Nonetheless, the picturesque Verde Valley, nestled between the crimson rocks of Sedona and the rolling mountains of the Mingus vary, has been quietly making a reputation for itself as a wine lover’s paradise.
Having visited the Verde Valley a number of occasions during the last ten years, we’re lucky to see the expansion of the wine scene and may confidently say this space has quite a bit to supply.
Verde Valley Wine Path From Phoenix
Situated just below two hours north of Phoenix, Verde Valley is a simple weekend getaway for these craving a singular wine-tasting expertise.
The area boasts over 25 wineries and tasting rooms, so that you’ll have loads of choices to select from.
Learn Subsequent: Absolute Greatest Issues To Do In Phoenix or Greatest Day Journeys From Phoenix
What Is the Verde Valley Wine Path?
The Verde Valley Wine Path is a journey by means of Arizona’s Verde Valley, encompassing the area’s wineries and tasting rooms.
It’s an organized community of wineries that permits guests to discover and expertise the various wines produced within the space.
This path showcases the wealthy viticulture of the Verde Valley and gives wine fans with a handy and pleasing method to uncover the native wineries.
Every cease alongside the path gives distinctive tasting experiences, showcasing the distinct traits of the area’s wines and the creativity of its winemakers.
Guests can discover the Verde Valley Wine Path at their very own tempo, choosing which wineries to go to primarily based on their preferences and pursuits, or you’ll be able to join a wine tour right here.
The place is the Verde Valley Wine Path Situated?
The path is situated within the Verde Valley area, which is nestled between the cities of Sedona, Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Cornville, and Jerome in Arizona.
The wineries are unfold throughout this scenic space, making it an pleasing method to discover the wineries.
Learn Subsequent: The Excellent 2 Day Sedona Itinerary or A Day Journey To Sedona
Getting To The Verde Valley Wineries
In the event you choose a extra relaxed method with out worrying about driving, you’ll be able to go for a guided tour, the place another person will maintain transportation for you.
These assist you to unwind and benefit from the space with out the priority of driving.
With a guided tour, a educated information will maintain transportation, making certain a stress-free drive to the area’s wineries.
Sit again, chill out, and let another person deal with the logistics when you immerse your self within the pleasant sights and flavors of the tour.
Wineries in Jerome
Situated in Arizona’s Verde Valley, Jerome is a captivating city with a wealthy historical past and a singular character. Perched on Cleopatra Hill, this charming and historic city gives greater than only a ghost city expertise – it’s also famend for its thriving wine scene.
Discover Jerome’s winding streets and uncover a vibrant wine tradition that has taken root. With a wide range of wineries and tasting rooms, wine fans can take pleasure in an array of native wines, showcasing the distinct flavors of the area.
Caduceus Cellars/Merkin Vineyards
Handle: 158 Major St, Jerome, AZ 86331 Location: Google Maps Hours: On a regular basis 11:00pm – 6:00pm Web site: Caduceus
Owned by Instrument (sure, the lead singer of the music group Instrument) and winemaker Maynard James Keenan, Caduceus Cellars/Merkin Vineyards is a must-visit vacation spot for wine fans.
This distinctive vineyard combines conventional winemaking methods with a contact of rock and roll.
The tasting room, situated in a historic constructing in downtown Jerome, gives a comfy ambiance the place you’ll be able to pattern a various vary of wines, together with daring reds and crisp whites.
4 Eight Wine Works
Handle: 140 Major St, Jerome, AZ 86331 Location: Google Maps Hours: Solar to Thurs 11:00pm – 6:00pm & Fri to Sat 11:00pm – 8:00pm Web site: four8wineworks
Named after Arizona turned the forty eighth state within the Union, 4 Eight Wineworks stands as the primary and solely winemakers co-operative in Northern Arizona.
This distinctive co-op gives rising winemakers an area to create distinctive high-elevation Arizona wines by offering entry to tools and assets.
With a shared imaginative and prescient of manufacturing world-class wines, these pushed people discover a nurturing surroundings to make their mark and contribute to the colourful wine scene.
By fostering collaboration and offering important assets, 4 Eight Wine Works performs a vital position in elevating Arizona’s wine business.
