Best of the Valley Hall of Fame Class of 2026
These are the Best of the Best and they’ve been the Best for many years. This year’s class inducts four new members into the BOV Hall of Fame. Page Springs Cellars Best Winery (2015-2026) Before Eric Glomski founded Page Springs Cellars in the Yavapai County town of Cornville in 2003, he studied rivers and forests acro
These are the Best of the Best and they’ve been the Best for many years.
This year’s class inducts four new members into the BOV Hall of Fame.
Page Springs Cellars
Best Winery (2015-2026)
Before Eric Glomski founded Page Springs Cellars in the Yavapai County town of Cornville in 2003, he studied rivers and forests across Arizona. Through his work, he stumbled on remote heirloom apple orchards and tried his hand at apple wine. Later, he uncorked a bottle and the memory floodgates opened.
“It reminded me exactly of the place where I harvested those apples. It was so evocative and moving. That was the point I became a winemaker,” he says.
Since opening Page Springs Cellars, which has won the BOV Readers’ Pick for Best Winery each of the 12 years we’ve had the category, Glomski has committed to making high-quality, locally curated wines. He credits his success to building a great team and growing the best grapes possible. The cooler northern Arizona weather and idyllic grounds are also a pull for Valley residents, whether they come for wine tasting, a winery tour or special event.
“Wine is about getting people together and building community,” he says. “I’ll continue to do that and I’m immensely proud of what we’ve built.”
Musical Instrument Museum
Best Museum (2012-2014, 2016, 2018-2021, 2023-2025)
With more than 7,500 instruments from over 200 countries and territories, Scottsdale’s Musical Instrument Museum has captivated the Valley’s imagination – and BOV voters – since opening in 2009.
“This museum is one-of-a-kind,” says MIM’s executive director Craig Culy. “You’re not just looking at the instruments, you’re able to hear them and connect with each exhibit as you walk through. It’s truly an interactive experience.”
Going to MIM can be an all-day outing – visit the exhibits, dine in the café, check out the gift shop and stick around for a live music performance in the museum’s intimate 300-seat theater, an acoustic godsend that itself has earned numerous BOV editorial awards for Best Music Venue. In keeping with its pedigree as a perennial Best Museum winner, MIM regularly stages special exhibitions (e.g. recent celebrations of hip-hop and the music of Ireland) along with gallery performances, workshops, classes and discussions to draw in the community.
“It’s a great place for people to connect,” Culy says. “It doesn’t matter if you’re an adult or a kid, MIM is for everyone.”
Changing Hands Bookstore
Best Used Books (2000, 2005, 2006)
Best Bookstore (2011-2026)
Changing Hands has been a beloved Valley fixture since 1974, when the original Tempe store opened on Mill Avenue. The independent bookstore has since moved to bigger Tempe digs, and in 2014, the owners opened a second location in Uptown Phoenix. Customers frequent Changing Hands to peruse new and used books, and as a place to escape the world for a minute, says CEO Cindy Dach.
“Bookstores offer an unjudgmental place to say ‘I want to learn and grow.’”
A 19-time BOV honoree, Changing Hands also serves as a community hub, especially at the Phoenix location’s First Draft Book Bar, where authors hold talks and book signings.
“It’s the next level of community gathering space where you can also have food and beverage in addition to buying a book or a really lovely gift,” Dach says. “It’s a place to wander and discover.”
Johnjay & Rich
Best Morning Radio DJ/Team
(2011-2016, 2022-2026)
KIIS FM 104.7’s legendary morning radio team, Johnjay Van Es and Rich Berra, has been entertaining Valley audiences for 25 years with their well-caffeinated antics.
“We have honest conversations. Sometimes we’re funny or vulnerable or ridiculous,” says Van Es, who grew up in Chandler. “We don’t try to sound like a radio show. We’re just like friends on the microphone.”
Despite running a nationally syndicated show, Johnjay and Rich talk a lot about Valley happenings on the air.
“We’ve merged into Phoenix and made it our life. We raised our kids here and our listeners have grown up with us, too,” says Berra.
The show is just one aspect of this dynamic duo’s portfolio. They are also stewards of two local nonprofit organizations: LoveUp, benefiting children in the foster care system; and LovePup dog rescue.
“They are both very close to our hearts,” Van Es says.
Valley listeners will be happy to know the 11-time BOV winners just signed a new five-year contract.
“We still love doing the show,” Berra says.
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