Arizona Wine Country: The Desert's Best-Kept Secret
Most people don't associate Arizona with wine, and that's exactly what makes it such a delightful surprise. The state's two primary wine regions — Verde Valley (near Sedona) and Sonoita/Elgin (south of Tucson) — produce award-winning wines.
However, the best wineries are a 90-minute to 2-hour drive from Phoenix, and visiting multiple tasting rooms means someone has to stay sober behind the wheel.
As a result, a party bus wine tour solves everything. Your group rides together in luxury, the driver handles the scenic desert highways, and everyone can taste freely.
Fun Fact
Arizona is one of the fastest-growing wine regions in the United States, with over 120 wineries and tasting rooms statewide. The state's high-altitude vineyards (3,500–5,000+ feet) produce wines that have won medals at international competitions. The Verde Valley wine trail alone features over 25 tasting rooms within a 20-mile stretch.
Verde Valley Wine Trail (Near Sedona)
- Page Springs Cellars (Cornville): Arizona's most acclaimed winery with estate-grown Rhône varieties. Stunning creekside tasting patio.
- Javelina Leap Vineyard (Cornville): Small-production wines with a friendly, intimate atmosphere.
- Alcantara Vineyards (Cottonwood): Beautiful estate with gardens, a full restaurant, and excellent rosé.
- Burning Tree Cellars (Cottonwood): Cozy tasting room on Main Street with bold reds.
- Arizona Stronghold (Cottonwood): One of the state's largest producers with a spacious tasting room.
Sample Verde Valley Party Bus Wine Tour
- 9:00 AM: Depart Phoenix — enjoy coffee and pastries on the bus during the scenic drive
- 10:30 AM: Page Springs Cellars — first tasting with creekside views
- 12:00 PM: Javelina Leap — wine tasting and a light snack
- 1:00 PM: Alcantara Vineyards — lunch at the restaurant
- 3:00 PM: Arizona Stronghold or Burning Tree — final tasting
- 4:00 PM: Optional stop in Old Town Cottonwood or Jerome
- 5:00 PM: Depart for Phoenix — relax on the bus with your purchased bottles
Planning Tips
- Plan for a full-day rental (8–10 hours) to cover the drive and 3–4 wineries
- Make tasting room reservations in advance, especially for weekends
- Bring a cooler bag for wine purchases — we have storage space
- Pace yourselves with water and food between tastings
- Visit AZ Wine Month for special events and vineyard schedules
Ready to explore Arizona wine country? Get a free quote or call (480) 347-0743 and let us handle the driving. Also check out our brewery tour guide for a closer-to-home tasting experience.