Ardour Cellars
Handle: 301 Major St, Jerome, AZ 86331 Location: Google Maps Hours: Solar to Thurs 11:00pm – 6:00pm & Fri to Sat 11:00pm – 7:00pm Website: Ardour Cellars
Ardour Cellars focuses on crafting fruit-forward, crisp white wines in addition to blended and sophisticated crimson wines. Their grapes are fastidiously cultivated within the Willcox, AZ area, recognized for its distinctive wine-growing circumstances.
Amongst their spectacular choice, the winemaker has put aside the perfect wines for growing older.
These wines have been bottled beneath the title Salvatore, paying homage to the winemaker’s beloved grandfather, Salvatore Ligammari. These Salvatore wines aren’t solely award-winning however provide a balanced and sophisticated taste.
The Unique Jerome Vineyard
Handle: 114 Jerome Avenue, Jerome AZ 86331 Location: Google Maps Hours: Mon to Thurs 12:00pm – 5:00pm & Fri to Solar 12:00pm – 7:00pm Web site: theoriginaljeromewinery
Jerome Vineyard is a pleasant and comfy vineyard that provides lovely views and a relaxed ambiance.
With a deal with each conventional grape varieties and distinctive varietals grown completely of their household’s winery, Dragoon Mountain Winery, they supply a various choice of wines to take pleasure in. Alongside their tastings, you may as well savor elevated mild fare.
Along with the yummy wine, we liked all of the distinctive wall hangings in The Unique Jerome Vineyard!
Cottonwood Wineries
In the event you haven’t had the chance to discover the charming city of Cottonwood, I extremely suggest including it to your must-visit checklist.
In Cottonwood, you’ll uncover a set of wineries that provide a singular and pleasing wine-tasting expertise. From family-owned vineyards to boutique wineries; each has its personal distinct character and scrumptious wines to savor.
Whether or not you’re a wine connoisseur or just seeking to unwind with a glass of your favourite varietal, Cottonwood’s wineries are positive to please your style buds.
Learn Subsequent: Greatest Issues To Do In Cottonwood
Tantrum Vineyard
Handle: 918 N. Major Avenue Suite C, Cottonwood, AZ 86326 Location: Google Maps Hours: Solar to Thurs 12:00pm – 7:00pm, Fri to Sat 12:00pm – 9:00pm Web site: tantrumwines
At the beginning, let’s discuss Tantrum Wines, a female-led vineyard within the Verde Valley that deserves recognition.
Tantrum Wines stands out not just for its distinctive wines but additionally for its dedication to showcasing the eagerness and expertise of ladies within the wine business.
Based and led by girls, Tantrum Wines embodies energy, creativity, and a drive for excellence.
With every sip, you’ll be able to style the dedication and experience that goes into crafting their wines. From daring reds to crisp whites, Tantrum Wines gives a various choice that’s positive to please each palate.
Pillsbury Wine Firm
Handle: 315 S Willard St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326 Location: Google Maps Hours: On a regular basis 12:00pm – 7:00pm, blissful hour begins at 6pm Web site: pillsburywine
Pillsbury Wine Firm, owned by famend winemaker (and filmmaker) Sam Pillsbury from New Zealand, is a hidden gem in Cottonwood. Located simply minutes from their outdated location on Major Avenue, their new location gives extra space in a captivating and really cozy surroundings.
From their full-bodied Syrahs to their crisp Viogniers, Pillsbury Wine Firm gives a various vary of wines that showcase the area’s distinctive terrain.
Good To Know: In the event you’re searching for some nice meals to pair along with your wine tasting. Pillsbury is the place to be; they’ve an excellent menu with month-to-month specials (similar to Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room and Osteria) listed additional down this checklist.
Burning Tree Cellars
Handle: 1040 N Major St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326 Location: Google Maps Hours: Solar to Thurs 12:00pm – 6:00pm & Fri to Sat 12:00pm – 9:00pm Web site: burningtreecellars
Identified for its artisanal method to winemaking, Burning Tree Cellars focuses on producing small-batch, premium wines.
Their tasting room (each indoor and out) gives an intimate and relaxed ambiance, permitting guests to pattern their handcrafted wines, together with their wealthy and sophisticated crimson blends and their elegant whites.
Good To Know: On our two visits to Burning Tree that they had some implausible reside music. Cease on by or test their web site for particulars about reside music friends.
