7 Must-Visit Cottonwood Wineries in Arizona’s Verde Valley

If you’re looking for a wine-tasting getaway that blends small-town charm with world-class Arizona wine, Cottonwood is the place to be. This desert gem in the Verde Valley AVA is home to a walkable cluster of wineries, tasting rooms, and vineyard views that rival bigger wine regions – without the crowds or pretense.

Old Town Cottonwood is often called “Arizona’s Napa Valley,” and once you sip your way down Main Street, you’ll understand why. From bold reds at Arizona Stronghold to scenic tastings at Merkin Vineyards, every stop celebrates local craftsmanship and the spirit of Arizona wine country.

Whether you’re day-tripping from Sedona or planning a full weekend, these Cottonwood wineries deliver a perfect mix of great wine, friendly people, and laid-back Verde Valley vibes.

Short on Time? Here are the key takeaways:

• Old Town Cottonwood is the heart of Arizona’s wine scene with seven wineries all within walking distance.
• Most wineries feature grapes grown in Willcox or the Verde Valley AVA – local flavor in every glass.
• Merkin Vineyards and Arizona Stronghold are must-visits for iconic Arizona wines.
• DA Vines Vineyards was voted Best Winery in the Verde Valley and Best Live Music Venue in 2025.
• Several wineries are a quick drive away in Clarkdale, making it easy to expand your tasting adventure.
• Don’t forget to download the Wine Trail Passport for discounts and rewards as you sip your way through the Verde Valley.

This post was originally published in January 2021, and was updated on October 30, 2025.

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Map of Cottonwood wineries

Before you start sipping, use the map below to plan your wine tasting route through Old Town Cottonwood and the surrounding Verde Valley Wine Trail.

Best Cottonwood Wineries in Arizona (Old Town Guide)

Looking at the map above, you’ll see that several Cottonwood wineries and tasting rooms are located within just a tenth of a mile of each other – making it one of the most walkable wine towns in Arizona.

That’s why Old Town Cottonwood is often called “Arizona’s Napa Valley.”

And it’s not just about quantity. The winemakers here are producing award-winning wines that rival bottles from some of the country’s best regions. With beautiful tasting rooms, approachable prices, and friendly winemakers, Cottonwood is the heart of the Verde Valley Wine Trail and one of the top wine destinations in Arizona.

1. Arizona Stronghold Vineyards

• Hours:
  • Sunday – Tuesday: 12 PM – 6 PM
    Wednesday – Thursday: 12 PM – 7 PM
    Friday & Saturday: 12 PM – 8 PM
• Food Available: Small bites and cheese plates
• Reservations Required: No
• Average Price per Tasting: $12–$18
• Good to Know: Often hosts live music and local art events

Arizona Stronghold Vineyards was founded in the late 2000s and has become one of the most popular wineries in Cottonwood – and one of the best-selling in the entire state.

They’ve earned a loyal following by keeping wine approachable and unpretentious. Most of their grapes come from their Willcox vineyards and are produced in their Camp Verde facility, just 25 minutes south of Cottonwood.

Their Old Town tasting room features multiple flight options: white, combo, or red-focused tastings. We recommend the Dala Cabernet Sauvignon (an incredible value around $20 a bottle), the Nachise GSM blend, and the Lozen, a bold Merlot–Cabernet–Malbec blend.

You can also enjoy a glass on their outdoor patio or order from their kitchen menu of tapas and grilled skewers – a perfect pairing after a few flights.

2. Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room & Trattoria

• Hours:
  • Sunday: 11 AM – 8 PM
  • Monday – Thursday: 11 AM – 9 PM
  • Friday & Saturday: 11 AM – 10 PM
• Food Available: Full kitchen and bar
• Reservations Required: Only for groups of 8+
• Average Price per Tasting: $15–$25
• Good to Know: Best views in Cottonwood with 270° valley panoramas

Perched on a hill overlooking Old Town, Merkin Vineyards is one of the most impressive new additions to the Cottonwood wine scene, opening in October 2023.

Surrounded by four acres of vines and boasting panoramic views of the Verde Valley, it’s a true “Old World meets Arizona” experience. The Merkin brand, part of the Caduceus Cellars family, is known for its “Farm to Table, Vines to Glass” philosophy – sourcing ingredients from Arizona farms and using estate-grown grapes from both the Verde Valley and Willcox.

