It is a little surprising that the state of Arizona offers some delicious and beautiful wineries. There are places down south and up north that is easy to get to from the Valley. So pack your bags and head to these vineyards to taste some homegrown wine.
Zarpara Vineyard
Zarpara Vineyard is about 15 miles south of the southern town of Wilcox. The winery has a beautiful outdoor terrace where guests can enjoy a picnic while sipping wine and gazing at the beautiful desert view. The winery and tasting room have been opened since 2012 and is just getting started. They offer many types of wines but the following sparked my interest.
– Viognier 2013- a classic blend of florals and fruit
– Mosaico – a red with a Super-Tuscan blend
– Zinfandel 2012 – traditional zinfandel that is bold with black currant
Check out more of their wines at their website.
Arizona Stronghold Winery
Arizona Stronghold Winery is one of the most popular wineries in Northern Arizona. It is in a beautiful location that is home to some really delicious wine. It was founded in 2007 to help put Arizona on the wine map. They believe that wine doesn’t have to be expensive and offers a great experience. The tasting room in Cottonwood is only a short drive from the Valley and worth the trip. The 2011 ASV Dala Chardonnay is a true, 100% chardonnay. It is one of the best wines for the price that I have had. Also, the 2013 ASV Nachise is a great choice. It is a unique blend of blackberries, mint and juniper. It also has a hint of oak and a long finish.
Check out full list of wines at their website.
Sonoita Vineyards
Sonoita Vineyards is an award winning winery in Southern Arizona. It was founded in 1983 and offers all types of wine from crisp and fruity to bold and smooth. It happens to be the oldest commercial winery in Arizona with over 50 acres of vineyard. It is located in the town of Elgin, just south of Tucson. The vineyard offers views of beautiful grasslands and a great experience. They offer a sweet wine that has a hint of peach called Sparkles Peach. It is a great dessert wine. They also have a Pinot Noir that is rich and full of black cherry and raspberry. This one is extremely delicious and a typical dry red wine with a fruity taste. The Angel Wings is a wine made of nectarines and apple. It is a light, crisp white wine that goes great with cheese and fruit.
More information can be found at their website.
Categories: Arizona, Food & Drink