Are you looking for the best Verde Valley wineries? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Verde Valley is the home base of some of Arizona’s best wineries!
When people think of wine country, Arizona might not be the first place that comes to mind.
However, the picturesque Verde Valley, nestled between the red rocks of Sedona and the rolling mountains of the Mingus range, has been quietly making a name for itself as a wine lover’s paradise.
Having visited the Verde Valley several times over the last ten years, we are fortunate to see the growth of the wine scene and can confidently say this area has a lot to offer.
Verde Valley Wine Trail From Phoenix
Located just under two hours north of Phoenix, Verde Valley is an easy weekend getaway for those craving a unique wine-tasting experience.
The region boasts over 25 wineries and tasting rooms, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
Read Next: Absolute Best Things To Do In Phoenix or Best Day Trips From Phoenix
What Is the Verde Valley Wine Trail?
The Verde Valley Wine Trail is a journey through Arizona’s Verde Valley, encompassing the region’s wineries and tasting rooms.
It is an organized network of wineries that allows visitors to explore and experience the diverse wines produced in the area.
This trail showcases the rich viticulture of the Verde Valley and provides wine enthusiasts with a convenient and enjoyable way to discover the local wineries.
Each stop along the trail offers unique tasting experiences, showcasing the distinct characteristics of the region’s wines and the creativity of its winemakers.
Visitors can explore the Verde Valley Wine Trail at their own pace, selecting which wineries to visit based on their preferences and interests, or you can sign up for a wine tour here.
Where is the Verde Valley Wine Trail Located?
The trail is located in the Verde Valley region, which is nestled between the towns of Sedona, Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Cornville, and Jerome in Arizona.
The wineries are spread across this scenic area, making it an enjoyable way to explore the wineries.
Read Next: The Perfect 2 Day Sedona Itinerary or A Day Trip To Sedona
Getting To The Verde Valley Wineries
If you prefer a more relaxed approach without worrying about driving, you can opt for a guided tour, where someone else will take care of transportation for you.
These allow you to unwind and enjoy the area without the concern of driving.
With a guided tour, a knowledgeable guide will take care of transportation, ensuring a stress-free drive to the region’s wineries.
Sit back, relax, and let someone else handle the logistics while you immerse yourself in the delightful sights and flavors of the tour.
Wineries in Jerome
Located in Arizona’s Verde Valley, Jerome is a charming town with a rich history and a unique character. Perched on Cleopatra Hill, this charming and historic town offers more than just a ghost town experience – it is also renowned for its thriving wine scene.
Explore Jerome’s winding streets and discover a vibrant wine culture that has taken root. With a variety of wineries and tasting rooms, wine enthusiasts can indulge in an array of local wines, showcasing the distinct flavors of the region.
Caduceus Cellars/Merkin Vineyards
📍Address: 158 Main St, Jerome, AZ 86331 Location: Google Maps Hours: Everyday 11:00pm – 6:00pm Website: Caduceus
Owned by Tool (yes, the lead singer of the music group Tool) and winemaker Maynard James Keenan, Caduceus Cellars/Merkin Vineyards is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts.
This unique winery combines traditional winemaking techniques with a touch of rock and roll.
The tasting room, located in a historic building in downtown Jerome, offers a cozy atmosphere where you can sample a diverse range of wines, including bold reds and crisp whites.
Four Eight Wine Works
📍Address: 140 Main St, Jerome, AZ 86331 Location: Google Maps Hours: Sun to Thurs 11:00pm – 6:00pm & Fri to Sat 11:00pm – 8:00pm Website: four8wineworks
Named after Arizona became the 48th state in the Union, Four Eight Wineworks stands as the first and only winemakers co-operative in Northern Arizona.
This unique co-op offers emerging winemakers a space to create exceptional high-elevation Arizona wines by providing access to equipment and resources.
With a shared vision of producing world-class wines, these driven individuals find a nurturing environment to make their mark and contribute to the vibrant wine scene.
By fostering collaboration and providing essential resources, Four Eight Wine Works plays a crucial role in elevating Arizona’s wine industry.