They produce three distinct wine lines:

• Chupacabra – French varietals
• Shinola – Italian varietals
• Tarzan/Jane – Spanish varietals (our personal favorite!)

Grab a flight of each to find your preferred style. And don’t skip the restaurant – locals rave about the seasonal food menu, which pairs beautifully with their house wines. This is easily one of the best places to eat and drink wine in Cottonwood.

3. Tantrum Wines

• Hours:
  • Sunday – Tuesday & Thursday: 12 PM – 6 PM
  • Wednesday: 1 PM – 7 PM
  • Friday & Saturday: 12 PM – 9 PM
• Happy Hour: Monday – Thursday: 4 PM – 6 PM
• Food Available: Tapas
• Reservations Required: No
• Average Price per Tasting: $12–$16
• Good to Know: Hours can be inconsistent- call ahead to confirm

Tantrum Wines is a woman-owned winery in Cottonwood with a modern, Instagram-ready tasting room and a focus on sweeter wine styles.

We’ll be honest, we tried to visit three times before actually catching them open, so definitely call ahead. When we did finally get in, we each ordered a red flight of four wines. Even though the sweeter flavor profile wasn’t totally our style, we still found a couple we enjoyed, and the space itself is bright, photo-worthy, and fun for a girls’ trip stop.

If you prefer drier wines, this may not be your top pick, but it’s worth stopping in to taste for yourself and snap some photos.

4. Cellar 433

• Hours:
  • Sunday – Wednesday: 2 PM – 7 PM
  • Thursday – Saturday: 2 PM – 9 PM
• Food Available: No
• Reservations Required: No
• Average Price per Tasting: $10–$15
• Good to Know: Happy Hour Sundays 2–4 PM

Cellar 433 is the sister winery to Tantrum and the newest addition to Main Street in Cottonwood. Its funky décor and eclectic vibe make it one of the more distinctive tasting rooms in town.

We found the wines here to be much fuller-bodied and better balanced compared to Tantrum, with several bold reds that really stood out. It’s a small but lively space, great for relaxing with a glass and people-watching along Old Town’s main drag.

5. Four Eight Wineworks

• Days open:
  • Tuesday – Thursday: 11 AM – 8 PM
  • Friday & Saturday: 11 AM – 9 PM
  • Sunday: 11 AM – 8 PM
  • Monday: Closed
• Food Available: Charcuterie, bruschetta, and small plates
• Reservations Required: No
• Average Price per Tasting: $12–$20
• Good to Know: Rotating winemakers mean new wines every visit

Founded by Maynard James Keenan of Tool and Caduceus Cellars fame, Four Eight Wineworks, is Arizona’s first winemakers’ cooperative.

Their Cottonwood tasting room opened in 2023 and spotlights a rotating lineup of small producers who use the space to make and pour their wines. Each visit is a new experience, since the featured winemakers and wines frequently change.

It’s an incredible chance to sample Arizona’s next generation of vintners. We recommend grabbing a flight to taste through what’s currently on tap and pairing it with one of their charcuterie boards.

6. Rubrix Wines

• Days open:
  • Sunday – Thursday: 12 PM – 7 PM
  • Friday & Saturday: 12 PM – 9 PM
• Food Available: Charcuterie boards
• Reservations Required: No
• Average Price per Tasting: $12–$22
• Good to Know: Owned by a co-founder of Burning Tree Cellars

Opening in 2024, Rubrix Wines is one of Cottonwood’s newest tasting rooms and a boutique, family-run operation dedicated to Arizona’s high-desert terroir.

Co-founded by one of the owners of Burning Tree Cellars, Rubrix blends traditional winemaking with a modern, minimal-intervention approach. The tasting room is small, stylish, and friendly-perfect for sipping your way through their current releases.

While we haven’t tasted their wines yet, if they’re anything like Burning Tree’s, we can confidently say this stop deserves a spot on your Cottonwood wine list.