Arizona Stronghold Vineyards Tasting Room
Handle: 1023 N Major St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326 Location: Google Maps Hours: Solar to Thurs 12:00pm – 7:00pm & Fri to Sat 12:00pm – 8:00pm Web site: azstronghold
Whether or not you’re an occasional wine drinker or a seasoned grasp, step into the welcoming tasting room in Cottonwood. Arizona Stronghold is likely one of the largest wineries in Arizona and even has a tasting room in Previous City Scottsdale.
Good To Know: Excited by Wine in A Can? Arizona Stronghold’s Float Tripper Sipper (completely named because of the proximity of the Verde River) is a enjoyable mild wine with an excellent title for those who ask me!
Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room and Osteria: maintain
Handle: 1001 N Major St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326 Location: Google Maps Hours: Solar 10:00am – 9:00pm & Mon to Sat 11:00am – 9:00pm Web site: merkinvineyardsosteria
Merkin Vineyards, affiliated with Caduceus Cellars in Jerome, has a tasting room and osteria (Italian-style eatery) in Previous City Cottonwood.
This tasting room gives guests an opportunity to pattern their distinctive wines whereas indulging in scrumptious farm-to-table meals. Merkin Vineyards embraces sustainable farming practices and produces a variety of wines that spotlight the very best of the area.
In the event you’re hungry, make sure you seize a chunk to eat right here. Their charcuterie boards are implausible, and their pasta is freshly made within the restaurant.
Cellar 433
Cellar 433 stands out as certainly one of our favourite tasting rooms. From the second we stepped inside, we had been drawn in by its distinctive ambiance. The educated employees made us really feel proper at house, guiding us by means of our wine-tasting journey.
From crisp whites to daring reds, their wines provide a spread of flavors that cater to each palate.
Not solely did the wines go away an enduring impression, however the tasting room itself added to the general expertise. With its cozy ambiance and a focus to element, Cellar 433 offered a snug and pleasing setting to take pleasure in their wines.
Good To Know: In the event you’re into Tarot playing cards, you’ll actually benefit from the labels on the wines right here at Cellar 433. They’ve a set that’ll maintain you tasting!
Cornville Wineries
I have to admit, Cornville, AZ, had flown beneath our radar till considerably just lately. We had been unaware of this hidden gem till we ventured additional alongside the Verde Valley wine path.
The city’s proximity to the Verde River gives alternatives for out of doors actions like kayaking and fishing.
However what actually caught our consideration was the rising wine scene in Cornville.
The world is house to a number of wineries and tasting rooms alongside a scenic drive, every providing a singular choice of wines that really showcase the native flavors.
We spent an pleasing afternoon exploring the vineyards, studying in regards to the winemaking course of, and indulging in tastings.
Web page Springs Cellars
Handle: 1500 N Web page Springs Rd, Cornville, AZ 86325 Location: Google Maps Hours: Solar to Thurs 11:00am – 7:00pm & Fri to Solar 11:00am – 9:00pm Web site: pagespringscellars
Web page Springs Cellars, located on Oak Creek, is a scenic vineyard that not solely gives some tasty wines, however in addition they have a pleasant out of doors patio vibe.
Oh, and for those who’re fascinated with a therapeutic massage or yoga, they provide that too! Web page Springs focuses on small batch wines which might be sustainably produced and their wines pair properly with the yummy Mediterranean plate that we had.
Good To Know: Dwell Music Tue and Wed 3-6. Thur 4-7; make sure you test their schedule to see their lineup of musicians
Javelina Leap Winery & Vineyard
Handle: 1565 N Web page Springs Rd, Cornville, AZ 86325 Location: Google Maps Hours: Tues 11:00am – 5:00pm & Wed to Solar 11:00am – 6:00pm Web site: javelinaleapwinery
What differentiated Javelina from the others we visited is you’ll be able to style wines at a completely operational winery and vineyard. They choose, de-stem, ferment, press, age, bottle, and label Arizona grapes proper on website.
We had a implausible time at Javelina. The tasting value us $24, and we had been in a position to decide on any 5 samples from their checklist. The tasting space was open air and had loads of seating, the place we loved reside music within the background.