Passion Cellars
📍Address: 301 Main St, Jerome, AZ 86331 Location: Google Maps Hours: Sun to Thurs 11:00pm – 6:00pm & Fri to Sat 11:00pm – 7:00pm Website: Passion Cellars
Passion Cellars specializes in crafting fruit-forward, crisp white wines as well as blended and complex red wines. Their grapes are carefully cultivated in the Willcox, AZ region, known for its exceptional wine-growing conditions.
Among their impressive selection, the winemaker has set aside the very best wines for aging.
These wines have been bottled under the name Salvatore, paying homage to the winemaker’s beloved grandfather, Salvatore Ligammari. These Salvatore wines are not only award-winning but offer a balanced and complex flavor.
The Original Jerome Winery
📍Address: 114 Jerome Avenue, Jerome AZ 86331 Location: Google Maps Hours: Mon to Thurs 12:00pm – 5:00pm & Fri to Sun 12:00pm – 7:00pm Website: theoriginaljeromewinery
Jerome Winery is a friendly and cozy winery that offers beautiful views and a relaxed atmosphere.
With a focus on both traditional grape varieties and unique varietals grown exclusively in their family’s vineyard, Dragoon Mountain Vineyard, they provide a diverse selection of wines to enjoy. Alongside their tastings, you can also savor elevated light fare.
In addition to the yummy wine, we loved all the unique wall hangings in The Original Jerome Winery!
Cottonwood Wineries
If you haven’t had the opportunity to explore the charming town of Cottonwood, I highly recommend adding it to your must-visit list.
In Cottonwood, you’ll discover a collection of wineries that offer a unique and enjoyable wine-tasting experience. From family-owned vineyards to boutique wineries; each one has its own distinct character and delicious wines to savor.
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply looking to unwind with a glass of your favorite varietal, Cottonwood’s wineries are sure to delight your taste buds.
Read Next: Best Things To Do In Cottonwood
Tantrum Winery
📍Address: 918 N. Main Street Suite C, Cottonwood, AZ 86326 Location: Google Maps Hours: Sun to Thurs 12:00pm – 7:00pm, Fri to Sat 12:00pm – 9:00pm Website: tantrumwines
First and foremost, let’s talk about Tantrum Wines, a female-led winery in the Verde Valley that deserves recognition.
Tantrum Wines stands out not only for its exceptional wines but also for its commitment to showcasing the passion and talent of women in the wine industry.
Founded and led by women, Tantrum Wines embodies strength, creativity, and a drive for excellence.
With each sip, you can taste the dedication and expertise that goes into crafting their wines. From bold reds to crisp whites, Tantrum Wines offers a diverse selection that is sure to please every palate.
Pillsbury Wine Company
📍 Address: 315 S Willard St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326 Location: Google Maps Hours: Everyday 12:00pm – 7:00pm, happy hour starts at 6pm Website: pillsburywine
Pillsbury Wine Company, owned by renowned winemaker (and filmmaker) Sam Pillsbury from New Zealand, is a hidden gem in Cottonwood. Situated just minutes from their old location on Main Street, their new location offers more space in a charming and very cozy environment.
From their full-bodied Syrahs to their crisp Viogniers, Pillsbury Wine Company offers a diverse range of wines that showcase the region’s unique terrain.
Good To Know: If you’re looking for some great food to pair with your wine tasting. Pillsbury is the place to be; they have a great menu with monthly specials (just like Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room and Osteria) listed further down this list.
Burning Tree Cellars
📍 Address: 1040 N Main St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326 Location: Google Maps Hours: Sun to Thurs 12:00pm – 6:00pm & Fri to Sat 12:00pm – 9:00pm Website: burningtreecellars
Known for its artisanal approach to winemaking, Burning Tree Cellars focuses on producing small-batch, premium wines.
Their tasting room (both indoor and out) provides an intimate and relaxed atmosphere, allowing visitors to sample their handcrafted wines, including their rich and complex red blends and their elegant whites.
