When people think of Arizona, they usually envision miles and miles of desert sand, peppered with cacti and the occasional roadrunner against a backdrop of far-off mountains. Arizona is actually a varied and beautiful landscape, and although we do have a lot of cacti, we also have a lot of farm land. Amidst the organic vegetable farms, the tree nut farms, and the grass-fed cows that you can see along the winding Arizona roads are also numerous, award-winning high desert wineries.
Yes, we grow some amazing grapes right here in Arizona, and our growing winery community is a testament to just how delicious those grapes are. There are three main areas of Arizona that are big winery areas – Sonoita, Verde Valley, and Willcox. Arizona has more than 80 wineries to choose from, and so many of them are available on wine trails.
The Arizona Wine Growers Association has a ton of useful information about touring Arizona’s wineries, including maps, tasting rooms, and the wine trails that are absolutely worth touring. There are more than enough wineries to fill your weekends in just about every season, but here are some of the top wineries that are worthy of a visit.
Callaghan Vineyards, Elgin
Callaghan Vineyards has been in the wine business since 1991, and they have a wonderful reputation for producing some great wines. Harold and Kent Callaghan, a father and son team, built the original vineyard in 1990. Kent still tends his vineyard himself, and pours every ounce of himself into his bold wines.
Callaghan Vineyard wines have received a lot of recognition and dozens of accolades over the years, and their wine has even been served at three White House dinners. Callaghan Vineyards is open to the public Thursday through Sunday, and they would love to have you come on by and sample their wine selection.
Coronado Vineyard, Willcox
Coronado Vineyard’s Mark and Jacque Cook began making a name for themselves back in 2006, and they have been winning award after award ever since. Coronado Vineyards has won awards for their Rieslings, Syrahs, Chardonnays, Caberenet Sauvignon, and quite a few others as well.
The Coronado Vineyard has a tasting room that is not to be missed, and it is open 7 days a week. Just an hour east of Tucson, Coronado Vineyards is perfect for a weekend winery getaway, and is the best reason ever to hit the road and grab some fantastic wine.
Sonoita Vineyards, Elgin
Sonoita Vineyards has the distinction has the distinction of being the first vineyard in Arizona, and has been in operation since 1983. Sonoita Vineyards began in 1974, and has over 50 acres of grapes to please every palate. The vineyard has been consistently winning awards, and their Cabernet Sauvignon was served at a Presidential Inauguration Gala.
The winery is open all week long for tastings, and we highly recommend that you visit and get your fill of these acclaimed wines. Their wines are hand-bottled, and capped, and they are a shining star in the Arizona grape growers region.
Verde Valley Wine Trail, Cottonwood
The Verde Valley Wine Trail is an experience onto itself, and is worthy of a trip up to Northern Arizona. The Verde Valley Wine Trail includes 7 wineries and 8 tasting rooms, and every one of them is unique and has its own flavor.
The 7 wineries in Verde Valley include Alcantara Vineyards, Chateau Tumbleweed, Clear Creek Winery, D.A. Ranch, Javelina Leap Vineyards, Page Spring Cellars, and Oak Creek Vineyards. The tasting rooms are Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Burning Tree Cellars, Cellar 433, Fire Mountain Wines, Passion Cellars, Pillsbury Wine Company, Southwest Wine Center’s Teaching Gallery, and Winery 101.
We promise that you will never be short on taste, body, or finish on this wine trail.
