| It's a fact. Most people do not think of wineries in | | | | views the Arizona region as a replication of the |
| Arizona. Most people think of the Grand Canyon, | | | | area located in Paso Robles, California. |
| the beautiful Sonoran desert and maybe more | | | | Some of the most notable wines can be found in |
| desert. Wine making does not likely enter the | | | | Arizona and include Cabernet Sauvignon, |
| mind of most people when they think of the | | | | Chardonnay, Grenache, Merlot, Mourvedre/Mataro, |
| desert southwest. | | | | Riesling, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah |
| Those who truly know and understand Arizona | | | | Shiraz, and Zinfandel. |
| know that that wineries in Arizona really are very | | | | While there may be more wineries in California as |
| much a part of the desert southwest. There are | | | | well as other parts of the world, there are some |
| many vineyards and wineries throughout the | | | | very nice benefits that you will discover while |
| state of Arizona so don't be too concerned about | | | | exploring wineries in Arizona. The grapes are |
| being too far away from the nearest location if | | | | grown on mineral rich organic soil which is the |
| you would like to access one of these vineyards. | | | | perfect recipe for producing some of the most |
| Most vineyard sites in Arizona are located in the | | | | award winning wines. |
| southeast corner of the state, but you will be able | | | | One of the first things you will probably appreciate |
| to find vineyards literally throughout the state | | | | right away is the fact that you will not have to |
| with no problem whatsoever. | | | | deal with the infamous crowds as with other |
| If you happen to visit the world-wide known | | | | wineries that you may have visited. |
| Sedona area, you will also find several vineyards | | | | A good piece of advice is to remember that you |
| to suit your wine-tasting taste buds throughout | | | | should call ahead at least several days in advance |
| the beautiful red rock area that surrounds the | | | | instead of just showing up. Be advised that many |
| area. There you will also find tours and scheduled | | | | of these wineries in AZ offer tours throughout |
| taste testings several times throughout the week | | | | the week by appointment only so it is |
| for your convenience. Some of these vineyards | | | | recommended that you call ahead to confirm |
| are situated a short 10 minute drive from the | | | | your tour. |
| Sedona valley. | | | | Arizona's wine country is the choice of many wine |
| If you are fortunate enough to take a trip to the | | | | lovers because it is closer to home and less |
| Southern Trail of Arizona wine country, you will | | | | expensive than other vineyards. |
| want to make sure you visit the local vineyards | | | | In the past, Arizona grapes were actually sold to |
| that have put Arizona on the wine making map | | | | wine makers who lived out of state. Fortunately, |
| list. | | | | that has changed however. The state of Arizona |
| Some of the wines that are produced in this area | | | | could not be happier to be mentioned with other |
| have been honored nationally and internationally, | | | | famous wineries outside the state! |
| even by the usually less than impressed French | | | | Although you will find locations that take part in |
| media. The southeast Trail is also the home to | | | | wine making, Arizona's primary wine country is |
| the "Island in the Sky," which is a wonderfully | | | | considered to be about a three-hour drive that is |
| unique and spiritual area. If you travel there, you | | | | located south of the Phoenix metropolitan area. |
| will be able to discover the famous red rock | | | | The area is reportedly ideal for wine making and |
| formations that provide you with breathtaking | | | | consists of desert grasslands surrounded by |
| views that will blow you away. | | | | approximately 5,000 feet in elevation. Many |
| According to the Arizona Wine Grower's | | | | appreciate the cooler weather, too. It is |
| Association, the climate and soil studies have | | | | considerably cooler, boasting summer |
| shown that the desert in the state resembles the | | | | temperatures that are approximately 10 to 15 |
| region that is similar to Ribera Del Duero, | | | | degrees cooler than Tucson. The nights offer |
| Southeastern Australia, Spain, and also Southern | | | | wine makers the cooler nights that are the ripe |
| France. The Arizona Grower's Association also | | | | element needed for these great tasting wines. |