Good To Know: On our two visits to Burning Tree they had some fantastic live music. Stop on by or check their website for details about live music guests.
Arizona Stronghold Vineyards Tasting Room
📍 Address: 1023 N Main St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326 Location: Google Maps Hours: Sun to Thurs 12:00pm – 7:00pm & Fri to Sat 12:00pm – 8:00pm Website: azstronghold
Whether you’re an occasional wine drinker or a seasoned master, step into the welcoming tasting room in Cottonwood. Arizona Stronghold is one of the largest wineries in Arizona and even has a tasting room in Old Town Scottsdale.
Good To Know: Interested in Wine in A Can? Arizona Stronghold’s Float Tripper Sipper (perfectly named due to the proximity of the Verde River) is a fun light wine with a great name if you ask me!
Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room and Osteria: keep
📍 Address: 1001 N Main St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326 Location: Google Maps Hours: Sun 10:00am – 9:00pm & Mon to Sat 11:00am – 9:00pm Website: merkinvineyardsosteria
Merkin Vineyards, affiliated with Caduceus Cellars in Jerome, has a tasting room and osteria (Italian-style eatery) in Old Town Cottonwood.
This tasting room offers visitors a chance to sample their unique wines while indulging in delicious farm-to-table food. Merkin Vineyards embraces sustainable farming practices and produces a wide range of wines that highlight the best of the region.
If you’re hungry, be sure to grab a bite to eat here. Their charcuterie boards are fantastic, and their pasta is freshly made in the restaurant.
Cellar 433
Cellar 433 stands out as one of our favorite tasting rooms. From the moment we stepped inside, we were drawn in by its unique ambiance. The knowledgeable staff made us feel right at home, guiding us through our wine-tasting journey.
From crisp whites to bold reds, their wines offer a range of flavors that cater to every palate.
Not only did the wines leave a lasting impression, but the tasting room itself added to the overall experience. With its cozy atmosphere and attention to detail, Cellar 433 provided a comfortable and enjoyable setting to enjoy their wines.
Good To Know: If you’re into Tarot cards, you’ll really enjoy the labels on the wines here at Cellar 433. They have a collection that’ll keep you tasting!
Cornville Wineries
I must admit, Cornville, AZ, had flown under our radar until somewhat recently. We were unaware of this hidden gem until we ventured further along the Verde Valley wine trail.
The town’s proximity to the Verde River provides opportunities for outdoor activities like kayaking and fishing.
But what truly caught our attention was the growing wine scene in Cornville.
The area is home to several wineries and tasting rooms along a scenic drive, each offering a unique selection of wines that truly showcase the local flavors.
We spent an enjoyable afternoon exploring the vineyards, learning about the winemaking process, and indulging in tastings.
Page Springs Cellars
📍 Address: 1500 N Page Springs Rd, Cornville, AZ 86325 Location: Google Maps Hours: Sun to Thurs 11:00am – 7:00pm & Fri to Sun 11:00am – 9:00pm Website: pagespringscellars
Page Springs Cellars, situated on Oak Creek, is a scenic winery that not only offers some tasty wines, but they also have a nice outdoor patio vibe.
Oh, and if you’re interested in a massage or yoga, they offer that too! Page Springs focuses on small batch wines that are sustainably produced and their wines pair nicely with the yummy Mediterranean plate that we had.
Good To Know: Live Music Tue and Wed 3-6. Thur 4-7; be sure to check their schedule to see their lineup of musicians
Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery
📍Address: 1565 N Page Springs Rd, Cornville, AZ 86325 Location: Google Maps Hours: Tues 11:00am – 5:00pm & Wed to Sun 11:00am – 6:00pm Website: javelinaleapwinery
What differentiated Javelina from the others we visited is you can taste wines at a fully operational vineyard and winery. They pick, de-stem, ferment, press, age, bottle, and label Arizona grapes right on site.
We had a fantastic time at Javelina. The tasting cost us $24, and we were able to choose any five samples from their list. The tasting area was outdoors and had plenty of seating, where we enjoyed live music in the background.
