10 Top Willcox Wineries to Visit in Arizona

Arizona – not exactly the first place that comes to mind when you think “wine country,” right? But trust us, the Willcox wineries are here to change that.

Tucked into southeastern Arizona, this wine region is producing some of the most award-winning wines in the state, thanks to its high elevation, cool nights, and passionate local winemakers.

And while we could fill a glass (or two) with dad jokes about grapes, we’ll just say this: you should have grape expectations for the wineries in Willcox.

Short on Time? Here are the key takeaways:

• The Willcox AVA produces roughly 75% of Arizona’s wine grapes, making it the heart of the state’s wine industry.
• Pillsbury Wine Company and Birds & Barrels Vineyards are must-visits for their award-winning wines and scenic tasting experiences.
• Many Willcox wineries participate in the “Share a Glass” program, offering discounts when you bring your glass from another tasting room.
• Downtown Willcox has several walkable tasting rooms, including the shared space for Soaring Wines, Copper Horse Vineyard, and Strive Vineyards.
• Plan ahead for lodging, as this small Arizona wine town books up quickly during weekends and harvest season.

This post was updated on October 31, 2025.

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Willcox Winery Info

Welcome to the Willcox wine country, where rolling desert hills meet endless vines and small-town charm pairs perfectly with bold Arizona reds.

Located in the southeastern corner of the state, Willcox is the gateway to Arizona’s premier wine region. It’s home to the Willcox American Viticultural Area (AVA) – one of only two federally designated wine regions in Arizona (the other being Sonoita).

This high-desert region sits at an elevation of over 4,300 feet, giving it cooler-than-expected temperatures and a large day-to-night temperature swing that helps grapes thrive. The result? Rich, full-bodied wines with balanced acidity and distinct desert minerality.

In fact, the Willcox AVA produces more than 75% of Arizona’s wine grapes, supplying fruit to wineries all across the state – from Cottonwood and Jerome to Sedona and beyond.

Despite its importance, Willcox still feels like a small town with a laid-back vibe. You’ll find wide-open spaces, friendly winemakers, and some of the most authentic tasting experiences in Arizona.

Whether you’re spending a full weekend touring vineyards or just dropping by for a few tastings in downtown Willcox, you’ll quickly see why this region is the heart of Arizona wine.

Map of Willcox Wineries in Arizona

These Willcox wineries aren’t listed in any specific order, but we’ll admit it — Pillsbury Wine Company and Birds & Barrels Vineyards are our top two favorites.

Most tasting rooms here are open Thursday through Sunday, so plan your weekend visit accordingly.

Insider Tip: Most of the Willcox wineries participate in the Share a Glass Program – bring your glass from another participating winery and you’ll get a discounted tasting. It’s a great way to sip more for less!

1. Pillsbury Wine Company 

• Hours:
  • Saturday – Sunday: 11 AM – 5 PM
• Reservation Required: No
• Share a glass program: Yes

Of all the wineries in Willcox, Pillsbury Wine Company is one we keep coming back to – and not just for the wine.

Owner and winemaker Sam Pillsbury has one of the most fascinating backstories in Arizona wine. Born in the U.S. and raised in New Zealand, Sam spent years as a film director (yes, Free Willy 3 was one of his) before turning his passion toward winemaking.

Sam’s philosophy is simple: the world doesn’t need more generic wine. So he’s making expressive, food-friendly wines that showcase Arizona’s unique terroir – wines meant for pairing, not just sipping.

That bold approach has paid off. Pillsbury wines have won multiple gold and double gold medals at the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, one of North America’s top wine contests.

We especially loved their single-varietal Mourvèdre – complex, earthy, and unlike anything we’ve tasted before. The grape thrives in Arizona’s desert climate, and Sam brings out its best.

The Willcox tasting room is small and cozy, and if you’re lucky enough to visit when Sam’s there, pull up a chair and chat. His stories alone are worth the visit (the wine’s just a bonus).

2. Birds and Barrels Vineyards 

• Hours:
  • Friday – Saturday: 11 AM – 5 PM
  • Sunday: 1 PM – 5 PM
  • Monday – Thursday by appointment only
• Reservation Required: No
• Share a glass program: Yes

If you dream of sipping a glass of wine while overlooking the very vines that produced it, Birds and Barrels Vineyards is your spot.

