Sedona, Arizona is quickly becoming the Napa Valley of wine and vineyards. With newly planted vines in what was once a barren desert region, Sedona’s agricultural industry has seen exponential growth over just 50 years.
The high altitude yields perfectly ripe grapes with rich flavors perfect for syrahs, merlots, and even chardonnays – all popular varieties here because they can grow at this elevation so well.
Wine tastings are commonplace as people come from across the country to experience these new-world wines that have been taking Napa by storm.
Keep reading if you’re looking for some wineries not to miss on your visit while staying nearby.
Best Time To Visit The Wineries In Sedona
Sedona is famous for its picturesque red rock formations and scenic views. The best time to visit Sedona is between the months of March through May.
It is generally not too hot, but still warm enough that you can enjoy all the beautiful desert flowers in full bloom!
Hikers love this season as well because these colorful trails offer stunning photo ops perfect for any hiker’s Instagram feed.
Is Sedona A Wine Country?
Sedona is a tourist destination for wine lovers. Tucked away in the Arizona mountains, Sedona’s vineyards offer visitors an opportunity to taste some of America’s best wines right here where they’re made.
Are Sedona Wines Good?
Located in the Verde Valley, Sedona is a city famous for its red rock formations and spiritual vortexes.
Aside from these incredible sights, there’s also plenty of wine to discover and the bottles here tend to be particularly tasty. Explore some local vineyards along with countless others just outside this breathtaking destination.
What Types Of Wine Is Sedona Known For?
Touring wineries is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sedona, but it’s quickly gaining a reputation as one of Arizona’s most popular wine destinations.
The area has had time for its vines and soil to develop into prime conditions for growing grapes like Cabernet, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Syrah.
The climate and soil in Sedona also offer the chance of cultivating good and rich grapes.
House Mountain is rich in a variety of soil types. There are soils formed from red sandstone and limestone but there’s also basalt rock that gives way to different native soils.
Top Sedona Wineries
Sedona Best Wineries Map:
Winemaking is a popular thing in Arizona. It was started by Franciscan missionaries and people who had vineyards.
One of the earliest settlers in Sedona got the grape rolling here. What is so great about Sedona wineries is that they mostly are small production facilities.
They are passionate about their wines and every bottle is cared for with care. Local wines can be found at stores or restaurants throughout this area, too.
Arizona Stronghold Vineyards Tasting Room
- Address: 1023 N Main St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326
- Contact: (928)-639-2789
- Website: https://www.azstronghold.com/
Arizona Stronghold Vineyards is popular in Sedona for offering some of the best wines in the area as well as great customer service.
First of all, the hosts guide you around the winery through a flight of five fierce Arizona wines accompanied by yummy, reasonably priced small bites. Pairing your wine with their delicacy will definitely take the experience to the next level.
Secondly, the employees here are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. They have an amazing selection of wine, all at bargain prices.
Their most prestigious wines are their 19 Dala Chardonnay, 17 Dala Cabernet Sauvignon, 18 Dala Merlot, and their unmissable 14 Bonita Springs Cabernet Port.
Their wine tasting flights will set you back $10 for 5 wines which is very affordable, given the premium quality. Their tasting room is open from Sunday to Thursday from 12 to 7 PM and Friday and Saturday from 12 to 9 PM. In addition, you’ll have the chance to pair them with tapas for only $10 for 3 tapas.
While they do not offer common events such as weddings or festivals, they organize a very unique celebration every year – an exclusive palate training aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad.
Enjoy first-class train tickets, wine, and light snacks on our own private indoor/outdoor car. Tickets start at $175 for members of the club who receive discounted pricing based on their membership level.
Guests are tasked with arriving at Clarkdale’s Depot by 4:30 PM where they can enjoy a relaxed evening until 9:00 PM before making their way back home.
Javelina Leap Winery
- Address: 1565 N Page Springs Rd, Cornville, AZ 86325
- Contact: (928)-649-2681
- Website: http://www.javelinaleapwinery.com/
Javelina Leap Winery in the Verde Valley, Arizona is a family-operated business with award-winning wines dedicated to making their customers happy.
Not only can you find Javelina Leap wine at your local store but you will be able to visit them for tours and tastings.
For $18, you will be able to enjoy 5 wines of your choice out of their selection from their delicious Riesling, local and unique Tempranillo, and earthy Syrah. While it is certainly more pricey than most other wineries, you’ll have the option to drink the wines you personally choose.
You can pair your wine with their homemade specialty truffles for $3 or even the organic cheese for $3.
If wine isn’t really your thing then they offer other great delicacies such as their plateau of charcuterie for $14 or flatbread pizzas for $13.
Apart from that, they are able to organize private events such as ceremonies (weddings, parties, and more) at Mesquite Park.
They also rent out their restaurants and even the whole property to accommodate any party for a maximum of 80 people.
Needless to say, Javelina Leap Winery is one of the best wineries in Sedona and you should certainly stop by for a few memorable moments.
Caduceus Cellars
- Address: 158 Main St, Jerome, AZ 86331-9997
- Contact: (928)-649-9293
- Website: http://www.caduceus.org/
Caduceus Cellars is a small winery and they don’t have enough wine to sell in other countries. Also, only some of our wines are available for sale in other states.
