, is presented to cleanse the palate. Following the bubbly, a delightful selection of teas from Dammann Frères is offered to pick a blend of choice, with “Jardin Bleu,” a well-balanced black tea with fruity flavors, being a best seller as well as “Rooibos de Noël,” an herbal blend with notes of orange and gingerbread, being popular during December. The option to pair each individual course with a separate tea is not only suggested but recommended. For the delectable tea fare, the menu features an assortment of tasty finger sandwiches, including egg salad, smoked salmon, and grilled asparagus with caramelized onion, a selection of warm scones served with Devonshire cream, homemade lemon curd, and seasonal preserves alongside tea biscuits, and a tempting sweets course consisting of a tiered dessert presentation of tartlets, macarons, petit fours, and other miniatures that vary from week to week, made in-house by pastry chef Jolie Skwiercz. The afternoon-tea service is $79 per person in November; a special holiday tea in December will be $99 per person and boasts bottomless mimosas or Cava, along with Petrossian caviar for an added fee.
Spending a leisurely afternoon sipping copious cups of tea and indulging in decadent cuisine at Wrigley Mansion ensures that an excellent time will be had by all, with memories serving as souvenirs to last a lifetime. “Everyone should be able to treat themselves to afternoon tea at the Wrigley Mansion. They should walk through the doors and put their cares aside to be pampered, to relax, and to enjoy good company and conversation,” Cara proclaims. After visiting the premises, the spectacular sights will not soon be forgotten, and the teatime experience will remain top of mind until the next trip to Geordie’s.
Wrigley Mansion’s afternoon tea is available on Wednesdays and Thursdays, starting at 1:30 p.m., with advanced reservations recommended due to limited seating.