Run by a husband-and-wife duo (a common and charming theme among Willcox wineries), this boutique winery focuses on true, hands-on winemaking. Every step – from harvesting to crushing to pressing – is done by hand, creating small-batch wines that are as personal as they are delicious.

The vineyard tasting room sits right beside the estate vines and offers sweeping mountain views that make every sip feel a little more special. It’s a rustic, mostly outdoor setup with shaded seating under a large overhang – perfect for soaking in the Willcox sun with a glass (or two).

Birds and Barrels currently grows 10 varietals on-site, including Malbec, Petit Verdot, Tempranillo, and Montepulciano, along with a few crisp whites. The wines are vibrant, approachable, and reflect the distinct terroir of the Willcox AVA.

If you can’t make it to the vineyard itself, they also have a tasting room in downtown Willcox, making it easy to sample their wines while exploring the walkable wine trail.

Adopt a Vine Program

One of the coolest things about Birds and Barrels is their Adopt a Vine experience. Starting at just $25, you can choose a vine, tag it with your name and date, and return year after year to watch it grow. It’s a fun and personal way to stay connected to your favorite Arizona winery – and a great excuse to come back for another glass.

3. Bodega Pierce (and Saeculum Cellars) 

• Hours:
  • Thursday-Sunday: 12 PM – 5PM
• Reservation Required: No
• Share a glass program: Yes

Family-run and deeply rooted in Arizona’s wine scene, Bodega Pierce is one of the must-visit Willcox wineries for anyone who loves a good story behind their glass.

The winemaker is the son of the husband-and-wife duo who poured for us during our tasting, and the family dynamic adds a warm, personal touch to the experience. The son isn’t just making incredible wine – he’s also teaching the next generation of Arizona winemakers as an instructor at Yavapai College’s Viticulture and Enology Program in Clarkdale.

All of their grapes are grown on their Rolling View Vineyard in Willcox, named after their generations-old family farm in Nebraska. The tradition of farming clearly runs deep – only now, this family’s crops come bottled and slightly boozy.

Bodega Pierce’s lineup includes a variety of red and white varietals, all beautifully balanced and expressive of the Willcox AVA’s unique terroir. Their Saeculum Cellars label showcases smaller, experimental batches – wines that push the boundaries of style but never skimp on flavor.

We brought home a bottle of Cache, their Rhône-style GSM blend (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) – smooth, spicy, and perfect with just about anything. We also tried their Piquette, a low-alcohol “wine” made from the second pressings of grape pomace. Historically, French vineyard workers would sip this during long harvest days – it’s light, fizzy, and surprisingly refreshing.

From classic Rhône blends to creative side projects, Bodega Pierce proves why Willcox is leading Arizona’s wine revolution, one family vintage at a time.

4. Zarpara Vineyard 

• Hours:
  • Friday-Sunday: 11 AM – 5 PM
• Reservation Required: No
• Share a glass program: Yes

If you love wine, mountain views, and dogs that make you feel instantly at home, Zarpara Vineyard should be on your Willcox wineries itinerary.

After navigating a quiet gravel road, we were greeted by the sweetest winery dog, Tilly, who wandered onto the property years ago on Bastille Day (hence the French name) – and never left. She’s now the official greeter, checking in on guests between sips to make sure you’re enjoying your glass.

As Tilly’s name hints, the wines at Zarpara lean toward European influences, with a lineup that highlights French, Spanish, and Italian varietals. Expect dry, earthy reds like Syrah, Tempranillo, and Sangiovese, plus lighter options like Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, and a crisp dry rosé.

If you have a sweet tooth, keep an eye out for their Port-style dessert rosé, which makes an occasional appearance on the tasting menu.

All of Zarpara’s wines are estate-grown, with vines planted in 2010 and meticulously cared for by the hands-on owners. The tasting room is small and cozy, but the outdoor patio overlooks the vineyards and Arizona mountains, offering one of the best wine views in Willcox.

