Right in the heart of Arizona, Sedona is famous for its red rock formations, energy vortexes, and world-class hiking. While the desert might not seem like the best place for grape growing, Sedona is uniquely situated in the Verde Valley. The arid climate, fertile soil, and high elevation of the valley combine to form unique microclimates similar to the renowned wine regions of France and Italy, positioning Sedona as a surprising and emerging wine country. And while the wineries here may brand new, compared to those in Napa Valley, the area is not new to wine making. There is evidence that missionaries in the 17th century were growing grapes and making wine in what is today the Verde Valley.
Sedona is one of several towns that make up the Verde Valley, which in recent decades, has become a hotspot for vineyards and wineries. Travelers can book a tour to take them to a variety of the vineyards around the valley, or do what we did and pick a few vineyards to try and go at your own pace. Regardless of how you visit, travelers should sign up for the Verde Valley Wine Trail passport to document the journey and win prizes! Below are the top vineyards, wineries, and tasting rooms to visit.
Winery 1912
Located in the heart of Sedona, Winery 1912 offers a truly unique tasting experience with wines made from 100% Arizona-grown grapes. Their wines highlight the high-desert terroir of Arizona’s wine regions, focusing on Spanish and Iberian varietals like Tempranillo and Garnacha.
The tasting room, located in uptown Sedona at the Sinagua Plaza, provides a chic yet welcoming ambiance. Spend the afternoon sampling boutique wines and enjoying panoramic views of Sedona’s red rocks. Taste 6 wines for $20, and they waive the cost of the tasting with the purchase of two bottles. Opened daily at 12pm, first come first serve with live music every Saturday from 5-8pm.
Alcantara Vineyard
Alcantara Vineyards sits at the confluence of the Verde River and Oak Creek. This large vineyard spans 87 acres and produces over 20 varietals. Its Mediterranean-inspired tasting room is a luxurious space to sample wines or head out on to the patio area and do your tasting alfresco!
Visitors can take a guided tour of the vineyard on Fridays and Saturdays at 11:30am. They are open for tastings daily from 11am to 5pm, guests can try 4 wines for $20. They also have a small food menu to pair with your wine and they welcome well behaved leashed dogs on their patio.
Page Spring Cellars
Located 20 minutes from Sedona, Page Springs Cellars is set along Oak Creek. This family-owned winery specializes in Rhône-style wines, producing Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre. Visitors can enjoy a tasting flight with views of the surrounding vineyards and most weekends there is live music.
Page Springs offers a variety of experiences. There are two tours, the Estate Winery Tour, a 1.5-hour guided experience that takes guests behind-the- scenes of the winemaking process, and a special 2-hour guided Vineyard Tour, which takes guests to House Mountain Vineyard for a fascinating look at the viticultural process. Reservations are strongly recommended for both. The tasting room is open daily at 11am where guests can choose a $15 flight to sample, or opt for the $18 Reserve flight.
Tantrum Wines
Tantrum Wines is a women-owned winery with a focus on crafting wines that are bold, exciting, and expressive. Located just a short drive from Sedona in nearby Cottonwood, Tantrum produces small-batch wines with fun names like Frenemy. Tantrum’s wines showcase the uniqueness of Arizona-grown grapes, their offerings range from robust reds like Syrah to crisp, aromatic whites such as Viognier.
Opened in 2019, the vibrant tasting room welcomes guests to sit, sip, and enjoy. Opened daily at 12pm, they have live music on Saturday evenings and Happy Hour is Monday-Thursday 4-6pm where every glass of wine is just $7.
Oak Creek Vineyard
Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery is a small boutique winery in Cornville. This family-owned spot is known for producing Syrah, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay. The relaxed atmosphere and scenic setting make it ideal for a quiet afternoon.
Guests can taste wines on the outdoor patio, overlooking the vineyards and mountains. Friday-Sunday they are open 10am-7pm and the rest of the week open 11am-6pm. Wine flights start at $15 and there are also specialty cocktails and lite bites available for order.
D.A. Ranch
D.A. Ranch has a rich history, it was first established by Gertrude Gates, a pioneer woman, in 1876. In 2002 the ranch was restored and developed into an estate vineyard by a local family. Today this boutique, family-owned vineyard is nestled between Oak Creek and House Mountain, just south of Sedona. The vineyard focuses on estate-grown, single-varietal wines, including Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Its charming ranch house and beautiful valley view’s make it a hidden gem.
D.A. Ranch is family friendly and well-behaved leashed dogs are allowed outside on the patio and grounds. Reservations are not required except for groups larger than 13. The tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday 11am-6pm. Check their events calendar to plan your visit on a day when they will have live music, onsite food trucks, and more!
Javelina Leap Vineyard and Winery
Javelina Leap Vineyard is a boutique winery located just 15 miles from Sedona and it is one of the longest running wineries in the Verde Valley. This family-owned vineyard specializes in small-batch, handcrafted wines. All their wines are 100% Arizona grown grapes, produced and cellared on site.
They are open daily for tastings 11am-6pm, no reservations required. Flights start at $24 for 5 wines and there is a small selection of grab-and-go food options. Dogs are welcome in select areas. There is live music every weekend and they are located across from Oak Creek’s riparian green belt a designated audubon bird sanctuary, so bring some binoculars and enjoy some light bird watching with your tasting!
Sedona is a true hidden treasure for luxury travelers seeking new and exciting wine-tasting destinations. Whether you’re taking in the stunning scenery or relaxing at one of the many upscale resorts, a wine-tasting tour is the perfect way to elevate your Sedona getaway.
Need more ideas for your next wine-tasting getaway? See what’s new in Napa.
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