The 8 Best Wineries in Arizona
Sunny Arizona is home to more than just cacti—the Grand Canyon State is dotted with more than 100 great wineries and tasting rooms.
Table of Contents
- Sonoita Vineyards: the start of an industry
- Arizona Hops and Vines: not your average winery
- Dos Cabezas Wineworks: two heads are better than one
- Aridus Vineyards: time in a bottle
- Arizona Stronghold Vineyards: fierce terrain, fine wine
- Burning Tree Cellars: join the conspiracy
- Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery:
- Caduceus Cellars: velvet sippers welcome
- Drive safe with affordable car insurance
- FAQs
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Arizona is home to three different wine regions and more than 100 different wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms. High elevations and unique soil properties in the Verde Valley, Sonoita, and Willcox areas have all made this desert state an unlikely source for great wine.
No, not dessert wines—desert wines. If the idea of “Arizona wineries” raised an eyebrow, you’re not alone. Arizona is best known for intense summer heat and beautiful outdoor recreational areas, but wine? It might surprise you to learn that AZ is home to not only some of the most unique wines in the country, but also the best. Swap out your saguaro margarita mug for some stemware and let’s check it out!
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Sonoita Vineyards: the start of an industry
Address: 290 Elgin-Canelo Rd Elgin, AZ 85611
Hours: 10am–4pm daily, closed Tuesdays and major holidays
Fees: $20 per person, includes a souvenir glass
Pet friendly? Yes
Family friendly? Yes
Sonoita Vineyards
opened in 1983 and is the oldest commercial winery in Arizona. This high-elevation southern Arizona gem is nestled on a sweeping grassland and surrounded on three sides by majestic mountain ranges. The Sonoita American Viticultural Area (AVA) was one of the earliest to be recognized in the US, and Sonoita Vineyards consistently turns out award-winning wines. One year, they had a Cabernet Sauvignon that was selected to be served at a Presidential Inauguration Gala. The vineyard offers a variety of events like harvest festivals, stargazing, and more.
Nearby: Visit a formerly super-secret Cold War relic at the
Titan Missile Museum
, or take a hike (or a swim) in Patagonia Lake State Park.
Arizona Hops and Vines: not your average winery
Address: 3450 AZ Highway 82, Sonoita, AZ 85637
Hours: Fri–Sat 11am–6pm, Sun–Thur 11am–4pm
Fees: $10/person
Pet friendly? Yes
Family friendly? Yes
If you’re looking for a winery that’s not like all the rest, then you’ll want to check out
Arizona Hops and Vines
. A vibrant, cheeky operation helmed by two sisters who refused to listen when people told them they couldn’t start a winery
, AZ Hops and Vines is sassy, irreverent, and just plain fun. More (ahem) serious wine connoisseurs might be aghast at events like wine and donut pairings and an annual event called the Bad Decisions Campout, but we’re totally here for it. Nearby: Search for some unique desert treasures in
Heart of Gold Antiques
in charming little Sonoita. If you’re feeling extra adventurous (and have a 4WD vehicle) visit the waaay off the beaten path Cave of the Bells
for some light spelunking. Dos Cabezas Wineworks: two heads are better than one
Address: 3248 AZ Highway 82, Sonoita, AZ 85637
Hours: 11am–5pm Mon–Fri, 11am–6pm Sat–Sun
Fees: $12 to $15/glass
Pet friendly? No info
Family friendly? No info
Generous pours and amazing eats courtesy of
Pronghorn Pizza
await you at this humble but charming wineworks in the grasslands. Dos Cabezas Wineworks
has two vineyards in the area, and has been growing grapes and producing wines since 1995. Stay in one of the charming little casitas
next door to the winery for a chance to watch the sunset, see the stars, and hear the coyotes howl at night. Nearby: Don’t miss the Arizona gem that’s
Kartchner Caverns State Park
, a breathtakingly beautiful and actively-growing cave system that’s also a great place to escape the desert heat. Head east to check out historic Tombstone
, which is frankly pretty touristy, but still has some cool things to see, like the creepy and sordid Bird Cage Theatre
.Aridus Vineyards: time in a bottle
Address: 145 N Railview Ave, Willcox, AZ 85643
Hours: 12pm–6pm Thurs–Sun in the summer, 12pm–6pm Wed–Sun in the winter
Fees: $10/person
Pet friendly? No info
Family friendly? No info
Aridus Vineyards
has two tasting rooms—one in Willcox and one in Scottsdale. Started in 2012 in an old apple warehouse, it’s grown to become one of the largest winery facilities in the state. Tastings and tours were formerly by appointment only, but as of March 2022 that’s no longer the case. Rustic yet also modern and posh, Aridus gets high marks for a friendly and helpful staff, not to mention some amazing reds. If you’re looking for a bit more of an upscale experience, this might fit the bill.
