The Arizona wine industry is booming. In fact, according to Vinepair, Arizona ranks third in the United States for wine production by acreage. The climate and soil of the state are perfect for grapes to grow well, and many wineries have popped up all over Phoenix to take advantage of this opportunity. In this article, we will discuss our top 10 best wineries near Phoenix AZ that you should visit if you’re looking for a great tasting experience!
The History Wineries & Vineyards in Phoenix Arizona
The history of wineries in Phoenix Arizona is rich, with wine production reaching an all-time high during the 1800s. This was largely due to a settlement called New River, which lies several miles northwest of present-day Glendale. In 1866, New River became one of the first communities in Arizona Territory where grapes were planted and made into wine. Within ten years there were over 400 vineyards near this area alone! However, as time went on fewer people started using horses for transportation and more began using trains; grape harvesting declined significantly because it took too long to transport them via horseback or wagons (not able to hold enough product). Today we have many world-class wineries in the Phoenix area, with some of the best wines in Arizona. If you’re looking for some good wine that won’t break your budget then be sure to check out these top ten best wineries near Phoenix Arizona!
1. Merkin Vineyards | 7133 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale
It’s not every day that wine and Tool fans can share a passion. Yet, there is an Old Town Scottsdale outpost for this pairing in which you will find award-winning wares poured by winemaker Maynard James Keenan at his Merkin Vineyards ($2) or Caduceus Vineyards($4) vineyards to be enjoyed with innovative boutique wines like Chupacabra Bubbles made from Malvasia Bianca alongside Tarzan reds containing 100% Temprano grapes grown just down the road at Berceto DOCG controlled Vinifera Wines since 2006.
2. Carlson Creek Vineyard | 4142 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale
Arizona’s unique fruit is delivered fresh from the vineyards to a family-run winery. A $10 tasting fee will give you five samples and an opportunity for their signature glass, which can be enjoyed at any time or taken home as well! With sophisticated selections like Sweet Adeline Riesling in your Glasglow gallery of wines know what others find impressive about this joint – artisan cheeses, meats & nuts with olives make for great nosh boards too!
3. LDV Winery | 7134 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale
The perfect way to enjoy the beautiful Arizona sun is with a glass of wine. This winery specializes in Rhone single-varietals Viognier, Grenache, and Syrah as well as Petite Sirah which you can choose from three flight options ranging from $8-$16 for 3 or 5 wines representing their estate-grown grapes! If red isn’t your thing they also offer white cheese boards chocolate accouterments ($10-$20).
4. Salvatore Vineyards and Passion Cellars | 7064 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale
Choose between two flights that offer Arizona-made wines from both sister labels. The Salvatore menu ($25 for four or five pours, depending on what’s open) features the reserve wines suited for aging like Viognier and Cera a blend of Aglianico, Syrah & Merlot; Passion offers selections with options such as Sangiovese Rose (the La Neve), Malvasia Bianca + more! A three-cheese board w/ crackers are also available at this price point too.
5. Aridus Wine Company | 7173 E. Main St., Scottsdale
Grapes from the most famous wine regions in America are used to create Aridus’ award-winning wines. These deliciously juicy varieties include a Garnacha rose, Tank 19 blend of Chardonnay, and Malvasia Bianca as well as Montepulciano. Get five different types for only $10 or try one of their charcuterie boards which serve 1 – 2 people each ($12).
6. Garage-East | 3000 E. Ray Road, Gilbert
Dos Cabezas WineWorks, a unique winery located in Barnone with Todd and Kelly Bostock. Their wines are mouthwatering offerings that will have you coming back for more! Choose from 10 rotating flavors such as tempranillo or pinot gris on the menu while enjoying six pours at only $12.50 per sampling size which includes meat & cheese boards paired perfectly alongside sweet treats like pecan pie cobbler dipped in chocolate ganache frosting made by local pastry chef Tracy Dempsey Originals.
7. Winery 101 | 9299 W. Olive Ave., Suite 101, Peoria
Drop into the home of sister wineries Gallifant Cellars and SouthPaw Cellars for $10, get five pours. At both locations you can sample wines that are either lighthearted or more straightforward like Cabernet Sauvignon with its strong flavors complemented by Merlot grapes; Sangiovese- again very fruity smelling but also known as “The grape Of Tuscany” because it produces lovely red wine when fermented correctly! There’s an array of cheeses available too so visitors may want to stop at one location before continuing on their way.
8. GenuWine | 888 N. First Ave Suite 101, Phoenix
Arizona houses are known for their wines, and these 24 options from Callaghan Vineyards to Merkin vineyard have you covered. This tasting room has a self-service dispenser where guests can customize cheeseboards with crackers or meats for $1-$3 each! You’ll be able to sip on your favorite red wine while indulging in some local cuisine at the same time.
9. Sorso Wine Room | 15323 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
There are many ways to enjoy wine in this tasting room. You can choose from the list of 32 national and international wines, which range in price from $10-40 per glass, or buy one bottle for yourself! Pair your selections with an array of flatbreads (starting at 12 bucks), grilled cheeses ($12) & charcuterie boards featuring meats, cheeses nuts accompaniments like fig jam dried fruit olivesnuts-$4 each).
10. Down Time Wines | 393 W. Warner Road, Chandler
With more than 30 wines from around the globe, Basil’s lineup is sure to please any wine connoisseur. From spicy whites and reds in both sweet flavors like vanilla fig or raspberry white zinfandel to bolder options such as blackberry merlot with its hints of fruitiness balanced out by rich earth tones; there are plenty that will keep your taste buds guessing! The six pours ($15) option offers guests enough samples while still giving them room for pairing it up with one dish per plate if they’re feeling adventurous this weekend (try their delicious dishes at $18).
Phoenix is a marvelous place to visit, and it’s not just because of the weather. With so many wineries and vineyards in one city, there are plenty of opportunities for wine tasting tours or even an evening at a local restaurant with a wide selection from their cellar. In this article, we have highlighted some of our favorite places that you can visit on any day of the week! Read below about these locations and what they offer! You won’t be disappointed by your time exploring Arizona’s wineries & vineyards.
Phoenix, Arizona is blessed to be the center of many amazing wineries and wine-tasting locations. Here’s a shortlist of our favorites you should check out soon:
- Carlson Creek Vineyard
- Desert Rock Winery & Distillery
- Su Vino Winery
- Aridus Wine Company Tasting Room
- LDV Winery
- Salvatore Vineyards Tasting Room
- Merkin Vineyards Old Town Scottsdale
- Winery 101 Peoria
- Scale & Feather Meadery
All of these wonderful wineries are located just a short distance from our location located at 7319 North 16th Street in Phoenix, Arizona! Stop by for a visit anytime!
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