Arizona’s wine industry is growing by leaps and bounds. Along with it, the opportunity to visit vineyards and tasting rooms across the state has grown as well, especially in the regions of Page Springs and Cottonwood. Each is, in fact, creating quite the niche for itself as a tourism destination for wine lovers from around the country. Never been? Allow us to help you plan the perfect trip!
Fun fact: The vineyards of Page Springs and tasting rooms in Old Town Cottonwood are merely a 15-minute drive from each other. So, while technically two regions, together they make the perfect weekend getaway. And, no matter which you choose to start with, both are less than 90 minutes north of the Valley.
Page Springs will give the more “vineyard” feel amid the grapes and vines, while Old Town Cottonwood offers urban tasting rooms in a town so small, you need not drive once you arrive.
Within the Page Springs region, there are four vineyards—Page Springs Cellars, Alcantara Vineyards, Oak Creek Vineyard & Winery, and Javelina Leap Winery—and even a vineyard-meets-lodge called D.A. Ranch Lodge and Estate Vineyards.
Page Springs Cellars produces Rhone-style wines, working primarily with Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache and Mourvedre. Beyond its indoor tasting room, the vineyard offers the option to enjoy wine on the front porch, which is outfitted with oversized furniture, as well as an expansive back terrace. There are also Vitae Spirits craft rums, gins and liqueurs available to taste while there, and both massages in the vineyard as well as yoga and other programs amid the vines available seasonally.
Do not miss the vineyard’s small bites menu—especially anything served in a mason jar. The chef up there is one of the sneaky best in Arizona.
Less than a mile from Page Springs are both Oak Creek Vineyard and Javelina Leap. Nathalie and Gary Carruthers bought Oak Creek earlier this year with an eye to be what they call evolutionary not revolutionary in their approach to winemaking and entertaining guests. The vineyard is known for its live music on the weekends, and always has a lively party atmosphere.
Javelina is pretty squarely focused on red varietals, and only makes about 3,000 total cases of wine a year, making it super boutique.
Insider tip: Order a few of the bistro’s house-made truffles to go with your wine tasting. You will not be sorry.
Before heading back to Phoenix or en route to Cottonwood, be sure to stop at Alcantara, as well. This family-owned vineyard, which is focused on sustainable farming and offers nearly 20 varietals, not only boasts a massive deck overlooking the Verde River and its vines, but kayak tours before tasting. Don’t worry—the rapids are suitable even for beginners!
Old Town Cottonwood is just 15 minutes from the Page Springs vineyards or Alcantara. Upon arriving on the cozy Main Street (yes, that is its name), the best plan is to set up a home base at The Tavern Hotel, a historic building refurbished in recent years into one of Northern Arizona’s top accommodation options. They have deluxe rooms and luxury penthouses, all with free parking, access to a private pool, zero resort fees, free wi-fi, and “guests only” cards good for discounts all over town, including several of the wineries. If up for a special occasion, the reasonably priced 2,300-square-foot Tavern Hotel Penthouse is well worth it.
The Main Street of Cottonwood boasts several restaurants—notably Pizzeria Bocce, Crema Café (best brunch in Arizona), and Merkin Osteria.
And then there’s the wine.
At Burning Tree, there is lush patio furniture one might expect at a friend’s fancy pool party rather than at a winery. Directly across the street is Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, which has a lovely patio hidden behind its storefront. There are sips exclusive to the tasting room, as well as a full kitchen serving tapas, cheese plates, skewers—including duck, elk, and bison options—and even desserts.
A few doors down from Burning Tree and more or less kitty-corner from Stronghold are both Carlson Creek Vineyards and Pillsbury Wine Company. Each offers wine tasting flights, as well as locally made wines by the glass and bottle. Joining them along Main Street are also Winey 101, which features wines from the husband and wife winemaker owners; State Bar, an indoor-outdoor bar with yard games and both local wines and beers on tap; and Small Batch Wine & Spirits, a family-owned tasting room with both boutique wines and craft beers.