Pro Tip: Google Maps might lead you astray here – check Zarpara’s website for directions before you head out.

5. Golden Rule Vineyards 

• Hours:
  • Wednesday-Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
• Reservation Required: No
• Share a glass program: Yes

Golden Rule Vineyards is one of those Willcox wineries that perfectly balances local charm with serious winemaking skill. Their lineup includes elegant single varietals like Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Sangiovese, along with a series of creative blends under their Eureka label.

The Eureka Red Blend changes with each vintage and channels that Italian Super-Tuscan spirit – meaning it operates outside of Italy’s traditional classification rules to make something truly unique. The current version blends Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Petit Verdot into a rich, complex, and beautifully balanced wine that’s one of our favorites in the region.

If you prefer the rustic side of wine country, make an appointment to visit their farm and vineyard, located about 30 minutes southeast of downtown Willcox. It’s peaceful, scenic, and offers a more intimate tasting experience.

For those sticking to town, you can also enjoy their wines at the Golden Rule tasting room inside the historic Willcox Mercantile – perfect for pairing with a stroll through downtown.

Don’t forget: if you bring your glass from another participating Willcox winery, you’ll get 10% off your tasting here. And if you’re feeling snacky, grab some local Cochise Groves pistachios to go with your pour.

As their motto goes, “Pour wine for others as you would have them pour for you.” And trust us – they pour great wine.

6. Keeling Schaefer Vineyards 

• Hours:
  • Daily from 11 AM – 5 PM
• Reservation Required: No
• Share a glass program: yes

Among the Willcox wineries, Keeling Schaefer stands out for its total commitment to estate-grown wines. Every bottle is made from grapes grown in their two southeastern Arizona vineyards, giving the winemakers complete control from vine to wine — aside from Mother Nature, of course.

Their downtown Willcox tasting room, inside the historic mercantile district, makes it an easy (and delicious) stop while exploring town.

Keeling Schaefer focuses mainly on single-varietal wines, offering a great opportunity to taste how different grapes express themselves in Arizona’s high-desert climate. The tasting flight typically includes crisp whites like Viognier, medium-bodied reds such as Mourvèdre, and their signature Petite Sirah — affectionately described as “velvet glory in a bottle.”

Like many other Willcox wineries, they participate in the Share a Glass Program, so bring your glass from another tasting room and enjoy a discounted flight.

Whether you’re comparing varietals or just soaking up small-town charm, Keeling Schaefer delivers a relaxed, authentic Arizona wine experience worth lingering over.

7. Aridus Wine Company

• Hours:
  • Friday – Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
• Reservation Required: No
• Share a glass program: No

If you’re looking for one of the most impressive Willcox wineries, Aridus Wine Company deserves a spot on your list. The name Aridus means arid or dry in Latin – a perfect nod to Arizona’s climate and the rugged landscape that defines the Willcox AVA.

Aridus crafts its wines using grapes from its estate vineyards in the Willcox region, along with select fruit from New Mexico and California, blending high-desert intensity with refined, Old World balance.

Their Willcox winery is one of the largest production facilities in the state, complete with a spacious tasting room that reflects the same artistry and attention to detail as their wines. The design incorporates reclaimed barn wood, cold steel, concrete, and natural stone – a modern-meets-rustic aesthetic that earned Aridus awards for sustainable and eco-conscious interior design.

We first tasted Aridus wines at their Old Town Scottsdale tasting room, where we fell hard for their lineup. The 2016 Syrah earned Wine & Spirits’ Best Syrah in 2019, but we were equally impressed by their Montepulciano, Petit Verdot, Tempranillo, and Cabernet Franc — all elegant, structured, and distinctly Arizona.

Whether you visit the sleek Scottsdale space or the original Willcox winery, Aridus perfectly represents the next generation of Arizona winemaking – bold, sustainable, and unafraid to stand out in the desert.

8-10. Soaring Wines, Copper Horse Vineyard & Strive Vineyards

• Hours:
  • Wednesday – Sunday: 11 AM – 5 PM
  • Tuesday: Closed
• Reservation Required: No
• Share a Glass Program: Yes

If you want to sample multiple Willcox wineries without ever leaving your seat, head to the Willcox Commercial Building, home to Arizona’s first multi-winery tasting room.