If you’re a fan of dry red wines, this is the perfect spot for you. They’re also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry companion along.
In addition to their wide selection of wines, they offer various food options like cheese platters, bread, crackers, deli meats, smoked salmon, olives, dips, sauces, infused olive oils, dried fruits, nuts, gourmet desserts, and chocolate.
D.A. Ranch
📍Address: 1901 Dancing Apache Rd, Cornville, AZ 86325 Location: Google Maps Hours: Wed to Sun 11:00am – 6:00pm Website: daranch
D.A Ranch offers a fantastic vibe that pairs seamlessly with their wines. The property has shade trees, a lake, and sprawling vineyards, creating an inviting environment.
In 2002, the Petznick family, known for their longstanding agricultural business in Arizona, purchased the D.A.Ranch. Originally a family gathering place, they recognized the fertile soil and planted seven acres of vineyards on the property.
By 2008, the family began producing and bottling wines, initially sharing them with family and friends. Since then, the D.A.Ranch has expanded its production, now offering nearly 1,500 cases of wine for visitors to enjoy.
The best thing about D.A. Ranch is they’re dog friendly.
Oak Creek Vineyards -Keep
Family-friendly (and dog-friendly!) winery and vineyard in Cornville, Arizona.
📍Address: 1555 N 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, Sun 10:00am – 6:00pm Website: oakcreekvineyards
Oak Creek Vineyards offers one of the most budget-friendly tasting experiences. For just $15, you can enjoy five tastings of your choice from their selection.
The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and there was plenty of outdoor seating available. However, when we arrived, we happened to be in the middle of three wine tour buses, which caused a slight delay in attending to the guests.
Thankfully, one of the staff members promptly noticed that we had been waiting and came outside to assist us.
Good To Know: You can enjoy a variety of cheeses paired with almonds, dried cranberries, olives, sweet peppers, homemade fig jam infused with our Port wine, caramelized onion jam made with our Chardonnay, and crispy crackers.
Wineries in Clarkdale
Clarkdale, a quaint town nestled in Arizona’s Verde Valley, is known for its rich history and stunning natural landscapes.
While Clarkdale may be a tad bit smaller in size compared to its neighboring towns, it still boasts a couple of great wineries that offer delightful wine-tasting experiences.
Chateau Tumbleweed
📍Address: 1151 West State Route 89a, Clarkdale, AZ 86324 Location: Google Map Hours: Daily 12:00pm – 7:00pm Website: chateautumbleweed
Chateau Tumbleweed represents a joint effort of four friends, consisting of two married couples.
Having accumulated over 30 years of experience working for different wineries in Arizona, they have recently made the decision to depart from their previous occupations and dedicate themselves fully to their own project.
In 2011, they created their inaugural wine, producing a modest quantity of only three barrels.
Following three successful vintages at the Four-Eight Wineworks Winemaker’s Cooperative in Camp Verde from 2012 to 2014, they bravely decided to make a significant move.
They purchased the building they had been eyeing for the past year and transformed it into one of Clarkdale’s earliest established wineries and tasting rooms.
Southwest Wine Center
📍Address: 601 Black Hills Drive, Clarkdale, Arizona 86324 Location: Google Maps Hours: Thurs to Sun, 12.00pm – 6.00pm Website: southwestwinecellar
The Southwest Wine Center, located at Yavapai College, serves as a prominent hub for the wine industry and the local community providing an
The Southwest Wine Center, located at Yavapai College, serves as a prominent hub for the wine industry and the local community. It offers an extensive and immersive education covering every aspect of the winemaking process, from vineyard management to bottling.
Bodega Pierce
📍Location: Google Map Hours: Thurs to Sun, 12.00pm – 6.00pm Facebook: Bodega Pierce
Bodega Pierce proudly showcases wines crafted solely from grapes cultivated on their family’s estate vineyard located in Willcox, AZ.
Their wines are carefully crafted to capture the essence of the high desert terroir found in the Willcox Bench, which excels in producing exceptional world-class wines. Their goal in wine making is to offer Arizona wine enthusiasts a consistently remarkable product that surpasses expectations in terms of quality.
