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.