In the event you’re a fan of dry crimson wines, that is the right spot for you. They’re additionally dog-friendly, so be at liberty to carry your furry companion alongside.
Along with their broad choice of wines, they provide numerous meals choices like cheese platters, bread, crackers, deli meats, smoked salmon, olives, dips, sauces, infused olive oils, dried fruits, nuts, gourmand desserts, and chocolate.
D.A. Ranch
Handle: 1901 Dancing Apache Rd, Cornville, AZ 86325 Location: Google Maps Hours: Wed to Solar 11:00am – 6:00pm Web site: daranch
D.A Ranch gives a implausible vibe that pairs seamlessly with their wines. The property has shade bushes, a lake, and sprawling vineyards, creating an inviting surroundings.
In 2002, the Petznick household, recognized for his or her longstanding agricultural enterprise in Arizona, bought the D.A.Ranch. Initially a household gathering place, they acknowledged the fertile soil and planted seven acres of vineyards on the property.
By 2008, the household started producing and bottling wines, initially sharing them with household and mates. Since then, the D.A.Ranch has expanded its manufacturing, now providing almost 1,500 instances of wine for guests to take pleasure in.
The very best factor about D.A. Ranch is that they’re canine pleasant.
Oak Creek Vineyards -Preserve
Household-friendly (and dog-friendly!) vineyard and winery in Cornville, Arizona.
Handle: 1555 N Web page Springs Rd, Cornville, AZ 86325 Location: Google Maps Hours: Mon to Thurs 11:00am – 6:00pm, Fri 11:00am – 7:00pm, Sat 10:00am – 7:00pm, Solar 10:00am – 6:00pm Web site: oakcreekvineyards
Oak Creek Vineyards gives some of the budget-friendly tasting experiences. For simply $15, you’ll be able to take pleasure in 5 tastings of your alternative from their choice.
The ambiance was heat and welcoming, and there was loads of out of doors seating accessible. Nonetheless, after we arrived, we occurred to be in the course of three wine tour buses, which brought about a slight delay in attending to the friends.
Fortunately, one of many employees members promptly observed that we had been ready and got here outdoors to help us.
Good To Know: You possibly can take pleasure in a wide range of cheeses paired with almonds, dried cranberries, olives, candy peppers, do-it-yourself fig jam infused with our Port wine, caramelized onion jam made with our Chardonnay, and crispy crackers.
Wineries in Clarkdale
Clarkdale, a quaint city nestled in Arizona’s Verde Valley, is understood for its wealthy historical past and gorgeous pure landscapes.
Whereas Clarkdale could also be a tad bit smaller in dimension in comparison with its neighboring cities, it nonetheless boasts a few nice wineries that provide pleasant wine-tasting experiences.
Chateau Tumbleweed
Handle: 1151 West State Route 89a, Clarkdale, AZ 86324 Location: Google Map Hours: Each day 12:00pm – 7:00pm Web site: chateautumbleweed
Chateau Tumbleweed represents a joint effort of 4 mates, consisting of two married {couples}.
Having accrued over 30 years of expertise working for various wineries in Arizona, they’ve just lately made the choice to depart from their earlier occupations and dedicate themselves absolutely to their very own undertaking.
In 2011, they created their inaugural wine, producing a modest amount of solely three barrels.
Following three profitable vintages on the 4-Eight Wineworks Winemaker’s Cooperative in Camp Verde from 2012 to 2014, they bravely determined to make a big transfer.
They bought the constructing that they had been eyeing for the previous 12 months and remodeled it into certainly one of Clarkdale’s earliest established wineries and tasting rooms.
Southwest Wine Middle
Handle: 601 Black Hills Drive, Clarkdale, Arizona 86324 Location: Google Maps Hours: Thurs to Solar, 12.00pm – 6.00pm Web site: southwestwinecellar
The Southwest Wine Middle, situated at Yavapai School, serves as a outstanding hub for the wine business and the local people offering an
The Southwest Wine Middle, situated at Yavapai School, serves as a outstanding hub for the wine business and the local people. It gives an intensive and immersive training overlaying each facet of the winemaking course of, from winery administration to bottling.
