| When people think of Arizona, most people do not | | | | also Southern France. The Arizona Grower's |
| think of Arizona wineries. Most people think of the | | | | Association also views the Arizona region as a |
| Grand Canyon, desert, the beautiful Sonoran desert | | | | replication of the area located in Paso Robles, |
| and maybe more desert. Wine making does not likely | | | | California. |
| enter the mind of most people when they think of the | | | | Some of the most notable wines can be found in |
| desert southwest. | | | | Arizona and include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, |
| Those who truly know and understand Arizona know | | | | Grenache, Merlot, Mourvedre/Mataro, Riesling, |
| that that wineries in Arizona really are very much a | | | | Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah/Shiraz, and |
| part of the desert southwest. There are many | | | | Zinfandel. |
| vineyards and wineries throughout the state of | | | | While there may be more wineries in California as well |
| Arizona so don't be too concerned about being too far | | | | as other parts of the world, there are some very nice |
| away from the nearest location if you would like to | | | | benefits that you will discover while exploring wineries |
| access one of these vineyards. | | | | in Arizona. The grapes are grown on mineral rich |
| Most vineyard sites in Arizona are located in the | | | | organic soil which is the perfect recipe for producing |
| southeast corner of the state, but you will be able to | | | | some of the most award winning wines. |
| find vineyards literally throughout the state with no | | | | One of the first things you will probably appreciate right |
| problem whatsoever. | | | | away is the fact that you will not have to deal with the |
| If you have the chance to visit the world famous | | | | infamous crowds as with other wineries that you may |
| Sedona area, you will also discover many vineyards to | | | | have visited. |
| suit your wine-tasting taste buds throughout the | | | | One thing to keep in mind is that you might be well |
| beautiful red rock area that surrounds the area with | | | | served if you call ahead instead of just showing up. |
| more than astonishing areas. There you will also find | | | | Many of these wineries in AZ operate by appointment |
| tours and scheduled taste testings several times | | | | only during the week, so call ahead to be sure your |
| throughout the week for your convenience. | | | | visit is confirmed. |
| Conveniently located, some of these Arizona | | | | Arizona's wine country is the choice of many wine |
| vineyards are situated a short 10 minutes away from | | | | lovers because it is closer to home and less expensive |
| the sourrounding Sedona valley itself. | | | | than other vineyards. |
| If you are fortunate enough to take a trip to the | | | | In the past, Arizona grapes were actually sold to wine |
| Southern Trail of Arizona wine country, you will want | | | | makers who lived out of state. However, that has |
| to make sure you visit the local vineyards that have | | | | changed and the state could not be happier to be a |
| put Arizona on the wine making map list. | | | | part of wine making! |
| Some of the wines that are produced in this area | | | | Although you will find locations that take part in wine |
| have been honored nationally and internationally, even | | | | making, Arizona's primary wine country is considered |
| by the usually less than impressed French media. The | | | | to be about a three-hour drive that is located south of |
| southeast Trail is also the home to the "Island in the | | | | the Phoenix metropolitan area. |
| Sky," which is a wonderfully unique and spiritual area. If | | | | The area is reportedly ideal for wine making and |
| you travel there, you will be able to discover the | | | | consists of desert grasslands surrounded by |
| famous red rock formations that provide you with | | | | approximately 5,000 feet in elevation. Many appreciate |
| breathtaking views that will blow you away. | | | | the cooler weather, too. It is considerably cooler, |
| According to the Arizona Wine Grower's Association, | | | | boasting summer temperatures that are approximately |
| the climate and soil studies have shown that the | | | | 10 to 15 degrees cooler than Tucson. The nights offer |
| desert in the state resembles the region that is similar | | | | wine makers the cooler nights that are the ripe |
| to Ribera Del Duero, Southeastern Australia, Spain, and | | | | element needed for these great tasting wines. |