Rich in history, culture, and opportunity for outdoor exploration, Sedona is a vacation destination perfect for families, adventure seekers, or even a couple’s retreat. While most people wouldn’t think of Sedona as a wine destination like Napa Valley, California or Champagne, Italy, winemaking in Arizona dates back to the 17th century. There are many Sedona wineries we suggest you visit!
In the last 10 years, winemaking in the Verde Valley has been “rediscovered” by winemakers (or vintners) who have set up shop in Sedona to take advantage of the ideal climate and nutrient-rich soil. Sedona wineries tend to be smaller than most traditional wineries, and are owned by locals. This gives the Sedona wine scene a very unique vibe, and allows you to get up close and personal with the various producers. You can literally visit a bottling site to see how the grapes are grown, transformed into wine, bottled, and taste some of the finished product for yourself.
Sedona’s winemakers have teamed up to create a “Wine Passport” program and also established the Verde Valley Wine Trail, a collection of Sedona wineries that each have something unique to offer. So how do you choose between so many great wineries while you’re in Sedona? We’ve put together a list of our top 4 favorite Sedona wineries or tours, and what makes each so great.
Courtesy of Alcantara Vineyards and Winery
Alcantara Vineyards is located about 30 minutes southwest of Sedona in Camp Verde, Arizona. With sprawling acres of vineyards, delicious food, its own private beach, and of course, incredible wine, Alcantara Vineyards is a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast or aspiring wine connoisseur. They offer several options for tours, but we recommend the Water to Wine Kayaking Tour.
This tour starts with a few relaxing hours spent floating and paddling down the Verde River before arriving at your final destination, the private beach at Alcantara Vineyards, where you can sit on the lawn, drink incredible wine, and taste delectable food. If kayaking isn’t your thing, Alcantara Vineyards also offers complimentary winery tours, and there’s even the option to get a massage in the vineyard.
Check out their website for more information.
Wine Tours of Sedona
If you’re a wine, craft beer, or chocolate enthusiast looking to experience the best that Sedona has to offer, look no further than Wine Tours of Sedona. From date night wine & dinner tours, an afternoon spent hopping around wineries, breweries & chocolate shops, to totally custom wine tours tailored to your palate and desired experience; the opportunities for fun and adventure are endless.
While there are plenty of tours to choose from, we recommend the Raw Chocolate Tour. This five hour tour includes several stops, the first being Decanter Wine Tasting Room in the Village of Oak Creek for a wine flight and charcuterie platter. From there, you head north into Sedona to stop at several other tasting rooms depending on your wine preference. You’ll also stop for raw artisan handmade chocolate, more wine, and even a brewery for some craft beer.
Check out their website for more information.
Courtesy of Winery 1912
It can be hard to choose among Sedona’s many fantastic wineries, but Winery 1912 is a true shining star. Serving Spanish and Iberian varietals grown at the nearby Dragoon Mountain Vineyard, Winery 1912 offers delectable wine made right here in Arizona, with grapes grown here as well. Dragoon Mountain Vineyard is located nearby in Willcox, Arizona, and is set close to the same paths used by the early Spanish monks who established the region’s very first vineyards some 500 years ago.
While you can’t go wrong with any of the varieties offered at Winery 1912, we recommend you try the Sonroja sweet rose if you’re into whites, and the Cresta Roja if you’re more of a red drinker. Winery 1912 also offers beautiful views of the red rock landscape and mountains, making it an amazing experience all around, and a must-see if you’re visiting Sedona.
Check out their website for more information.
Courtesy of Decanter Tasting Room
Though it is included in the Wine Tours of Sedona Raw Chocolate Tour, we couldn’t help but give the Decanter Tasting Room its own spot on our list. Showcasing wine varieties from all over the world, Decanter Tasting Room offers an impressive collection of Arizona reds and whites from Willcox, Camp Verde, Cottonwood, and other famous Sedona wine regions.
Choose from their expansive wine menu consisting of hundreds of different varieties and makers, and order one of Sedona’s best charcuterie boards to go with it. Decanter Tasting Room’s panini menu offers delectable sandwiches that pair well with their wine, if you’re hungry for a full meal. If someone in your group isn’t a big fan of wine, they have a great beer program as well, offering local and imported beer in bottles, cans, and on draft.
Check out their website for more information.
We hope you enjoy our favorite spots for wine and winery tours here in Sedona. I Love Sedona offers unique Sedona vacation rentals that are conveniently located in Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek for groups of all shapes and sizes. If you need any help booking your Sedona vacation, please don’t hesitate to contact us, or call our reservation staff directly.
