Verde Valley Wine Trail
Tasting rooms in Cottonwood's Old Town, vineyards at Page Springs, the artsy hill town of Jerome, and a scenic railroad through the canyon — Arizona wine country is two hours from Phoenix.
The Verde Valley, between Phoenix and Sedona, is the heart of Arizona's wine country. Its mile-high elevation and warm days with cool nights suit grape-growing, and a cluster of small wineries and tasting rooms has turned the area into a genuine wine-touring destination over the past two decades.
Old Town Cottonwood is the easy base: a walkable Main Street lined with tasting rooms where you can sample several Arizona producers on foot. Page Springs and Cornville, just outside town, hold the vineyards and estate wineries along Oak Creek, while the old copper-mining town of Jerome — clinging to Cleopatra Hill above the valley — adds historic tasting rooms, galleries, and sweeping views.
The scenic Verde Canyon Railroad rounds out a visit, running vintage train trips out of Clarkdale through a roadless red-rock canyon along the Verde River, with wildlife and old-West scenery from open-air cars. Many visitors string Cottonwood, Page Springs, and Jerome together, and pair the area with nearby Sedona.
Common questions
Where do I start?
Old Town Cottonwood is the most walkable base — several Arizona tasting rooms line Main Street within a few blocks. From there, drive out to the Page Springs/Cornville vineyards and up to Jerome for historic tasting rooms and views.
How does the Verde Canyon Railroad fit in?
The Verde Canyon Railroad runs vintage scenic train trips from Clarkdale (next to Cottonwood) through a roadless canyon along the Verde River, with open-air viewing cars. It's a relaxed half-day and a great non-driving complement to wine tasting — book the train ahead.
How long do I need, and should I stay over?
It's a long but doable day trip from Phoenix (about two hours each way), though many make it an overnight, especially when combining it with Sedona. An overnight also lets you taste without worrying about the drive home.
Any tips for tasting responsibly?
Use a designated driver or a local tasting-trail shuttle/tour, since the tasting rooms are spread across several towns and mountain roads. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable weather; check tasting-room days and hours before you go, as many keep limited schedules.
Upcoming verde valley wine trail events
Verde Valley Wine Trail guides
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