Celebrate the September Grape Harvest in the Winemaking Region around Sedona!

The grape harvest is in full swing at Sedona area vineyards, and wine is on the mind of many. It may come as a surprise that the Verde Valley is home to so many wineries, but the hot days and cool nights of the high desert in central Arizona provide ideal conditions for growing grapes. In fact, the Verde Valley region has been compared to renowned winemaking regions in Greece, Italy, France, and Spain. It was the Spanish missionaries who began winemaking in Arizona in the 1700s, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that viticulture began to flourish in the state. Today, there are over 30 vintners cultivating grapes and more than 100 wineries, vineyards, and cellars proudly featuring Arizona-grown wines.

Here are a few ways to celebrate winemaking in the Verde Valley!

Many of the vineyards in the region are irrigated with water from the Verde River. Join us on a Sporty and Sweet one-hour guided kayak tour to explore the river and learn more about how its waters support agriculture, industry, recreation, wildlife, and the City of Phoenix.

Plan a weekend of wine festivities during Sedona Winefest September 28th and 29th. Featuring over 25 Arizona wineries, Sedona Winefest is a great way to taste the most varietals without having to travel all over the state.

Hop on the Verde Valley Wine Trail and visit 24 wineries, vineyards, and cellars in the towns of Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Cornville, Page Springs, Jerome, and Sedona. Download the map and get your passport stamped for a chance to win prizes!

Join our world-famous Classic Water to Wine Tour and kayak to a riverside vineyard and winery! Alcantara Vineyards was established in 2005 at the confluence of Oak Creek and the Verde River and helped pioneer winemaking in the region. If you like whites, try their Viognier.