Best Wineries in Arizona: A Taste of the Southwest
If you’re reading this post, you must enjoy WINE. Me, too! When I think wine, we always think California and Napa Valley, right? But Arizona grows wine, too! We have so many different landscapes and elevations within the state, some that are prime for growing wine. I can’t wait to go over some of the BEST WINERIES IN ARIZONA with you.
Best Wineries in Arizona
We are going to divide this post and the best wineries in Arizona into different regions, as you might want to see multiple during your trip. Please note, I am not listing EVERY winery in the state, because there are a lot. But I am highlighting ones that I have been to, want to go to, or have heard a lot about- which will make your search easier.
northern arizona
If you’re not over familiar with the geography of the state, Phoenix is in the central part of the state. Areas north of that include Pine, Payson, Pinetop-Lakeside, Verde Valley, Cottonwood, Sedona, the Grand Canyon, etc.
southern arizona
Southern Arizona copromises anything South of Phoenix. This includes Tucson, Sonoita, Bisbee, Patagonia, etc. Pretty much the area between Phoenix and Mexico.
-Southern Arizona-
1. az hops & vines, sonoita
Let’s start off the winery trail with AZ HOPS AND VINES in Sonoita. Sonoita, Arizona is situated at about 5,000 ft elevation and has rolling hills surrounding by mountains- perfect for wine growth. The first winery was opened in the area in 1974, and now the area is thriving.
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ADDRESS: 3450 AZ-82, Sonoita, AZ 85637
HOURS: Fri-Sat 11-6, Rest of Days 11-4
PRICE: $$ (on a scale of 1-5)
FAVORITE FEATURES: Colorful, Frozen Drinks, Live Music, Great Views
2. rune wines, sonoita
I would 100% go back to Rune Wines. I loved the unique metal building, and the landscaping was done so well. Very desert-esque. We were hungry when we were visiting, and their food did NOT dissapoint. Some wineries don’t have food, so I really appreciated that. The wine itself was good, but had more red than white, and I’m a white girlie. You can stay on property as well, which is super nice! Love the dog-friendly outdoor space here.
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ADDRESS: 3969 AZ-82, Sonoita, AZ 85637
HOURS: approx 11-5 daily, see website for hours
PRICE: $$ (on a scale of 1-5)
FAVORITE FEATURES: Incredible Design, Amazing Food Choices, Lodging Onsite
3. los milics vineyards, elgin
Isn’t this a stunning photo? I have not been to Los Milics, because I didn’t know about it when I was in the area, but I need to go back- and you need to visit, too! This sweet family named their 3 whites, 3 rosés, and 8 reds after family members. Their wines have won many awards!
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ADDRESS: 423 Upper Elgin Rd #824, Elgin, AZ 85611
HOURS: 11-4 Thurs-Mon. Dinner Hours Thurs and Fri as well.
PRICE: $$$ (on a scale of 1-5)
FAVORITE FEATURES: Architecture/ modern style, personality
4. the meading room, sonoita
Okay, this technically isn’t wine, its mead. I didn’t know what mead was until about a year ago. Mead is alcohol made from fermented honey. There are so many unique flavors, and fruity too! Anyone would love visiting this shop. There are actually only a few meaderies throughout the state.
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Address: 3470 AZ-82, Sonoita, AZ 85637
Hours: 11-6 Fri-Sun, 11-4 otherwise
Price: $
Favorite Features: Amazing Graphics, Nice Outdoor Space, Cute Interior and Plenty of Seating, Fruity Flavors
5. rhumb line vineyard, wilcox
Jade & Clover is another one of the best plant shops in Phoenix. They started as of late 2021. I stumbled past it while at Le Grande Orange in Arcadia (it’s behind Postinos). It’s known for its gift selections and terrarium bar. Let me tell you, the vibes of this place are on point. It’s such a happy and fun atmosphere. This is the perfect place to host a birthday party, work event, or anything else you can imagine. Besides the succulents for terrariums, there aren’t many other plants for sale.
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Address:6210 S Rhumb Line Wy, Willcox, AZ 85643
Hours: Thurs-Sun 11-5
Price: $$
Favorite Features: Cute Stay, Lavendar Field AND winery
others
I can’t list every single winery, but these will surely get you started. When you’re in the area, you can always check out others. My google maps listed above has more! Some others include Sonoita Vineyards, Flying Leap Vineyards, Deep Sky Vineyard, Autumn Sage, and more.
-Northern Arizona-
1. below the rim meadery, payson
I can’t sing the praises of this place enough. A couple and their family owns and runs this adorable place in the forest below the Mogollon Rim (about 20-30 min out of Payson). Payson is about 1 hr 15 minutes from Phoenix, if you aren’t familiar. They’re only open in the summer, so take advantage of it. 100% recommend and is on my list of the best wineries in Arizona.
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Address: 626 Nf-199, Payson, AZ 85541
Hours: Sat-Sun 12-6 May-October
Price: $$
Favorite Features: Location/Scenery, Number of Flavors, Delicious Charcuterie, Dog-Friendly
2. page springs cellars, cornville
Page Springs Cellars is a BEAUTIFUL vineyard and tasting room in Corneville, close to Sedona, Arizona. I always love when Vineyards have a food menu, and the ratings of the food at this place are fantastic.
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Address: 1500 N. Page Springs Road, Cornville, AZ 86325
Hours: Thurs-Sat 11-9, Sun-Wed 11-7
Price: $$$
3. merkin vineyards, cottonwood
This is next on my list of Wineries in Arizona I can’t explain it better than they can- “Join us at Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Trattoria in Old Town Cottonwood for Arizona wine, handmade pasta, wood oven pizza, and fresh salads made with ingredients from our own farms and greenhouses. Our daily pasta, pizza, bruschetta and salad specials rotate based on what’s in season. With warmer weather on the way, be sure to take in the stunning 270-degree view of the Verde Valley from our dog-friendly patio.
Don’t forget to visit the Merkin Vineyards Pocket Park Gelateria, located at the base of the complex. You can buy our freshly made gelato and secure a token to ride the Hilltop Tram that will transport you to the top. On the ride up, you’ll see our 4.5-acre vineyard consisting of Graciano, Tempranillo, and Garnacha grape varieties.” This place definitely has what it takes to be one of the best wineries in Arizona.
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Address:1001 N Main St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326
Hours: 11-9 daily except sunday 10-8
Price: $$
4. oak creek vineyards and winery, cornville
I highly suggest visiting Oak Creek Vineyards. This small business has numerous whites and reds and other mixed drinks, along with yummy charcuterie boards. They’ve got a pup and named a bottle after him, too! So cute!
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Address: 1555 N Page Springs Rd, Cornville, AZ 86325
Hours: 11-6 Mon-Thurs, 10-7 Fri-Sat, 10-6 Sun
Price: $$
Favorite Features: Family Owned, Close to Sedona, Wide Variety of Flavors
SUMMARY of WINERIES in ARIZONA
I hope this gives you the inspiration to get out and enjoy what Arizona has to offer. Remember, when you are supporting these wineries, you are supporting FAMILIES. COUPLES. People that have worked for many years to build their businesses. So go enjoy some of the best wineries in Arizona!
