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Arizona's Wine Regions

Arizona’s wine regions offers a rich variety of landscapes, each shaping the character of its wines. Vineyards flourish in the Verde Valley, the vast open plains of Willcox and the rolling grasslands of Sonoita — the state’s three federally recognized American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). These regions are defined by distinct elevations, soils and climates, producing wines that reflect their surroundings.

Here, vines endure intense sun, cool desert nights and seasonal monsoon rains, developing complex flavors unique to Arizona. From the Verde Valley’s rugged canyons to Willcox’s expansive vineyards and Sonoita’s windswept hills, each sip tells a story of place. Exploring these regions isn’t just about tasting wine — it’s about experiencing the natural beauty and character of Arizona in every glass.

Verde Valley Wine Region

Carved by the winding Verde River and framed by the striking Mogollon Rim, the Verde Valley Wine Region is a lush oasis in Arizona’s high desert. The cool air descending from surrounding mountains slows grape ripening, allowing for deeper, more complex flavors. The result? Distinctive reds like syrah, zinfandel and cabernet sauvignon, as well as vibrant whites such as mavasia bianca and viognier. With 25 tasting rooms and easy access from Sedona and Phoenix, the Verde Valley offers an ideal introduction to Arizona’s wine scene.

With its mix of tasting rooms, scenic creekside settings and historic small-town charm, Central Arizona's Verde Valley delivers more than just great wine. Tasting rooms transformed Old Town Cottonwood from a sleepy historic main street into a bustling collection of shops and eateries that attract visitors year-round. Wineries in Cornville and Sedona set up their tasting rooms along the banks of beautiful Oak Creek, and even rugged Jerome show its softer side with tasting rooms and restaurants with excellent wine selections.

Willcox Wine Region

The powerhouse of Arizona wine production, the Willcox Wine Region is home to two-thirds of the state’s vines and accounts for 74% of the state's grape production. This high-elevation region enjoys warm, dry days and crisp nights — ideal conditions for ripening bold, fruit-forward reds. Its gravelly soils — reminiscent of those in some of Europe’s most loved wine regions — lend structure and depth to varietals such as grenache, tempranillo and mourvèdre. Visitors to Willcox can explore more than 20 wineries, where innovation and tradition come together in every glass.

Just 80 miles west, Tucson serves as the perfect gateway to the Willcox Wine Region, pairing world-class varietals with a dynamic food scene. As the first U.S. city to be designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Tucson celebrates its deep-rooted culinary traditions. Wine lovers can experience this firsthand at Maynards, a downtown bistro and wine shop known for its curated selection of Arizona wines.

Sonoita Wine Region

The birthplace of Arizona wine, the Sonoita Wine Region is where it all began. Recognized as the state’s first American Viticultural Area (AVA), this region’s rolling grasslands and high-altitude vineyards (4,500–5,000 feet) yield wines with striking minerality and elegance. The combination of intense sunshine, monsoon rains and well-draining soils produces varietals reminiscent of Italian wines — think sangiovese, cabernet franc and petit verdot. Tasting rooms here range from rustic to refined, all offering a taste of Arizona’s rich winemaking.

Just an hour southwest of Willcox, the Sonoita-Elgin area is a natural complement for a well-rounded journey through Arizona’s diverse wine regions. While both regions benefit from Arizona’s sunny climate and rugged terrain, Sonoita’s rolling grasslands and higher elevations create a distinct tasting experience. Travelers can start in Willcox, where warm days and gravelly soils produce structured, expressive wines, then continue to Sonoita to explore elegantly layered varietals shaped by cooler temperatures and mineral-rich soils.

Download Savoring Arizona for insider tips on wineries, tasting rooms and the best ways to experience Arizona’s growing wine scene.