7. DA Vines Vineyards 

• Days open:
  • Monday – Saturday: 11:30 AM -7 PM
  • Sunday: 9 AM – 3 PM
• Food Available: Yes, full onsite bistro
• Reservations Required: No
• Average Price per Tasting: $16–$20
• Good to Know: Voted Best Winery in the Verde Valley and Best Live Music Venue in 2025

Da Vines Vineyards is one of Cottonwood’s most exciting up-and-coming wineries – and the locals clearly agree. In 2025, it was voted both Best Winery in the Verde Valley and Best Live Music Venue, which tells you everything you need to know about the good vibes here.

Founded in 2017 by Chicago native John Rachel, the name is a nod to “Da Bears” (a Chicago sports reference you might miss if you’re like Sam and not into football). John relocated to the Verde Valley in 2004 and caught the wine bug a few years later after helping his neighbor tend Merlot vines.

After completing the viticulture program at Yavapai College, he launched DA Vines Vineyards and quickly made a name for himself. Their 2014 Merlot took home a silver medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and we found all their reds to be outstanding – balanced, rich, and full of character.

The onsite bistro is also getting rave reviews for fresh, hearty plates that pair perfectly with their lineup of Arizona-grown wines. Add in the live music scene and you’ve got a winery that perfectly captures Cottonwood’s laid-back charm.

Bonus Wineries Near Cottonwood (Worth the Drive)

Bodega Pierce Winery (Clarkdale)

• Days open:
  • Thursday – Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
  • Monday – Wednesday: Closed
• Food Available: Snacks only
• Reservations Required: Optional, available online
• Average Price per Tasting: $10–$15
• Good to Know: Family-run winery; winemaker teaches viticulture at Yavapai College

Bodega Pierce Winery is a family-owned gem just 8 minutes from Old Town Cottonwood. Winemaker Michael Pierce, who also runs the viticulture program at Yavapai College, crafts small-batch wines using grapes from the family’s Rolling View Vineyard in Willcox.

Their wines are elegant and expressive of Arizona’s high-desert terroir, with both classic and experimental varietals available. You can also taste their secondary label, Saeculum Vineyards, which features creative one-off bottlings.

This spot feels authentic and unpretentious – the kind of place where you’ll likely meet the winemaker himself. It’s easily one of our top recommendations for anyone serious about exploring local Arizona wine.

Chateau Tumbleweed (Clarkdale)

• Days open:
  • Daily from 12 PM – 7 PM
• Food Available: Charcuterie boxes
• Reservations Required: Groups of 6+ should call ahead
• Average Price per Tasting: $15–$18
• Good to Know: Founded by two couples who met at Four Eight Wineworks

Located just 6 minutes from Old Town in Clarkdale, Chateau Tumbleweed is a name that comes up over and over when locals talk about their favorite wineries near Cottonwood.

The tasting room has a casual, funky vibe, and the team’s passion for winemaking shines in every glass. Founders and friends Joe and Kris Bechard and Matt and Erin Raica started at Four Eight Wineworks before launching their own label.

If you love reds, be sure to try their Tempranillo. If you’re up for something totally unique, try the Stinkbeast. We won’t ruin the surprise for you, but it was, without a doubt, the most interesting wine we’ve tasted in this region.

Chateau Tumbleweed perfectly captures the Verde Valley’s blend of community, creativity, and craft.

Southwest Wine Center at Yavapai College (Clarkdale)

• Hours:
  • Thursday – Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
  • Monday – Wednesday: Closed
• Reservations Required: Yes (book online)
• Food Available: No
• Average Price per Tasting: $15–$20
• Good to Know: Award-winning student-made wines from Yavapai College’s viticulture program

Located just outside Cottonwood, the Southwest Wine Center is one of the most unique tasting rooms in Arizona. Part classroom, part winery, and entirely hands-on, it’s the public tasting arm of Yavapai College’s Viticulture & Enology program, which trains the next generation of Arizona winemakers.

Don’t be fooled by the word student – these wines have earned serious street cred. Over the years, they’ve taken home medals from competitions like the Jefferson Cup, AZ Central Grand Wine Competition, and San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

We love their approach to tasting: they tell you which grapes you’re drinking, but they skip the usual tasting notes, letting your own palate lead the way. It’s a refreshing, educational, and genuinely fun experience that gives you a glimpse into the future of Arizona wine.

Reservations are required, but you can also grab a glass or bottle after your tasting to support the students directly.

