Verde Valley AVA - winedorlust-com.preview-domain.com

This is a hidden gem, right outside of Sedona! Verde Valley is a delightful surprise on the outskirts of the red rocks of Arizona, full of tasting rooms, wineries, and restaurants. Highly recommended for those visiting Sedona or Flagstaff! Also, you might be able to book a tour that visits some of the wineries in the area. So, you will not have to worry about drinking and driving!

Number of wineries: 25
Popular varietals: Malvasia Bianca, Viognier, Chardonnay, Vermentino, Seyval Blanc, Picpoul Blanc, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Tannat, and Barbera
Average cost of wine tastings: $15-$40 per person
Average cost of hotels: $100-$500 a night
Cool things to do outside of wine: Jerome, Sedona, Flagstaff, and the Grand Canyon
Average temperature by season:
- winter: 25°F – 65°F
- spring: 33°F – 88°F
- summer: 53°F – 101°F
- fall: 32°F – 92°F
Location: About 2 hours from Phoenix and Scottsdale, about 25 minutes from Sedona, and about 1 hour from Flagstaff
- https://vvwinetrail.com/printable-trail-map/

This is a very unique winery; in fact, it is a viticultural and enology college with award-winning student produced wines! For a wine tasting, reservations will need to be made in advance. Otherwise, you can enjoy a glass of wine with an incredible view from their patio. A major perk of the wine tasting is they walk you through how each wine was crafted and share knowledge about winemaking. Therefore, this is a wonderful place to build your repertoire of wine varietals and the wine industry in general!

Wine Tasting Cost: $15-$20 per person
Year Established: 2015
Owner(s): Yavapai College
Website: https://www.southwestwinecenter.com/wine-tasting-room/
Address: 601 Black Hills Drive, Building O, Clarkdale, AZ 86324

Overall Rating: 9/10

1. Accessibility – how easy is it to get to this winery for out of towners: 7/10

2. Atmosphere – does this winery have a great vibe: 9/10

3. Wine – how does the wine actually taste: 8/10

4. Bonus points – is there something unique about this winery (attractions, one of a kind tasting experience, picturesque location, excellent wine food pairing, personalized experiences, etc.): 9/10

5. Customer Service – how well does the staff treat guests: 10/10

DA Ranch is like hanging out in a luxurious cabin on a large estate with a wraparound porch, peaceful and relaxing. It’s the perfect place to spend the afternoon! The staff is super friendly and laid back! There is also live music, creating a good vibe. They offer many wines made from grapes grown on the property with the namesake starting with ranch. I really enjoyed the Ranch Willow White, it was pleasantly fruity and floral with a hint of honey. If you’re searching for a ranch with wine, this would be a must stop for you!

Wine Tasting Options and Costs:
- Tastings and Tours: $25-$50
- Wine Library: https://daranch.com/wine-library/
Year Established: 2009
Owner(s): Petznick family
Website: https://daranch.com/
Address: 1900 Dancing Apache Rd, Cornville, AZ 86325

Overall Rating: 8/10

1. Accessibility – how easy is it to get to this winery for out of towners: 7/10

2. Atmosphere – does this winery have a great vibe: 8/10

3. Wine – how does the wine actually taste: 8/10

5. Customer Service – how well does the staff treat guests: 10/10