Teresa Bitler 2020-09-04 04:29:54
Long before Franciscan missionaries planted California’s first vineyards, Arizona was already producing wine from grapes grown in established vineyards. The state’s temperate climate, volcanic soil and unique terrain is ideal for cultivating bold, intense grapes in its three wine-growing regions: Sonoita-Elgin, Willcox and Verde Valley. Arizona wines have been served at the White House and have become a favorite with oenophiles around the world. FOLLOW THE VERDE VALLEY WINE TRAIL Jerome: Tucked among the galleries, boutiques and restaurants of this former mining town, you’ll find some of Verde Valley’s best tasting rooms. Don’t miss Caduceus Cellars, owned by Tool vocalist Maynard James Kennan and known for its bold reds. At Passion Cellars, sip your way through a lineup ranging from fruit-forward white wines to complex reds, made by Salvatore Vineyards. Clarkdale: Founded in 1912 as a smelter town for nearby mines, Clarkdale today boasts Spanish Colonial-style architecture and wine trail favorite Chateau Tumbleweed Winery. Sample everything from Cabernet Sauvignon to unique varietals like Mourvedre before or after a ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad. Cottonwood: Located in the heart of the Verde Valley, Cottonwood has several excellent tasting rooms along Main Street in Old Town. Start at Burning Tree Cellars, a boutique winery specializing in small batch single varietals. Then, after shopping in the historic downtown, head to Arizona Stronghold Vineyards to sample exclusives and, on Friday night, to hear live music. Camp Verde: At beautiful Clear Creek Vineyard & Winery, the first Arizona winery to earn Silver Innovator Sustainable Certification, sip reds and whites on the patio. Boutique winery Salt Mine Wine grows six Italian varietals and is also a monarch butterfly way station. Cornville: A number of the Verde Valley’s premier wineries make their home in Cornville, including Page Spring Cellars. The popular winery offers tastings, tours, live music and small bites. At D.A.Ranch, sample estate-grown Arizona wines on the wrap-around porch or around the fire pit. Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery serves crisp whites, big reds, cheese and cured meats. Sedona: Take a break from browsing Sedona’s art galleries with a tasting at Winery 1912. The wines, made with grapes from Dragoon Mountain Vineyard in southeastern Arizona, complement the incredible patio views of the area’s red rocks. TOURS Leave the driving to someone else. Wine Tours of Sedona allows you to customize an itinerary to any of the eight vineyards and 18 wine tasting rooms along the Verde Valley Wine Trail. Sedona Wine Adventures offers set and customizable tours. For more info on the Verde Valley Wine Trail visit arizonawines.com. A DAY EXPLORING WILLCOX WINERIES Kick Things Off: Explore the wine-growing region that produces nearly 75 percent of the state’s grapes with a stop at Zarpara Vineyard, a 15-minute drive south of Willcox. Pours there showcase the terroir through wines made from seven common Willcox varietals. Also in the Willcox Bench area is Bodega Pierce, which samples wines made exclusively from its estate-grown grapes. Stop for Lunch: When you work up an appetite, make your way to Big Tex Bar-B-Que for beef brisket, pulled pork or pork spare ribs. The Willcox eatery also serves burgers, steaks and catfish. Sit in the main dining area, in the remodeled railroad dining car or outside. Afternoon Wine Tasting: Following lunch, walk over to the Keeling Schaefer Vineyards’ Willcox Tasting Room. Housed in the historic 1917 Willcox Bank and Trust Building, the tasting room pours the winery’s impressive Syrah, Viognier and Rhone-style wines, made onsite at the nearby vineyard. Continue your journey to Coronado Vineyards, just outside of town and home to a range of award-winning wines. Stop for a Snack: On your way back into downtown Willcox, stop at Apple Annie’s Country Store. Take your pick from moist apple bread, freshly baked pie—Apple Crumb, made from the orchard’s apples, is a local favorite—or a piece of rich, homemade fudge. For more info on Willcox wineries visit arizonawines.com. TASTING & TOURING IN SONOITA-ELGIN Arizona’s first American Viticultural Area—Willcox only recently became the second—Sonoita- Elgin has numerous tasting rooms where you can sample the distinctive flavors of the region. Kick off a day of tasting at Callaghan Vineyards. Designated one of “Arizona’s Treasures” by former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, the vineyard’s wines have been served more than once at the White House. Like Callaghan Vineyards, Wilhelm Family Vineyards specializes in Spanish wines and has received international accolades for its efforts. Try the Tempranillo, Graciano, Albariño or a similar varietal. Don’t miss Sonoita Vineyards, the oldest commercial vineyard in Arizona. Its wines are made in small batches of less than 2,000 bottles per vintage. Arizona Hops and Vines puts a fun twist on the traditional winery, pairing its wines with Cheetos and other treats. The two sisters who run the winery hope to open an onsite brewery soon. For more info on Sonoita-Elgin, visit arizonawines.com.
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