Living Amongst the Vines in Arizona

Wine connoisseurs have been all a buzz lately about the wines coming from the many vineyards in Arizona.  It’s taken a few years to cultivate, but the wines from over 30 vineyards spread out from Chino Valley in the north of the state to Bowie in the southeast are turning out some amazing varieties that are receiving international attention.

Vineyards in the Verde Valley nestled in the red rock countryside of Cottonwood, Jerome and Sedona north of Phoenix have turned out to be an exceptional place to grow grapes.  With elevation levels between 4,000 and 5,000 feet all three locations experience cooler summers and low evening temperatures.

This year these vineyards produced a record harvest.  Due to perfect grape growing weather with no rain, ideal temperatures and no late season frost, the Verde Valley vineyards in 2009 are expected to produce one of the finest vintages ever.

Amidst the rich red rock formations, desert foliage, lush greenery, and the water of the Verde River, Oak Creek, and Page Springs are four wineries:  Alcantara Vineyards, Page Springs Cellars, Oak Creek Vineyards, & Javelina Leap Vineyards and two tasting rooms: Caduceus Cellars and the Jerome Winery.  Dubbed the Verde Valley Wine Trail, these wineries and area activities can be found at www.vvWineTrail.com.

Offering Syrah, Petite Sirah, Viognier, Rousanne, Zinfandel, Merlot, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay, to name a few, these wineries have won national awards.  Each location has a unique personality and every Tasting Room has a sampling menu that changes throughout the year as wines mature in barrels in the wineries’ aging rooms. 

So forget Napa!  Instead pack a picnic basket and take a short drive north to Verde Valley to sample some local wines that are making waves in winemaking circles.

Here are more details about each location:

Page Springs Cellars
(928) 639-3004
Tasting Room Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Tasting Price: $10.00

Javelina Leap Vineyards
(928) 649-2681
Tasting Room Hours: 11a.m. to 5p.m. daily
Tasting Price: $12.00

Oak Creek Vineyards
(928) 649- 0290
Tasting Room Hours: 11a.m. to 5p.m. daily
Tasting Price: $5.00

Alcantara Vineyards
(928) 649-8463
Tasting Room Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Tasting Price: $10.00

Caduceus Cellars
(928) 634-3444
Tasting Room Hours: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm Sun-Thursday; 11:00 am – 8:00 pm Fri- Sat
Tasting Price: $5.00, or $9.00 for premium

Jerome Winery
(928) 639-9067
Tasting Room Hours: Mon – Thurs, Sun 12-5 pm; Fri – 12-6 pm; Sat-11 am -6 pm
Tasting Price: $6.00

Photo Courtesy of flickr