The wine industry in Arizona is experiencing a boom. In fact, Arizona ranks third in the United States in terms of wine production per acre. The climate and soil in the state are ideal for good grape growth, and many wineries have sprung up throughout Phoenix to take advantage of this opportunity.
Keen to find out more? We’ve got the lowdown on Phoenix wineries, vineyards and so much more.
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The History Of Winemaking In Arizona
The history of Phoenix Arizona winemaking is rich, wine production has a long history since the 19th century. It was mainly due to a settlement called New River, a few miles northwest of present-day Glendale.
In 1866, the New River became one of the first communities in Arizona to grow grapes and turn them into wine. There have been more than 400 vineyards in the vicinity of this area for ten years! Over time, however, fewer people began using horses for transportation and more people began using trains. The harvest of grapes was considerably limited because their transport by horse or carriage took too long. Today, Arizona is home to many first-class wineries in Phoenix.
How Many Wineries Are In Phoenix?
There are over 120 licensed wineries in Phoenix Arizona, with around 60 making and bottling wines on their premises. This means that when it comes to looking for a great place to discover new wines, Phoenix is certainly the place to do so.
What Wine Is Phoenix Known For?
In addition to Phoenix, Willcox and Sonoita are some of the most abundant wine regions in Arizona, with their extensive valley farms producing nearly three-quarters of the state grapes for the award-winning Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and produce Merlot variants.
10 Of The Best Wineries Near Phoenix AZ
If you think a trip to Napa Valley is the only way to get your hands on good, local wine, well, I’m happy to tell you that you can get quality wine in our own backyard. Beers tend to get all the light, but Phoenix has many wineries that will satisfy every desire. Phoenix Wineries are set up just like the town itself and it’s easy to spend an afternoon chatting and tasting wines to choose your favourites.
The best part? Many wineries have a wine club where you can sign up for regular bottles of wine to keep the wine fridge full of supplies. Let’s take a look at some of our favourites.
1. Merkin Vineyards
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Wine and Tool fans can’t share their love every day. However, there is a base for this link in Old Town Scottsdale, where you can find Maynard James Keenan’s award-winning products at its Merkin Vineyards or Caduceus Vineyards which you can enjoy through new boutique wines such as Chupacabra Bubbles.
2. LDV Winery
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A great way to enjoy a wonderful Arizona day is with a glass of wine. This winery specialises in Rhône Viognier, Grenache and Syrah varieties, such as Petite Sirah. If red is not your thing, they also offer white cheese plates with chocolate.
3. Winery 101
Come to the home of the sister wineries Gallifant Cellars and SouthPaw Cellars. In both locations you can taste lighter or more straightforward wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon with a strong taste added to Merlot grapes; Sangiovese- also a very fruity aroma, but also known as the “Grapes of Tuscany”, because it produces a beautiful red wine when it is well fermented!
4. Salvatore Vineyards And Passion Cellars
Choose from two flights offering wines made in Arizona from two sister brands. Salvatore’s menu includes reserve wines suitable for the elderly, such as Viognier and Cera, a combination of Aglianico, Syrah and Merlot; Passion offers options with options like Sangiovese Rose (de La Neve), Malvasia Bianca and more!
5. Aridus Wine Company
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Grapes from America’s most famous wine regions are used to make the award-winning Aridus wines. These delicious juicy varieties include Garnacha roses, a mixture of Chardonnay Tank 19 and Malvasia Bianca, as well as Montepulciano.
6. GenuWine
Arizona homes are famous for their wines and these 24 options from Callaghan Vineyards to Merkin Vineyard will cover you. This tasting room has a self-service dispenser where guests can adjust a cheese board with crackers or meat for $ 1 to $ 3 apiece! You can sip your favourite red wine while brewing something locally.
7. Carlson Creek Vineyard
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Arizona’s unique fruit comes fresh from the vineyards to the family winery. With sophisticated selections like Sweet Adeline Riesling in your Glasglow wine gallery, you know what others are interested in – the craft cheese, meat and olive nuts also make great message boards!
8. Sorso Wine Shop
There are many ways to enjoy wine in this tasting room. You can choose from a list of 32 national and international wines. Pair your selection with an order for flatbreads, toasted cheese and cold cuts with meat, cheese side dish with nuts such as fig jam, dried fruit, and olives and nuts.
9. Garage-exit
Dos Cabezas WineWorks is a unique winery based in Barnton run by Todd and Kelly Bostock. Their wines are an amazing menu that will give you back! Choose from 10 rotating flavours, such as tempranillo or pinot gris, and enjoy six spills, which include plates of meat and cheese perfectly combined with sweet treats such as pecan cake dipped in chocolate ganache topping from a local pastry chef.
10. Down Time Wines
With more than 30 wines from around the world, this winery will delight every wine lover. From spicy white and red to two sweet flavours, such as vanilla fig or raspberry white zinfandel, to bolder varieties, such as merlot blackberry with hints of fruitiness balanced by rich earthy tones. There is a lot that can limit your taste for advice!
Put These Fabulous Phoenix Wineries On Your List
Phoenix is a unique place to visit, not least because of the weather. With so many wineries and vineyards in the city, there are plenty of opportunities for wine tasting or even dinner in a local restaurant with a large selection from its cellar.