Inside this shared space, three small producers – Soaring Wines, Copper Horse Vineyard, and Strive Vineyards – have teamed up to create a unique, side-by-side tasting experience right in downtown Willcox. It’s the perfect stop for anyone short on time or looking to explore the full range of the Willcox AVA in one visit.

Each label brings its own personality and flavor profile to the mix:

• Soaring Wines crafts bright, fruit-forward reds and crisp whites that highlight Arizona’s high-desert climate. Their easy-drinking style makes them a great warm-up pour.
• Copper Horse Vineyard is a family-run estate located southeast of town, known for bold reds and Rhône-style blends that showcase the power and depth of Arizona fruit.
• Strive Vineyards, one of the newer names on the Willcox scene, focuses on small-lot, sustainably produced wines that are beautifully balanced and approachable.

With three tasting bars under one roof, it’s a fun, flexible way to compare winemaking styles, chat with local vintners, and discover new Arizona favorites — all without getting back in the car.

If you’re winery-hopping downtown, this stop is a must. It perfectly captures the collaborative spirit of the Willcox wine community, where creativity, passion, and a love for good vino come together in one glass.

FAQs About Willcox Wineries

How many wineries are in Willcox, Arizona?
There are around 10 wineries with tasting rooms in the Willcox area, but more than 30 Arizona wineries source their grapes from the Willcox AVA, which produces roughly 75% of the state’s wine grapes.

What is the Willcox AVA known for?
The Willcox AVA is famous for its high elevation (over 4,000 feet), volcanic soil, and dramatic day-night temperature swings that produce bold, complex wines with great acidity.

Are Willcox wineries open year-round?
Yes! Most wineries are open Thursday through Sunday, though hours vary by season. Summer can get toasty, so plan morning or evening tastings when possible.

Do I need reservations?
Most Willcox wineries don’t require reservations for small groups, but call ahead if you’re visiting with eight or more people, or if you want to book a private tasting at one of the vineyard locations.

What kind of wines does Willcox produce?
You’ll find everything from Rhône and Italian varietals (like Syrah, Sangiovese, and Montepulciano) to bold blends and crisp whites like Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc. Each winery puts its own Arizona spin on these classic styles.

Where to stay in Willcox

We’d classify Willcox, AZ as “small-town USA” — the kind of place where everyone waves hello and your tasting room pourer might also be your neighbor. With a population of around 3,500, accommodations are limited, so it’s smart to book ahead if you’re planning a wine weekend.

If you’re staying near the downtown tasting rooms, here are our top picks for convenience and comfort:

1. Days Inn by Wyndham Willcox: Consistently top-rated and one of the newer properties in town. Reliable, clean, and just a quick drive from downtown.
2. Willcox Extended Residence Inn and Suites: Recently updated rooms and a great choice if you want an affordable, longer-stay option with more space.
3. Motel 8 Willcox: A budget-friendly pick right in the heart of Main Street, perfect for travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring the local Willcox wineries.

Want more options? See all Willcox hotels options and current prices here.

Final Sips: Why the Willcox Wineries Belong on Your Arizona Wine Trail

The Willcox wineries might just be Arizona’s best-kept wine secret. With wide-open skies, mountain views, and passionate family-run operations, this corner of the desert delivers everything you’d want in a wine getaway — minus the crowds.

Whether you’re tasting bold reds at Bodega Pierce, relaxing in a rocking chair at Birds and Barrels, or exploring the multi-winery tasting room downtown, each stop tells a different story about Arizona’s growing wine culture.

It’s easy to see why the Willcox AVA has become the heart of the state’s winemaking scene — the wines are outstanding, the people are genuine, and the views are straight out of a postcard.

Looking to sip your way through more Arizona wine country? Continue your journey with our wine guides:

• Elgin and Sonoita Wineries Guide: Arizona’s Hidden Wine Gem
• 7 Must-Visit Cottonwood Wineries in Arizona’s Verde Valley
• The 6 Best Wine Bars in Scottsdale, Arizona