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