Uncorking Arizona’s Wine Country

Writers Rebecca L. Rhoades, Shannon Severson and Fadi Sitto

While the Sonoran Desert might not conjure images of elegant chateaus surrounded by verdant vineyards, the Grand Canyon State has supported grape growing and wine production for thousands of years. Spanish missionaries introduced viticulture to the Southwest in the 1600s, and Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, who founded the San José de Tumacácori mission, had a small vineyard in present-day Sonora, Mexico.

The first commercial winery in the state was established in Mesa in the 1880s; another popped up near Sedona a few years later when Heinrich Schuerman arrived in 1884 and planted an orchard and vineyard. By the end of the 19th century, Arizona’s wine industry was flourishing.

Prohibition put a stop to the business, and it would take several decades for it to begin to come back. But come back it has—with gusto! Today, there are more than 120 wineries and tasting rooms across the state—located on more than 1,300 acres of vineyards—and most welcome guests for tastings, tours and even overnight stays.

Arizona’s Wine Regions: A Study in Terroir

Arizona offers three main American Viticultural Areas, or AVAs, located north and south of Phoenix: Sonoita-Elgin (the oldest), Willcox (the largest), and the Verde Valley (the newest). Additional vineyards and wineries exist in other parts of the state, in places like Kingman, Williams and Chino Valley. The Arizona Wine Growers Association refers to these outliers as mavericks and pioneers.

Because Arizona’s regions sit at elevations between 3,500 and 5,000 feet above sea level, they tend to have climates and terroirs similar to regions in Italy, Spain and southern France: cooler temperatures, dry high-desert air and rich loamy soil. It’s why so many grapes traditionally grown in the Mediterranean thrive here.

Sonoita-Elgin: The Pioneer

Established in 1984, the Sonoita-Elgin AVA covers about 320 square miles in southeastern Arizona, about an hour’s drive from Tucson. It was the first region in the state to be designated an AVA, and it has been recognized as one of the top 10 wine trails in the country by USA Today.

More than 15 wineries dot a 10-mile radius along Route 82 wedged between the Santa Rita, Whetstone and Huachuca mountains. Dos Cabezas WineWorks is known for its rosé blend, Pink, a refreshing mix of Garnacha, Syrah, Graciano and more. The most recent addition, opened in February 2023 by Scottsdale restaurateur Pavle Milic, is Los Milics, a 20-acre vineyard, tasting room and winery.

Willcox: The Powerhouse

The Willcox AVA, which lies east of Tucson, produces about 75% of the state’s grapes. Covering about 833 square miles in northern Cochise and southern Graham counties, it includes the town of Willcox as well as Pearce, Sunsites and Sunizona.

Area vineyards supply fruit to local favorites, including Caduceus, Merkin Vineyards, Arizona Stronghold and Page Spring Cellars, all of which are based in the Verde Valley. Some stars of the region include Viognier, Tempranillo and Mourvèdre, and its Malbec, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon varietals are award-winning.

For an overnight option, check out Rhumb Line Vineyard, which offers chic, comfortable Quonset huts set amid a blooming lavender field.

Verde Valley: The Rising Star

Verde Valley AVA is the newest viticultural area, designated in November 2021. Located in the center of the state on 219 square miles in northeastern Yavapai County, the AVA encompasses the popular getaway destinations of Sedona, Jerome, Camp Verde, Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Cornville, Page Springs and Rimrock.

The high desert region boasts about 20 vineyards and two dozen of Arizona’s most scenic tasting rooms, many of which rest on the banks of picturesque Oak Creek. Here, travelers can sample white wines made with Vermentino, Seyval blanc and Malvasia bianca, and reds featuring Syrah, Sangiovese, Tannat and Barbera.

“You can’t help but feel connected to the earth and dirt and all the happiness it gives back to you when sampling the wine here,” says Byron Clammas, a tour guest from Scottsdale visiting Javelina Leap Vineyard, just one of the many popular Verde Valley wineries.

The Verde Valley offers the climate and sourced access to water that grapes need to thrive. The plentiful sunshine and dramatic evening cool-downs, combined with rich volcanic soil, create an ideal environment for robust boutique vineyards. These small-production vineyards showcase the passion of the local winemakers.

Standout Tasting Experiences

No matter which AVA you choose to explore, certain wineries stand out for their unique offerings and experiences.

At Javelina Leap Winery in Cornville, third-generation winemaker Lucas Reed welcomes visitors into the barrel room and shares his unique secondary fermentation process and his awards for Arizona’s Best in Class Petite Sirah and Double Gold Award for Riesling.

The cheeky wine labels by artist-owner Chris Pothier hint at the personality of Chateau Tumbleweed, a hip, irreverent little winery (which keeps its awards in the bathroom) in Clarkdale. Visitors can enjoy flights of small-production reds on their sunny patio.

At Page Springs Cellars, the cottonwood trees turn a brilliant yellow as the sun begins to set, casting a golden light on the expansive grounds. Guests can taste wines while sitting on a deck overlooking Oak Creek as it ripples past.

“I love that the Verde Valley has really become a destination, whether you’re from in or out of state,” says Christina Barrueta, who writes the award-winning Write On Rubee blog and authored “Arizona Wine: A History of Perseverance and Passion.” “It’s one of the prettiest regions in all of Arizona with so many things to do. It’s ideal for a weekend getaway.”

Other unique ways to explore Arizona’s viticultural treasures include:

  • Paddle to Pour: Sedona Adventure Tours’ Classic Water to Wine Tour combines kayaking the Verde River with a visit to Alcantara Vineyards, offering a perspective on the region’s geology, flora and fauna. (sedonaadventuretours.com)
  • Pedals & Pinot: The Grape Escape Bike Tour from 360 Adventures offers 10-, 20- or 37-mile rides from Sedona to Page Springs Cellars, combining Red Rock Country views with wine tasting and cellar tours. (360-adventures.com)
  • Sky-High Sipping: Scenic air tours with 360 Adventures fly over Pine Mountain and Verde Valley before landing at Sedona Airport, where a luxury limo bus takes guests to three wineries with a picnic lunch included. (360-adventures.com)
  • Tracks & Tastings: The Verde Canyon Railroad’s Grape Train Escape takes passengers through scenic mountains and red rocks while showcasing local and European wines. (verdecanyonrr.com)
  • Vineyard-Hopping: The AZ Wine Crawler shuttle service offers VIP experiences from Phoenix or hop-on, hop-off options cycling through Cottonwood and Sedona. The service connects eight vineyards and seven tasting rooms, with accommodations available at Morton’s rustic-chic Acoustic Cellars Lodge. (azwinecrawler.com)

Whether you explore by car, shuttle or through one of the more adventurous options, you’re guaranteed to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the country and sample some delicious wine. So head out for a vino-centric adventure through Arizona’s wine country. Cheers!