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31 January 2022
The state of Arizona is well renowned for its dry desert climate, the Grand Canyon, and the red rocks of Sedona, so that’s why most visitors come for adventure. A relaxing night of wine tasting and soft music may not be what you had in mind for your Arizona getaway, but it’s a must-do while you’re here.
Arizona has over 60 wineries and dozens of vineyards. Don’t settle for anything less than the best wine tasting experiences in the state:
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Charron Vineyards is one of the oldest vineyards in Arizona which is nestled at a 4,200 elevation only 30 minutes away from Tuscana. A friendly and courteous staff will bring a selection of great wines to your table at Charron Vineyards. If the weather is warm enough, try a wine slushie or one of their sweet wines. They are known in the area for their dry and white merlots. There are over 16 different wines to choose from, so you can likely find what you are looking for.
2. Arizona Stronghold Vineyards
This place will definitely make you want to stay longer because of its amazing ambiance and decadent food. They serve gourmet cold cuts and cheeses along with your choice of wine. Wild and fierce Arizona terrain is evident in the wines of Arizona Stronghold Vineyards. Using the landscape of Arizona to create unique and prized wines that compliment any occasion or collection, they are pioneers and farmers first. Every harvest is meticulously tended to year after year, and every blend and wine is treated as an individual. All winemaking endeavors begin with high-quality fruit. With Arizona Stronghold’s amazing Site Archive wines and their signature regional blends, their wines showcase the uniqueness of the southwest highlands. Various grape varietals are grown near Willcox, Arizona, at their Bonita Springs Vineyard and fruit sourced from other local vineyards.
3. Dos Cabezas Wineworks
If a hall-of-famer is what you’re looking for, then the Dos Cabezas Wineworks is the place to be. They produced a 2009 El Campo which was named among the top 100 wines back in 2012. Dos Cabezas WineWorks has been growing grapes and producing wine in southern Arizona since 1995. Located in Kansas Settlement, the winery and 80 acres of vineyard were pioneered by Al Buhl. Todd Bostock joined the team in 2002, and by the end of 2006, the Bostock family had taken over operations of the winery and it was moved to Sonoita. Pronghorn Vineyard in Sonoita and Cimarron Vineyard in the Kansas Settlement provide the winery with distinctive, high-quality fruit.
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A soil scientist named Dr. Gordon Dutt from the University of Arizona visited the Sonoita area in the mid-1970s after helping farmers in Yuma deal with a plant disease. When he found out that there were no wineries in the state, he earned a grant and, after extensive research, founded the winery Sonoita Vineyards. The area has flourished ever since, planting in a place with such good soil – it is very similar to the soil composition in Burgundy, France. When you find yourself in the mood for a wine tour while in the Sonoita Valley area, visit Arizona Hops and Vines and you won’t be disappointed. You can enjoy their delicious cuisines and visit their brand new brewery too.
5. Page Springs Cellars
Page Springs Cellars is always buzzing with people—that’s how popular their wine is. But we assure you your wait will be worth it once you get a taste of their fine drinks accompanied by decadent cheeses. Their wines reflect the high desert characteristics of the Arizona landscape at Page Springs Cellars. From grape to bottle, their process is infused with the belief that growing grapes, making wine, and raising a glass cultivate friendships and unite communities.
Arizona is slowly positioning itself as one of the top wine-tasting destinations in the United States. Don’t wait until their waiting lists are too long to accommodate you before deciding to give it a shot. Don’t forget to treat yourself to some good wine from one of the top places above the next time you visit the Grand Canyon in Arizona.
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