Pizzeria Bocce (Bonus Stop)

• Hours:
  • Monday – Thursday: 4 PM – 9 PM
  • Friday: 4 PM – 10 PM
  • Saturday: 12 PM – 10 PM
  • Sunday: 12 PM – 4 PM
• Food Available: Full kitchen (pizzeria)
• Dog Friendly: Patio only
• Good to Know: Certified Vera Pizza Napoletana- authentic Neapolitan pizza made in Arizona

After a day of wine tasting in Cottonwood, head straight to Pizzeria Bocce for the ultimate food-and-wine pairing.

The head chef trained in Naples, Italy to earn certification from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, meaning every pie here is made with authentic ingredients and technique. The result? Pizza that would make any Italian proud – crispy, chewy crust, vibrant toppings, and that unmistakable wood-fired flavor.

We paired a glass of their house red with two pies: the Prosciutto & Arugula and the Meat Pie, both absolutely phenomenal. But the real show-stopper? The warm cookie topped with ice cream-trust us, it’s worth the extra calories.

Whether you visit before or after your Cottonwood winery crawl, Pizzeria Bocce is a must for soaking up the day’s pours with some of the best pizza in the Verde Valley. 

Verde Valley Wine Region Overview

Located in the heart of central Arizona, the Verde Valley AVA covers roughly 200 square miles and includes more than 20 wineries across the region. It’s the beating heart of Arizona wine country, with vineyards spread between Cottonwood, Jerome, Clarkdale, Cornville, and Camp Verde.

There are more than 40 grape varietals grown in the Verde Valley, producing both elegant whites and bold reds.

• Top White Varietals: Malvasia Bianca, Viognier, Chardonnay, Vermentino, Seyval Blanc, and Picpoul Blanc
• Top Red Varietals: Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Tannat, and Barbera

This region’s high-desert climate and dramatic day-to-night temperature swings create wines that are complex, fruit-forward, and distinctly Arizonan.

WVerde Valley Wine Trail Passport

The Verde Valley Wine Trail launched in 2022, helps visitors explore the region more easily. Visit 10 wineries and you’ll be entered to win a weekend getaway for two in the Verde Valley.

With over 20 wineries within easy driving distance, it’s a fun way to track your tastings and plan your next stop.
If you plan to sample a lot, check out the transportation options below – and please, don’t drink and drive.

FAQ: Planning a Visit to Cottonwood & Verde Valley Wineries

How many wineries are in Cottonwood?

There are 7 wineries in Cottonwood itself and 4 more within a 10-minute drive.

How many wineries are in the Verde Valley?

There are over 20 wineries in the Verde Valley AVA, stretching across Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Cornville, and Camp Verde.

Can you walk between wineries in Cottonwood?

Yes! In Old Town Cottonwood, most wineries are within a few blocks of each other, making it one of the most walkable wine towns in Arizona.

How can I visit without driving?

If you’re coming from Sedona, book a Verde Valley wine tour with transportation included.
One of the top-rated options is Bliss: Sedona’s Most Luxurious Wine Tour which includes tastings at four boutique wineries in a luxury Sprinter or limo.

You can also browse all Verde Valley tour options here.

Where to Stay in the Verde Valley

If you want to turn your wine weekend into a mini vacation, Cottonwood is the perfect home base. It’s centrally located with easy access to all the wineries in the Verde Valley.

Top Hotels in Cottonwood

• Iron Horse Inn – Right on Main Street with five tasting rooms within walking distance.
• Little Daisy Motel – A great budget option also on Main Street, ideal for walking to wineries.
• Browse all Cottonwood accommodations on Booking.com

Final Sips: Cottonwood Wineries in the Verde Valley

From cozy tasting rooms on Main Street to hilltop wineries with panoramic views, Cottonwood is the heart of Arizona wine country. Each stop brings something different – big bold reds, crisp whites, and passionate winemakers who are helping put the Verde Valley on the map.

We love how approachable this region is. You can stroll between most of the Old Town Cottonwood wineries, chat with the winemakers, and still be just a short drive from Sedona or Jerome. It’s small-town Arizona with world-class wine.

If you’re planning your own wine getaway, grab a glass and explore more of our Arizona wine guides below:

• Sedona Arizona Wineries
• Jerome Wineries
• Willcox, AZ Wineries
• Elgin and Sonoita Wineries