WINE COUNTRY Caduceus Cellars, Jerome ARIZONA 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. BY TERESA BITLER 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 24 VISITARIZONA.COM 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. Chateau Tumbleweed, Clarkdale Page Springs Cellars, Cornville 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 . TOP TO BOTTOM: MB SULLIVAN; CHATEAU TUMBLEWEED; TODD BRENNEMAN/AOT; FACING PAGE TOP TO BOTTOM: DAN PIERCE; AOT
Arizona Official State Travel Guide Arizona 2020-21: Page 24