For this reason, and because you purely can’t leave Sedona without tasting their wines, you should stop for an hour or so and enjoy the most sophisticated bottles.
Their best wines are their 2020 Shinola Orancia and Dos Ladrones made of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Malvasia Bianca.
They offer some incredibly unique blends that you won’t be able to find anywhere else such as:
- 2017 Primer Paso – Blend of 80% Syrah, 10% Garnacha, 5% Malvasia, and 5% Durif
- 2018 Anubis – Blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Durif, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Aglianico
Their tasting room is open every day all year long from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The staff will pour you 4 wines for $14 while telling you everything about their bottles and blends.
As mentioned previously, it is a small winery and they currently offer no events apart from their wine tasting sessions which will make you want to come back as soon as possible.
Page Spring Cellars
- Address: 1500 N Page Springs Rd, Cornville, AZ 86325
- Contact: (928)-639-3004
- Website: http://www.pagespringscellars.com/
Page Spring Cellars is another one of the top Sedona wineries that you shouldn’t miss at any cost.
They offer bottles that you won’t be able to find in any other state and that are unique to Arizona. Out of all their wines, we highly recommend giving a go to their 2019, Colibri Mourvèdre, Dos Padres Vermentino, and, above all, the 2018 House Mountain Pinot Noir.
Simply choose a flight of wine, sit back and let their expert pour. At Page Spring Cellars, a 5-taste flight is $12 plus you get to take home an awesome souvenir glass.
If you’re really up for something special, you will find their Reserve Flight sessions that include five specially selected limited edition wines.
They are open 365 days per year and offer their flights from Friday to Saturday. You’ll be able to join on Fridays and Sundays from 11 AM to 7 PM and on Saturdays from 11 AM to 9 PM.
Other than that, they organize live music shows and have an art gallery open to visitors. Unfortunately, both are now currently suspended due to the COVID regulations.
To sum up, Page Spring Cellars is one of the best wineries around Sedona that you must include in your itinerary.
Alcantara Vineyards & Winery
- Address: 3445 S Grapevine Way, Camp Verde, AZ 86322, United States
- Contact: (928)-649-8463
- Website: http://www.alcantaravineyard.com/
Alcantara Vineyards is a small, picturesque vineyard located in the heart of Arizona.
They offer an enjoyable day trip with many activities to enjoy including wines made from grapes grown and picked by hand all within their own family-owned property. This process has been passed down through generations for over 150 years.
The location has stunning scenery that will surely remind you of Tuscany and friendly staff who are knowledgeable about the wine-making process. This includes old-fashioned ways such as cultivating by hand or using specialized tools instead of tractors to pick grapes.
The regular wine tasting session will cost you $15 per person and includes 5 samples of your choice and each one of them is 1 Oz.
If you prefer a more exclusive experience, you can enjoy their V.I.P sessions for $20 which provides you the same selection of wines and size. However, in addition, you will receive a crystal glass with Alcantara Vineyards’ logo etched on it.
The winery also offers complimentary tours that show you the vineyard and tell you everything about trellising, irrigation, and grape-growing philosophy. The tour lasts for 1-1.5 hours, but this depends on how many people are there. These free tours take place every Friday and Saturday at 11.30 AM.
If one of your friends or group members isn’t a fan of wine, worry not. In fact, here at the winery, the kitchen prepares unique delicacies from cheese plates to hummus plates and more.
If you’re coming to the heart of Arizona’s wine country for your special occasion, you will be able to organize your wedding here.
Lastly, you will have the opportunity to treat yourself to a massage session with a wine and a cheese plater to indulge into. The cost of a massage at Alcantara Vineyards is $200 for 75 minutes and $225 for 90 minutes per person.
Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room & Osteria
- Address: 1001 N Main St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326
- Contact: (928)-639-1001
- Website: http://www.merkinvineyards.com/
Situated only 20 miles away from Sedona, Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room & Osteria is the perfect place for wine lovers to get a taste of great varieties.
Merkin Tasting Room & Osteria is a high-class, delicious, and original restaurant like you won’t find many around Sedona.
Apart from the food, you’ll have the chance to taste some of the best wines in Sedona county. You will be poured 3 white or rosé wines for $6 or 3 red wines for $10.
If you prefer to get a full glass, their wines’ prices vary from $2 for a small serving to $23 for a large one.
The best bottles you can find here are:
- Jane Pink – 100% Monestrell Rosé
- Shinola Orancia – 100% Malvasia Bianca
- Caduceus Nagual Del Marzo – 50% Sangiovese and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon
To sum up, Merkin Vineyards is one of the best wineries for wine tasting around Sedona.
Conclusion
The Sedona region is home to some of the most beautifully scenic vineyards in the country. With so many wineries and tasting rooms, it can be hard to know which one is worth your time.
This was the list of our favorites for you to explore on wine day if you’re an expert or just entered this world.
To conclude, you will certainly not be disappointed visiting these Sedona wineries and should therefore take the opportunity to enjoy the experience.