Arizona Has Wine Country Too
A lot of people are surprised to hear it, but Arizona has a legitimate, growing wine industry. The Verde Valley, about two hours north of Phoenix, is home to a cluster of tasting rooms in Page Springs, Cornville, and Old Town Cottonwood, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway. Further southeast, the Willcox area produces around 85 percent of Arizona's wine grapes, thanks to high elevation vineyards (4,200 feet and up) that escape the low desert heat and produce everything from Cabernet Sauvignon to Malbec and Syrah. Willcox wines have picked up nearly 50 scores of 88 or higher from Wine Spectator in the past five years, which says a lot about how far the region has come.
I love a good wine weekend, and the Verde Valley makes it easy: a short drive, beautiful scenery, and a handful of tasting rooms you can hit in a single afternoon.
Where to Sip
A small community along Oak Creek just south of Sedona, home to Page Springs Cellars and a handful of other tasting rooms with vineyard views.
A walkable historic downtown with multiple tasting rooms clustered together, including Merkin Vineyards, Pillsbury Wine Company, and Arizona Stronghold.
Home to around 85% of Arizona's wine grapes, with high-elevation vineyards above 4,200 feet and 14-plus tasting rooms to visit.
An annual festival at Riverfront Park with dozens of Arizona wineries pouring, plus local food, artisans, and live music.
A long-running two-day festival at Posse Grounds Park featuring award-winning Arizona wines against a red rock backdrop.