Savor the Wine
Harvest time is the secret season in Cottonwood. It’s one of the best reasons to plan a fall visit for a rare look at how Arizona wine begins, following its story from vine to glass. Winegrowers typically pick the first grapes in August, while later-ripening varieties extend into late September for a brief but busy season at the vineyards. Together, these hands-on experiences invite you to slow your pace and savor the people and traditions behind each bottle.
Tour Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery & Trattoria’s barrel room, greenhouse, and onsite Galileo Block vineyard in Old Town Cottonwood. Or reserve Merkin’s Ventura Room for a more in-depth tour of the vineyard and production facility, followed by a guided wine tasting which includes rotating dishes featuring produce from its orchards and gardens.
Special seasonal events include the annual Verde Valley Wine Festival, Page Springs Cellars’ Harvest Estate Tour, Alcantara Vineyards’ grape stomps, and the end-of-season celebration for D.A. Ranch’s Harvest Weekend. You can also follow the Verde Valley Wine Trail to intimate wineries and tasting rooms across the region or book a guided wine tour with Cottonwood-based Sip Sedona Wine Tours or Taste of the Valley Tours.
Experience a different view aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad, which turns a scenic ride into a wine tasting, complete with curated pours and food pairings within vintage railcars. Along the journey, the canyon reveals soaring red rock walls, remote desert backcountry, ancient ruins, and the winding Verde River.
For a closer look at Arizona winemaking, stop by the Southwest Wine Center at Yavapai College. The public tasting room features student-crafted wines grown and made on the property, with a guided tasting option led by a student or graduate of the Viticulture and Enology program.
While you’re here, enjoy Cottonwood’s cooler fall temperatures along the Jail Trail River Walk, hiking lush river trails at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, visiting Tuzigoot National Monument, and other outdoor activities.
Explore lodging options for your Cottonwood harvest getaway.
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