Are you a wine connoisseur? Maybe you know exactly what type of wine, brand, and year you love when it comes to finding the perfect Shiraz or cabernet Sauvignon. Or perhaps you know the right type of full-bodied wine to pair with a juicy steak, or the pristine glass of sparkling white wine to have with a light, white fish. Even if you don’t, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy going to a local winery, learning more about the process, and having a few sips (glasses) of wine along the way! We recommend going to the wineries around the Scottsdale area if you are visiting. It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit; wineries are open all year round to make for a fun full-day or half-day trip when you finish one of the many hiking trails or walk out of the Old Town Scottsdale shops. Let’s check out the top five wineries in the Scottsdale area that are must-visits during your stay in Arizona.
Merkin Vineyards
One of the most popular wineries in Scottsdale is Merkin Vineyards, a local winery that is perfectly nestled right in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale — you don’t even need to take a tour or hop in a car to get here, which is part of what makes it so exciting and accessible to anyone who visits this bustling town.
This down-home vineyard features wines that are made from the vines in Willcox and Verde Valley, a location that supplies the full-bodied wines to Merkin’s Old Town Scottsdale and Old Town Cottonwood locations. We recommend trying a few glasses of the Tarzan Spanish wine, Shinola Italian wine, and Chupacabra French wine. You can’t go wrong with any one of them!
Plus, if you feel that you have had a few glasses too many, Merkin offers dozens of small plates, full entrees, and shareables that are perfect for a variety of culinary palettes. We recommend getting the pane with hummus, preserve, thyme butter, and your choice of baked bread. Another popular shareable to have with the table is the large charcuterie board featuring meats and cheeses, nuts, spreads, and preserves. And not to mention, the pasta is divine! If you have spent a full day tasting wines, it might be time for something heavier. Try the Merkin mac and cheese with pancetta cream sauce and beet powder for a filling dinner.
LDV Winery
Another popular winery that is a stand-out among the rest is LDV Winery, a comfortable spot with outdoor seating that is within viewing of Merkin – making it the ideal second stop on your winery tour! Head here and choose from a flight of wine; we recommend getting the Premium LDV Red Wines for $16. LDV is one of the top spots to sit on a breezy summer evening as you people watch visitors in Old Town Scottsdale.
Aridus Wine Company
Aridus is a bustling winery located in Willcox, just a few minutes away from the area where they grow their grapes and make wine. This winery is one of the largest in Arizona, featuring a tasting room, multiple awards for their wine, and fair pricing. We recommend getting one of the flights of 5 wines for just $15 to see which one you like best – and then get a glass of it! One of our favorites is the Cabernet Franc paired with one of their small tapas plates.
Arizona Stronghold Vineyards
For those who don’t want to venture outside of downtown Scottsdale to visit another winery, Arizona Stronghold Vineyards is another strong choice. Head here to try one of their four different wine flights, starting at just under $!0 for a great bargain on some high-end wine. We recommend doing one of the flights or buying a $20 bottle of wine to split with the table. Pair the glass of red or white with one of their tapas plates or grilled veg or meat skewers on a hot summer evening.
Carlson Creek Vineyard
Last but not least, the Carlson Creek Vineyard is a rustic and laid-back vineyard that features multiple wooden wine barrels in the tasting room, making it feel like you are really in the heart of the winery! We recommend getting a flight of red or white wine for just $12, featuring the infamous Cabernet Sauvignon that has won multiple awards over the years. Plus, the Saniovese is another crowd pleaser that you can include on your flight. Head here and try the Spit Flight — a bargain flight for just $10!
Book Your Wine Tasting Journey
As you can see, Scottsdale has a wide variety of wines and vineyards that are sure to satisfy your palate. It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan of sweet white wines, or you would rather have a flight of dry red wines – there is something for everyone in Scottsdale. And when you stay in one of our properties from Scottsdale Rentals, you are only a few minutes away from some of the best wineries in the entire state.