Bodega Pierce
Location: Google Map Hours: Thurs to Solar, 12.00pm – 6.00pm Fb: Bodega Pierce
Bodega Pierce proudly showcases wines crafted solely from grapes cultivated on their household’s property winery situated in Willcox, AZ.
Their wines are fastidiously crafted to seize the essence of the excessive desert terroir discovered within the Willcox Bench, which excels in producing distinctive world-class wines. Their purpose in wine making is to supply Arizona wine fans a persistently exceptional product that surpasses expectations when it comes to high quality.
Camp Verde Wineries
Camp Verde, a captivating city situated within the Verde Valley of Arizona, is understood for its wealthy historical past, pure magnificence, and rising wine scene.
Whereas Camp Verde could not have as many wineries as another cities within the area, there are a couple of notable institutions price exploring. Listed here are the wineries in Camp Verde:
Salt Mine Wine
Handle: 536 W Salt Mine Rd, Camp Verde, AZ 86322 Location: Google Maps Hours: Sat and Solar 12:00pm – 5:00pm Web site: saltminewine
They’re a small family-owned winery and vineyard situated in Camp Verde, Arizona. In 2013, the Norton household selected a historic farm website to ascertain their winery and vineyard. Over the course of three years, they planted 5 acres of grapevines which might be well-suited to the native rising season, soil, and microclimate.
As we speak, their winery is surrounded by pecan groves, pastures, small farms, and roadside produce stands. They concentrate on rising Italian grape varieties corresponding to Malvasia Bianca and Sangiovese.
Clear Creek Winery & Vineyard
Handle: 4053 AZ-260, Camp Verde, AZ 86322 Location: Google Maps Hours: Fri to Solar 11:00am – 5:00pm Web site: clearcreekwineryaz
Clear Creek Winery & Vineyard is a family-owned and operated vineyard located in Camp Verde. This boutique vineyard takes pleasure in producing handcrafted wines from grapes grown on their property vineyards.
Their focus is on creating wines that replicate the distinctive terroir of the Verde Valley. Guests to Clear Creek Winery & Vineyard can take pleasure in a personalised tasting expertise in a serene setting, surrounded by vineyards and delightful landscapes.
Alcantara Vineyards & Vineyard
Handle: 3445 S Grapevine Approach, Camp Verde, AZ 86322 Location: Google Maps Hours: On a regular basis 11:00am – 5:00pm, spring and summer time till 6:00pm Web site: alcantaravineyard
Alcantara Vineyards has a formidable vine depend of over 20,000 and gives a choice of 17 distinct grape varieties. As you indulge of their wines and soak within the environment, which embody vineyards, a lush picnic space, and the flowing Verde River, they make you’re feeling such as you belong there!
There’s extra than simply wine tasting! Alcantara Vineyards goes the additional mile to offer a spread of thrilling actions.
Take a kayaking or tubing journey down the Verde River, or be a part of their exhilarating E-Bike excursions to discover the winery. For a singular journey, go for their Jeep and Horseback excursions that take you thru the vineyards.
Have little ones?- they’ll be a part of within the enjoyable with hay-wagon trip across the winery.
Verde Valley Wine Passport
Benefit from this self-guided tour the place you’ll uncover cities like Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Camp Verde, and Jerome, all conveniently situated inside an hour’s drive of Sedona.
Throughout your wine tasting you’ll have the chance to go to in style wineries within the area, corresponding to Alcantara Vineyards, Web page Springs Cellars, Oak Creek Vineyards, Javelina Leap Winery, and a number of other different tasting rooms.
You possibly can obtain a passport right here. When you gather stamps from the collaborating wineries, you’ll unlock particular offers and reductions and even have the prospect to win prizes.
How To Put together And Make The Most Of Your Verde Valley Wine Expertise
To actually immerse your self within the native wine scene, I like to recommend spreading out your visits over a number of days or making totally different visits.
This manner, you’ll be able to discover numerous cities and areas inside the Verde Valley, permitting you to totally expertise the distinct traits of every location and the wines they provide.
Suggestions For Verde Valley Wine Tasting
- Plan forward and create an itinerary.
- Allocate ample time at every vineyard.
- Embrace selection by visiting totally different wineries.
- Interact with the winemakers and employees.
- Tempo your self and drink water.
- Benefit from the scenic environment.
- Think about buying your favourite wines.
