The Scottsdale Wine Trail: A Journey Through Arizona's Best Wines
Location: Old Town Scottsdale
What: Self-guided wine tour to 5 or 6 different tasting rooms showcasing Arizona wines.
Vibe: Chill. You can dress casually and wander to whichever ones you want. No need to be super planned unless you dig that sort of thing.
Distance: Total length of the Trail is .6 miles. The walking is minimal and even a little nice after some tastings. The distance between tasting rooms is just a short walk with many shops you can poke your head into in between.
The Passport: Grab a passport for $5, which they will stamp at each location. The passport gets you $2 off tastings. Also, a nice little souvenir showing you’re such a good drinker.
LINKS:
If you’re a wine enthusiast or just like to drink wine, because wine, the Scottsdale Wine Trail in Old Town Scottsdale is a fun way to get a sense of the wines that Arizona produces. This self-guided tour offers an opportunity to experience Arizona wines across six tasting rooms. Each stop on the trail provides a unique glimpse into the craftsmanship and passion that define Arizona’s burgeoning wine industry.
What is the Scottsdale Wine Trail?
Olives with blue cheese and the mixed white/rose/red tasting at Arizona Stronghold
The Scottsdale Wine Trail is a curated collection of six wine tasting rooms located in Old Town Scottsdale. This self-guided tour allows visitors to explore at their own pace, sampling a variety of wines that highlight the distinctive terroirs of Arizona. The trail is perfect for both seasoned wine aficionados and those new to the world of wine, offering an approachable yet sophisticated tasting experience.
The Six Tasting Rooms
Aridus Wine Company: Known for its innovative winemaking techniques and commitment to sustainability, Aridus Wine Company offers a diverse selection of wines. Their tasting room features a modern, inviting atmosphere where visitors can enjoy a range of varietals from crisp whites to robust reds.
Arizona Stronghold Vineyards: This tasting room features a blend of rustic charm and modern elegance, providing a perfect setting for enjoying a diverse selection of red, white, and rosé wines. Knowledgeable staff guide visitors through curated tasting flights and pairings. Try the chocolate pairing! The charcuterie boards look good, too.
Carlson Creek Vineyard: This family-owned vineyard brings a touch of rustic charm to the trail. Carlson Creek Vineyard is renowned for its Rhône-style wines and offers a cozy tasting room where guests can savor the flavors of Arizona’s high desert.
LDV Winery: LDV Winery’s tasting room showcases the bold and distinctive wines produced from their estate vineyards in the Chiricahua Mountain foothills. Visitors can expect rich, full-bodied reds and elegant whites, all crafted with meticulous attention to detail.
Merkin Vineyards: (temporarily closed, looking for a new space) Owned by rock star turned winemaker Maynard James Keenan, Merkin Vineyards offers a unique tasting experience. The tasting room highlights Keenan’s commitment to producing high-quality, locally sourced wines, with a focus on Italian and Rhône varietals.
Salvatore Vineyards: Salvatore Vineyards prides itself on producing limited-edition wines that reflect the unique characteristics of Arizona’s terroir. Their tasting room provides an intimate setting to explore these carefully crafted wines, from elegant whites to complex reds.
The Wine Collective of Scottsdale: Cool spot that brings together a great selection of Arizona wines, so you can taste a bunch of different local varietals all in one place. The vibe is stylish yet relaxed. They also host fun events like wine and food pairings, sensory tastings and live music, making it a perfect place to chill and enjoy some excellent wines.
Tips for Enjoying the Scottsdale Wine Trail
Plan Your Route: We started at the “top” of the map at LVD. We went to 3 on our first go at the Trail and tasted 3-4 at LVD, 4-6 at AZ Stronghold and 6 at Carlson Creek. While I do like to “win” and wanted to get to all of the stops, it just wasn’t happening. Unfortunately, I’ll be forced to go back and do the rest another time. Darn.
Stay Hydrated and Snack: Water is available at each tasting room. Some also have snacks such as olives and charcuterie boards available. No need to also do lunch.
Take Notes: Bring a notebook or use a wine app to jot down your thoughts on each wine you taste if that matters to you. This will help you remember your favorites and learn more about your wine preferences.
Take an Uber: No way we were driving after just 3 locations.
Why Visit the Scottsdale Wine Trail?
The Scottsdale Wine Trail offers a unique opportunity to discover the growing wine scene in Arizona. The actual vineyards are hours away, so this is a great way to get to know them all in one location. Each tasting room provides a different perspective on winemaking, showcasing the versatility and quality of Arizona wines.
The Wine Trail Passport, about to be broken in.
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