Arizona Wine Country
Yes… this is Arizona! You may think it’s Italy or Napa. However, it’s called the Verde Valley.
This area is becoming a popular area for new vineyards and wineries. It’s location has moderate temperatures year round… because it’s above the desert heat and below the cold of the high country.
Cottonwood, AZ located in this popular wine tasting area is becoming a destination of cute art galleries and boutiques… with Wine Tasting Rooms sprinkled throughout!
And yet it is still keeping its vintage feel…
I purchased a groupon and asked some friends if they would like to enjoy a day trip get away to enjoy a few wineries!
We started out at my house with Cinnamon rolls and mimosas out on the back patio. The weather was perfect! So were the cinnamon rolls!
Our patio was in bloom…
Then only and hour and 20 minutes north we were there! Main St. in Cottonwood!
Of course we did some shopping first. The following video is from one of the first boutiques that we went into… we really enjoyed it! (That’s me on the left.😊)
Then off to Stronghold Winery which is located on Main Street in Cottonwood. They offer a nicely priced Groupon for a cheeseboard and tastings.
We had a lovely time sitting outdoors on their patio. There were many delicious wines to choose from for our tastings. And their staff was well educated and explained each wine tasting thoroughly. Along with the cheeseboard we ordered a few light tapas. Gorgeous weather, wonderful friends, and a beautiful place… can’t ask for anything better.
But then the vineyards were calling us!
A short drive out of town and into the country… and there they were. The area is beautiful with young vineyards. And more wineries.
A vineyard with grapes beginning to grow for the season!
This path at Page Springs Cellars is covered with grapevines. This path takes you down to a picnic area high above Oak Creek Canyon and Oak Creek a tributary of the Verde River.
Wine was shared under the trees as we listened to the water flow down below.
The wine was delicious… but we were hungry so a short walk back up the covered path …we headed into the Bistro.
We all enjoyed a basket of their Truffle Kettle Chips… so delicious! Rich with truffle oil!
The wine ceased but the food began.
We ordered 2 Curry Chicken Salad sandwiches on a Croissant Squares that were shared between us and there was plenty. Salads accompanied the fabulous tasting sandwiches! Of course, desserts were ordered as well.
Because we were so enthralled by the rich tasting sandwiches and desserts… there were no pictures taken. Yikes!
J and R shared Pistachio Caramel Cheesecake which they said was amazingly delicious! D and I shared the Flourless Chocolate Torte and it was presented so beautifully. Strawberries soaked in Grand Marnier garnished the rich dessert. The combination was delightful! The strawberries took on a new and interesting texture and added to the chocolate torte… WOW! We enjoyed it very much.
Page Springs Cellars features Rhône Style wine.
Mostly Syrah, Petite Syrah, and Mourvèdre but their white wines were just as fabulous.
Page Springs Cellars also offers a Spa…
where individual and couple massages are available.
The Verde Valley Wine Consortium provides all the information you may need to know about the region and this link can also lead you to the Verde Valley Wine Tours that can be scheduled. Along with vineyard tours… festivals and events are planned throughout the year.
Where Should You Stay?
We made it a day trip from the Valley of the Sun. From our north Phoenix location it was a 1 hour and 20 minutes road trip to get to Cottonwood.
Visit Cottonwood Website lists many of the accommodations available including campgrounds.
I hope you can visit the area it’s such a fun area… sweet Man and I have visited several times. It’s also an antiquing destination.
Thank you so much for following us along on our Girls Get Away to the new Arizona Wine Country.
I want to leave you with the following video as J and I walk down the vine covered path at Page Springs Cellars.
Have you ever enjoyed a winery? I appreciate your lovely comments… please let me know.