If you weren’t aware that Arizona is home to some of the best grape-growing terrain in the U.S. – and over 100 wineries – now you know. Escape to one of these nearby vineyards this January to discover your new favorite wine.
Waggin’ Vineyard & Estate
Nestled on the hillside two hours east of Peoria, take a trip to Waggin’ Vineyard & Estate in Globe, Arizona. Bring your own pooch – unsurprisingly, the winery is pet-friendly. Or visit the vineyard’s furry friends! Waggin’ is home to donkeys, alpacas, pygmy goats, and more.
While you’re there, enjoy reds like Globe’s Tempting Adam cab, whites like the Gate’s Open blend, and light bites like Sancho’s Nachos in their indoor tasting room or on their outdoor terrace overlooking the grapevines. Waggin’ hosts live music regularly and plans to begin hosting brunch on Sundays in 2022.
Location: 1540 E South St., Globe, AZ 85501
Hours: Sunday, 11 AM - 5 PM; Thursday, 11 AM - 5 PM, Friday-Saturday, 11 AM - 9 PM
Del Rio Springs Vineyard
Vineyard vets Rick and Maricor Skladzien began growing grapes in Chino Valley in 2009. Dubbed the new Napa Valley, its geography and climate attracted the couple to the region – and the rest is history.
Del Rio Springs Vineyard’s harvest has expanded each year, and the owners finally opened a tasting room in Prescott in 2020. Located just around the corner from Whiskey Row, the Del Rio Springs Vineyard Tasting Room is well worth making a pitstop off the historic city’s main drag.
Location: Old Firehouse Plaza, 220 W Goodwin St., Suite 2, Prescott, AZ 86303
Hours: Friday-Saturday, 1-6 PM; Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday, 1-5 PM
Chateau Tumbleweed
A fan favorite in the wine-famous Verde Valley, Chateau Tumbleweed is a highly rated winery in Clarkdale. Located just outside Cottonwood, the Chateau was founded by four friends with over 30 years of collective experience in the industry.
Chateau Tumbleweed proudly sources its grapes from over a dozen vineyards in the southeast and northern parts of the state and has been serving up flights, glasses, and bottles – plus “bento boxes” of meat, cheese, and crackers – since 2014. Sip reds, whites, rosés, and high-end “magnum” limited releases in their indoor tasting room or on their scenic outdoor patio while enjoying panoramic views of the Verde Valley.
Location: 1151 West State Route 89A, Clarkdale, AZ
Hours: Daily, 12-7 PM, with reservation
To find out more about adventures and activities close to home, visit the Ocio Plaza Del Rio blog.