Wine Country in Arizona? Absolutely!
There are some exciting things going on in Northern Arizona when it comes to wine. Here are the stories of the vineyards, wineries and tasting rooms located throughout the Verde Valley, including Jerome, Camp Verde, Page Springs, Cornville and Sedona. Due to the microclimate in the area, you’ll find mostly Rhone varietals grown here.
Just outside Sedona you’ll find Echo Canyon Winery, one of the first vineyards in the area. Echo Canyon was originally home to a farm that produced fruits and vegetables for the mining camps in Jerome. Along Page Springs Road you’ll find three tasting rooms with wineries and vineyards: Page Springs Cellars, Oak Creek Vineyards and Javelina Leap. They are located along the banks of the Oak Creek, producing everything from sweet wines to bold blends. There are many events held throughout the year at these wineries and the wines produced from these vineyards are enjoyed by locals as well as visitors. In the Verde Valley, Alcantara Vineyards is a dream venture created by owner Barbara Predmore. Her newly constructed Tuscan Farmhouse serves as the Tasting Room overlooking the Verde River and Oak Creek. Located along I-17 is San Dominique Winery. Bill Staltari is passionate about garlic and wine, showcasing many garlic related products at his tasting room along with the wine he produces. Yes, Bill does offer garlic wine to try! Just up the hill in Jerome is Jerome Winery. Located in Jerome’s historic district, John McLoughlin features over 30 uniquely handcrafted and individually distinct wines that are enjoyable to the novice and the connoisseur alike.
Touring wine country through the Verde Valley is an easy venture. The majority of the wineries are located on an easy loop through Cornville, while the remaining few are located off of the main arteries between the local cities. There is even a tasting room located in the heart of Uptown Sedona, The Art of Wine, where tasting the local favorites can be accomplished at one establishment. Sycamore Canyon Winery is sold exclusively at this locale, where the owners Laura and Scott Gisborne present a unique experience for the wine lover.
This is proving to be just the beginning for Arizona as wine becomes more popular and easier to access. Many of the restaurants in the area serve local wines, while wine tours and activities are becoming more widespread – “Water to Wine” kayak tours, jeep wine tours and more! Arizona attracts many visitors every year, and Arizona wine country will be one more reason to visit Arizona and the beautiful Verde Valley.
The Verde Valley enjoys a long Arizona agricultural history. Early settlers discovered a lush verdant region; old records mention hay sales to Fort Verde, cattle drives to Flagstaff, and produce sold to miners and smelters in Jerome and Clarkdale. Keeping the spirit of this abundant ranching and farming heritage, a new agricultural cottage industry of grape growing has cropped up in close proximity to Camp Verde. At its earliest juncture, finished wines from these Verde Valley wineries are quickly gaining the interest of locals and visitors alike, promising a prosperous era of new viticulture delights. Take a day or two; handpick from this list in order to treat your wine-tasting palette. Tastings are available at nominal costs.
Sedona
ECHO CANYON VINEYARD & WINERY: Echo Canyon Winery is just about 10 minutes from Sedona, AZ. About 100 years ago, Echo Canyon was the site of a farm that produced fruits and vegetables for the mining camps in Jerome. The stage coach trail that was used is still visible today. Echo Canyon is a testament to hard work and a celebration of the earth's bounty. Fabulous wine grapes are grown and transformed into the magical wines of Echo Canyon Vineyard and Winery.
echocanyonwinery.com
Camp Verde
SAN DOMINIQUE WINERY
Since 1978 Bill Staltari, winemaker and chef continues the tradition of fine foods and wine that started over 7 centuries ago in Calabria, Italy. Bill’s Motto is: Garlic is the way to heaven! Almost everything Bill offers has garlic in it!
GarlicParadise.com
CampVerde
ALCANTARA VINEYARDS: Located on the beautiful Verde River, select from 10 wines, two whites and eight reds, inside a lovely Tuscan farm-style tasting room snuggled amidst this 10-acre start-up vineyard. Keep your eyes on this winery as big expansion plans are underway including a B&B, bistro, amphitheater, and chapel. From I-17, take Arizona 260 northwest 8 miles, turn right on Thousand Trails to Alcantara Way where it dead-ends at Thousand Trails Resort. Continue left along a long dirt road to the vineyard gate. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. PHONE (928) 649-8463, alcantaravineyard.com .
Jerome
JEROME WINERY: Family owned, this winery with 80 acres under production in Wilcox, has a charming tasting room that offers a shaded outside patio and spectacular afternoon Verde Valley views. Several selections available—Zins, Pinot Grigio, Mourvedre, red Zinfandels, Muscat or champagnes—includes library wines, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Syrah, 15-year-old port and others. Open Fri-Sat, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun-Thursday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. PHONE (928) 639-9067, jeromewinery.com . Take Hwy. 260 northwest 12 miles to Cottonwood; turn left on 89A to the Clarkdale/Jerome split; turn left about 5 miles to this cliff-side town.
Cornville & Page Springs
Discover a winery trio, all located within a few miles of one another. From Camp Verde, travel north on I-17 to the Cornville Exit #293; west on Cornville Road 9 miles to Page Springs Rd.
PAGE SPRINGS CELLARS: 3.7 miles from Cornville Road on left, family owned and kid friendly. Enjoy wine on a shady patio, on the deck along Oak Creek or inside the tasting room. Owners of several small vineyards throughout the Valley, this Rhone house features varietals and blends found in the Rhone Valley of France—Roussanne, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Mourvedre. Favorites includes its flagship, El Serrano, a deep, rich blend of Mourvedre, Syrah and Cabernet Pfeffer. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. PHONE (928) 639-3004, pagespringscellars.com .
OAK CREEK VINEYARDS AND WINERY: Up the road on the right is another family owned favorite, a 10-acre vineyard featuring a signature Chardonnay, a “best red” Zinfandel and more, including special sweet and dessert wines. Bottle discounts available. Enjoy a pleasant, large tasting room, open daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. PHONE (928) 649-0290, oakcreekvineyards.net
JAVELINA LEAP WINERY: This up-and-coming six-acre winery specializes in Zinfandels and reds. Enjoy samples in a small, but pleasant tasting room featuring a fun telephone booth with Superman’s garb and antique barber chair. Javelina offers gift baskets made to order. Open weekends, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. PHONE (928) 274-0394, click here for more
Arizona Stronghold Tasting Room: Wine Tasting in Old Town Cottonwood
Pillsbury Wine Tasting Room and Gallery in Historic Old Town Cottonwood
NOTE: Hours are subject to change. We suggest you phone ahead or double check web sites.
|
