102 Roadrunner Drive
Sedona, AZ 86336-3710
Sedona, AZ 86336-3710
Move over, Napa. Step aside, Sonoma. Welcome to Arizona’s Verde Valley, a desert-meets-river oasis where volcanic soil, high-elevation sun, and a touch of red rock magic conspire to produce some of the Southwest’s most surprising wines.
Ready to skip the backstory and find a tasting room? Check out our blog on traveling the Verde Valley Wine Trail.
Although the Verde Valley was designated as Arizona’s third American Viticulture Area (AVA) in 2021, the modern wine industry in the Verde Valley began in 1997 when Jon Marcus started Echo Canyon Vineyard and Winery. More wineries soon followed - Page Springs Cellars, Javelina Leap, Oak Creek, and Arizona Stronghold Vineyards - and winemaking in the Verde Valley has been steadily growing (pun intended) ever since. Looking further into the past, winemaking in the Verde Valley and Arizona has an interesting history.
Many factors make the Verde Valley favorable for growing grapes. Volcanic soil (like Italy, Spain, parts of California), large limestone deposits (like Bordeaux and Rhone), elevation around 3,500ft/1,000m or more AMSL (like Uco Valley and Salta, Argentina), and the bright Arizona sun all contribute to growth.
Possibly the most significant factor supporting grape vineyards in the Verde Valley is the region’s diurnal shift. Diurnal shift is the term used to describe the difference between the high temperature during the day and cold temperature at night. In the Verde Valley, the difference in temperatures can be 30°F or more, which is similar to the temperature shifts found in Mendoza, Argentina. High temps during the day encourage sugar production in grapes and low temps at night preserve acidity, producing balanced flavors in the wine.
Arizona wineries offer a unique mix of white, red, and rosè wines that are similar to the old-world style of wines available in locations like Bordeaux and the Rhone Valley.
Grape vineyards are a perfect agricultural fit for Arizona. Grapes need very little water, second only to cannabis, and are better suited to the environment of the Verde Valley than other crops like hay or alfalfa. Additionally, vineyards always increase the value of surrounding property.
Winemaking and the propogation of vineyards have a secondary benefit, which is that they enhance the quality of life in local communities. Wine enthusiasts have other interests and seek them out when they travel. As a result, winemaking attracts other arts and artists like painters, sculptors, musicians, etc. A healthy winemaking industry contributes to a vibrant quality of life.
As described above, the combination of unique factors like soil, topography and climate contribute to the quality of Arizona and Verde Valley wines. In addition, Arizona wines have won various international awards in recent years, including Double Gold medals at competitions like the Decanter World Wine Awards and San Francisco International Wine Competition, where Sonoran Wines' 2018 Real de Terrenate and Javelina Leap Winery's 2012 100% Arizona Merlot earned significant recognition for their quality against global competitors. These successes highlight the growing international prestige of Arizona's wine region, demonstrating that its wines are competitive on a global scale.
There are two additional aspects of the Verde Valley AVA terroir worth considering when you plan to visit.
The first is the inspiring scenic beauty found in and around Sedona. The imposing presence of Sedona’s red rock spires serves as the perfect backdrop for enjoying a glass of local wine. Whether you’re sitting on the patio of a restaurant, the balcony of your hotel room, or standing at the bar of a nearby vineyard or tasting room, Sedona’s famous formations will elevate your experience, as much or more so than any place in Europe or elsewhere in the world. It’s like liquid landscapes in a bottle, expressing the unique personalities of the Arizonans who produce it.
The second factor, the foundation of everything else that makes Verde Valley wines great, is the people, the winemakers themselves. The passion and dedication needed to produce great Arizona wines is truly a lifestyle. Local vintners didn’t just move to the Verde Valley to make wine. They moved here because of the quality of life in Sedona and the Verde Valley is extraordinary. Once here, they adopted winemaking as their vocation and committed to the long game of establishing Arizona as a globally-recognized winemaking region. Make sure to introduce yourself to them when you travel the Verde Valley Wine Trail. You may be surprised by what you learn… and what you taste!
Take this advice from Paula Woolsey, President of the Verde Valley Wine Consortium:
“Trust your palate. When you drink Arizona wine, compare it to the Old World and not what you’d find in California or Oregon. Arizona wine is impeccable with food – so pair it!”
