Beyond the Vineyard
Exploring Verde Valley’s Wine Culture
By Roger Naylor
In recent years, wine lovers have flocked to the Verde Valley. They’re drawn by the estate wineries nestled along the banks of Oak Creek and the Verde River. But those who only visit Javelina Leap, Oak Creek Vineyards, Page Springs Cellars and Alcantara Vineyards are experiencing just a portion of the rich cultural heritage of wine country.
Here are additional spots where visitors can sip and savor the wonders of the mighty grape.
Jerome Winery: Like every business in Jerome, this place oozes character. Or maybe it’s just run by a character. Owner John McLoughlin tends to his vines in southern Arizona and handcrafts over 30 wines, appealing to novice and connoisseur alike. He’s also a fount of stories from Jerome’s rowdy past—like the one about the priest with the shoe fetish. So ask him to pour a hearty Syrah and spin a tale as you sit at the copper counter—built by McLoughlin—and let an afternoon roll by. Jerome, 403 Clark St., (928) 639-9067, jeromewinery.com.
San Dominique Winery: Winemaker and chef, Bill Staltari, has a passion for things that slap the taste buds awake. He specializes in the unique and exotic. Besides crafting distinctive and memorable wines in the hills above Camp Verde, he produces gourmet garlic and a range of items flavored with garlic, including wine. His invitation-only dinners are legendary throughout the Verde Valley. I-17 and Cherry Rd. at Exit 278, (602) 549-9787, garlicparadise.com.
Art of Wine: Hidden midst the elegant shops of Uptown Sedona, Art of Wine serves as the official tasting room for four different vineyards. Owner Scott Gisborne, generous with information and his pours, provides details of every wine’s origin in a fast-paced friendly patter. He travels the state and tries all the wines, selecting the very best. So visitors can experience the ultimate of what these vineyards offer in one location. He also carries a stylish line of apparel, accessories, collectibles and artwork by Michael Goddard. 101 N. Hwy. 89A, (877) 903-9463, artofwine.com.
A’Roma: A haven for foodies, with gourmet deli style selections and scrumptious desserts. Signature soups range from Tuscan tomato to spinach lemon-pesto. If you have outdoor plans, A’Roma prepares picnic baskets so heavenly they would buckle the knees of Yogi Bear. While you’re waiting, try a glass of one of the top selling wines from their sister restaurant, famed Dahl & DiLuca. Village of Oak Creek, 7000 Hwy. 179. (928) 284-1556, a-romasedona.com.
Made in Arizona: As promised, this shop specializes in wine and gifts that are made in Arizona. Stop in for a tasting flight of local creations, and while you’re there sample some of their cactus salsas and prickly pear jellies. They also carry a full line of jewelry, pottery, photographs and souvenirs. Uptown Sedona, 235 N. Hwy. 89A, (928) 282-0707
Verde Valley Wine Company: This café and wine shop is Ground Zero for all things grape-related. They offer a sprawling selection of wines to sample by themselves, with a meal, or to purchase by the bottle. Stop in anytime for a tasting but keep an eye peeled for special themed events. Anyone looking to broaden their liquid horizons should definitely visit. Owner Paula Woolsey is a Certified Specialist of Wine, and having her talk you through a tasting is like getting putting tips from Phil Mickelson. Cottonwood, 401 Calvary Way, (928) 639-9463, verdevalleywineco.com.
Seasonal Events
Wine, Pecan and Antique Festival: To newcomers, pecans, wine and antiques might appear to be a curious grouping for a festival, but by your third glass of vino and second slice of pecan pie, it will seem like a stroke of genius. Pecans are firmly rooted in Camp Verde, an important commercial crop for over a century. All wineries are local and the dozens of antique dealers add a wonderful old-time feel to the event. The festival takes place in Camp Verde during the second weekend in February. (928) 567-9294, click here for more
Grape Train Escape: A favorite themed ride of the Verde Canyon Railroad is this exquisite pairing of wine and food. Passengers sip carefully selected wines and an array of savory edibles as the train rumbles across a breath-snatching landscape. Between courses, passengers can wander out to the open-air gondolas to enjoy a grand sweep of the pristine countryside. On the return trip, a dessert wine is served with fruit and chocolates. The Grape Train Express runs on designated Friday evenings through summer and fall. (800) 293-7245, click here for more about Verde Canyon Railroad
Tours and Designated Drivers
If you prefer to let someone else do the driving, a few tours now include winery visits or you can hire a chauffeured limousine.
Sedona Adventure Tours: (877) 673-3661, sedonaadventuretours.com. (The company also offers a “Water to Wine” Tour, allowing you to kayak to a vineyard and tasting room.)
A Day in the West: (800) 973-3662, adayinthewest.com.
White Tie Transportation: (928) 203-4500, whitetietransportation.com
Dining
One advantage of a burgeoning wine culture is that it elevates an already acclaimed dining scene. Here are just a few of the restaurants with notable wine lists.
The Asylum: Jerome, 200 Hill St., (928) 639-3197, theasylum.biz.
Belgian Jennie’s Bordello Bistro & Pizzeria: Jerome, 412 Main St., (928) 639-3141, belgianjennies.com.
Pinon Bistro: Cottonwood, 1075 S. Hwy. 260, (928) 649-0234.
Manzanita Restaurant: Cornville, 11425 E. Cornville, Rd., (928) 634-8851, themanzanitarestaurant.com.
L'Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek: Sedona, 301 L'Auberge Ln., (928) 282-1661, lauberge.com .
Troia’s: Sedona, 1885 W. Hwy. 89A, (928) 282-0123, troias.com.
Elote Café: Sedona, 771 Hwy. 179, (928) 203-0105, kingsransomsedona.com.
Heartline Café: Sedona, 1610 W. Hwy. 89A, (928) 282-0785, heartlinecafe.com.
Dahl & DiLuca Ristorante Italiano: Sedona, 2321 W. Hwy. 89A, (928) 282-5219, dahlanddiluca.com.
Cucina Rustica: VOC, 7000 Hwy. 179, (928) 284-3010, cucinarustica.com.
Vineyards and Wineries
Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery: Cornville, 1565 N. Page Springs Rd. (928) 649-2681, javelinaleapwinery.com.
Page Springs Cellars: Cornville, 1500 N. Page Springs Rd. (928) 639-3004, pagespringscellars.com.
Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery: Cornville, 1555 N. Page Springs Rd. (928) 649-0290, oakcreekvineyards.net.
Alcantara Vineyards: 7500 E. Alcantara Way, Cottonwood. (928) 649-8463, alcantaravineyard.com
MORE ABOUT WINERIES AND VINEYARDS IN SEDONA AND THE VERDE VALLEY IN ARIZONA
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