Nearby: If you want to see some amazing rock formations that you thought only existed in those old Roadrunner and Coyote cartoons, head to
Chiricahua National Park
. Take a scenic drive or get out and stretch your legs in some truly unique natural beauty. RECOMMENDED
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Arizona Stronghold Vineyards: fierce terrain, fine wine
Address: 1023 N Main St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326
Hours: 12pm–7pm Mon–Thu, 12pm–8pm Fri–Sat
Fees: $12/person
Pet friendly? Yes
Family friendly? No info
Arizona Stronghold
wines are created as an expression of the wild and rugged Arizona terrain. This tasting room in historic Old Town Cottonwood features live music on Fridays, local art, and a delicious tapas menu. Grapes are grown at their nearby Bonita Springs Vineyard, and AZ Stronghold also sources fruit from other vineyards in the Verde Valley area. The Cottonwood tasting room has a relaxed vibe, knowledgeable staff, and at least one wine that is sure to please any palate.
Nearby: AZ Stronghold is located right in
Old Town Cottonwood
, which has a variety of shops, museums, art galleries—and more wineries!Burning Tree Cellars: join the conspiracy
Address: 1040 N Main St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326
Hours: 12pm-6pm Mon-Thu, 12pm-9pm Fri-Sat
Fees: tasting room fees not listed, wine club membership is $160-$300
Pet friendly? No info
Family friendly? No info
Across the street from AZ Stronghold you’ll find
Burning Tree Cellars
, a winery that specializes in small batch, boutique wines. Founded in 2007 by two men who conspired to take wine from a place that’s elite and expensive to one that’s complex, great tasting, and affordable, Burning Tree takes pride in the fact that you’ll never find their wines in a big supermarket. Nearby: The ominously named but quite lovely
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
has hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and more. It got its name in the 1940s, when a man from Minnesota was looking for property to buy. One option had a large dead horse by the side of the road, and when he asked his kids which property they liked best their response was “the one with the dead horse, Dad!” True story. Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery:
Address: 1555 N Page Springs Rd, Cornville, AZ 86325
Hours: 10am–6pm Mon–Thu, 10am–7pm Fri–Sat
Fees: from $9 a glass, $12 a flight
Pet friendly? Yes
Family friendly? Yes
If you have kids or fur babies in tow,
Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery
is a great choice, as they are child and dog friendly. Not only that, they have a diverse offering of wines and delicious appetizer plates. If you stop by on the weekends, be sure to ask about what featured weekend wine cocktail is available, or plan to go on a Friday to snag a Flamingo Friday Sangria. Nearby: Sedona and its spectacular red rocks are only about 15 miles away, and the area IS a popular spot for shopping, relaxing, and communing with the great outdoors. For a fascinating glimpse into the life of the native peoples of the area, visit
Montezuma Castle National Monument
—a high rise, 20 room, ancient cliff dwelling built into the face of a limestone cliff. Caduceus Cellars: velvet sippers welcome
Address: 158 Main St, Jerome, AZ 86331
Hours: 11pm–6pm Mon–Thu, 11pm–7pm Fri–Sat
Fees: not listed
Pet friendly? No info
Family friendly? No info
Situated between Prescott and Flagstaff in historic Jerome is
Caduceus Cellars
, which is family owned and operated by former Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan. Lest you think it’s a vanity operation, Keegan is passionate about his winemaking, owns several vineyards, and has been a main figure in the AZ winemaking scene for many years. His Velvet Sippers Wine CLub frequently sells out and has a waiting list. Who knew? Nearby: Jerome is a truly incredible historic AZ mining town, and well worth a day’s exploration in and of itself. Stay a night at the
Jerome Grand Hotel
, which is rumored to be haunted as all get out. Drive safe with affordable car insurance
When you’re touring wineries, be sure to put plenty of time (and maybe some snacks) between your final glass and your drive home—or have a designated driver. Nothing ruins a lovely day out faster than
a DUI
. Take your time, relax, and enjoy your surroundings. Or better yet, stay the night and make a trip of it!Before any road trip (big or small), make sure that your car insurance is up to par with
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