Wine Tasting in Arizona? Follow the Verde Valley Wine Trail.

Wine tasting in Arizona . . . really! A good first experience with Arizona’s wine experience is the Verde Valley Wine Trail, starting about 1.5 hours north of Phoenix in Cottonwood. Old downtown Cottonwood now sports two wine tasting rooms, Arizona Stronghold and the Pillsbury (no, not the dough boy but New Zealand director Sam Pillsbury) Wine Company. A short drive to the outskirts of Cottonwood and you’ll arrive at the Alcantera Vineyards and Winery on the Verde River. You’ll be amazed that this extensive and beautiful winery and tasting room sets in the middle of Arizona. Take the time to enjoy the patio and some tasty food to go with your wine. I suggest from Alcantera you find your way to Page Springs Road (a two lane, slightly out of the way, drive between Sedona and Cottonwood, a delightful drive if you’ve never made it. In addition to the Page Springs Cellars, Javelina Leap Vineyards, and Oak Creek Vineyards, you’ll find this gently winding road following the bends of Oak Creek. Other stopovers along Page Springs Road are the fish hatchery and bird sanctuary. If you’ve never been to Jerome, be sure to add on the Jerome Winery with some incredible views of Sedona’s red rocks. The old mining trip on the side of a mountain is an experience unto itself.
Stay tuned because we’ll explore another part of Arizona that’s blossoming in wine grapes — we’ll explore Cochise County, Patagonia, and Sonoita and the wide range of wines emerging from southern Arizona.