Camp Verde Wineries
Camp Verde, a charming town located in the Verde Valley of Arizona, is known for its rich history, natural beauty, and emerging wine scene.
While Camp Verde may not have as many wineries as some other towns in the region, there are a few notable establishments worth exploring. Here are the wineries in Camp Verde:
Salt Mine Wine
📍 Address: 536 W Salt Mine Rd, Camp Verde, AZ 86322 Location: Google Maps Hours: Sat and Sun 12:00pm – 5:00pm Website: saltminewine
They are a small family-owned vineyard and winery located in Camp Verde, Arizona. In 2013, the Norton family chose a historic farm site to establish their vineyard and winery. Over the course of three years, they planted five acres of grapevines that are well-suited to the local growing season, soil, and microclimate.
Today, their vineyard is surrounded by pecan groves, pastures, small farms, and roadside produce stands. They specialize in growing Italian grape varieties such as Malvasia Bianca and Sangiovese.
Clear Creek Vineyard & Winery
📍 Address: 4053 AZ-260, Camp Verde, AZ 86322 Location: Google Maps Hours: Fri to Sun 11:00am – 5:00pm Website: clearcreekwineryaz
Clear Creek Vineyard & Winery is a family-owned and operated winery situated in Camp Verde. This boutique winery takes pride in producing handcrafted wines from grapes grown on their estate vineyards.
Their focus is on creating wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Verde Valley. Visitors to Clear Creek Vineyard & Winery can enjoy a personalized tasting experience in a serene setting, surrounded by vineyards and beautiful landscapes.
Alcantara Vineyards & Winery
📍Address: 3445 S Grapevine Way, Camp Verde, AZ 86322 Location: Google Maps Hours: Everyday 11:00am – 5:00pm, spring and summer until 6:00pm Website: alcantaravineyard
Alcantara Vineyards has an impressive vine count of over 20,000 and offers a selection of 17 distinct grape varieties. As you indulge in their wines and soak in the surroundings, which include vineyards, a lush picnic area, and the flowing Verde River, they make you feel like you belong there!
There’s more than just wine tasting! Alcantara Vineyards goes the extra mile to provide a range of exciting activities.
Take a kayaking or tubing trip down the Verde River, or join their exhilarating E-Bike tours to explore the vineyard. For a unique adventure, opt for their Jeep and Horseback tours that take you through the vineyards.
Have little ones?- they can join in the fun with hay-wagon ride around the vineyard.
Verde Valley Wine Passport
Take advantage of this self-guided tour where you’ll discover cities like Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Camp Verde, and Jerome, all conveniently located within an hour’s drive of Sedona.
During your wine tasting you’ll have the opportunity to visit popular wineries in the region, such as Alcantara Vineyards, Page Springs Cellars, Oak Creek Vineyards, Javelina Leap Vineyard, and several other tasting rooms.
You can download a passport here. Once you collect stamps from the participating wineries, you’ll unlock special deals and discounts and even have the chance to win prizes.
How To Prepare And Make The Most Of Your Verde Valley Wine Experience
To truly immerse yourself in the local wine scene, I recommend spreading out your visits over multiple days or making different visits.
This way, you can explore various towns and areas within the Verde Valley, allowing you to fully experience the distinct characteristics of each location and the wines they offer.
Tips For Verde Valley Wine Tasting
- Plan ahead and create an itinerary.
- Allocate ample time at each winery.
- Embrace variety by visiting different wineries.
- Engage with the winemakers and staff.
- Pace yourself and drink water.
- Enjoy the scenic surroundings.
- Consider purchasing your favorite wines.
FAQ About Verde Valley Wineries
Do I need reservations at the wineries in Verde Valley?
While it’s not always necessary to make reservations at wineries in the Verde Valley, it’s highly recommended, especially during peak tourism seasons or if you plan to visit on weekends.
What wine varietals are in Verde Valley?
Verde Valley is known for a diverse range of wine varietals. Some of the prominent varietals grown are Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Viognier, and Sauvignon Blanc.
