Best known for its beautiful red rock formations, Sedona in Arizona is also, quite unexpectedly, a handy player in the winery game. A wine tour is the best way to get initiated.
(Photo: Viator.com)
When you think of the expanses of arid Arizona land between Flagstaff and Phoenix you might not automatically think of wine. Indeed, you’re more likely to think about gaping canyons and gnarled rock formations. Which is what makes wine adventures from Sedona to the Verde Valley particularly fulfilling, because, while not widely known as a wine destination, there are some lovely vineyards and wineries making the most of the green lifelines along the river valleys. Here are four of the best Sedona wine tours based on value for money, itinerary and, naturally, the number of wine tastings included.
Bliss Luxury Wine Tour from Sedona
This first tour is a great way to visit three or four different Verde Valley and other nearby wineries in a six-hour period. Transportation is provided by SUV, or for larger groups in lavish fashion in the back of a limousine. Besides the fancy transport, your wine adventure will involve tours at each winery, which include Page Springs Cellars, and Alcantara Vineyards and Winery. Please note that for this tour, tasting fees are not included in the tour fee. Tours run on most days of the year. From $99 per person.
Jeep and Winery Combo Tour in Camp Verde
(Photo: Viator.com)
The Verde Valley around Alcantara Vineyards offers more than just wine tastings, as this tour goes to show. You can do some off-roading in a Jeep first on desert tracks before returning to the river valley, where the arid land turns into neat rows of grapevines. You’ll then enter Alcantara for a tasting (included in the price) of their premium wines, such as merlot and Syrah. Please note that this tour departs from Cottonwood, so will require you make your own way there from Sedona. There are between one and three daily departures. From $111 per person.
Private Luxury Verde Valley Wine Tour from Sedona
Perhaps the best wine tour from Sedona is this excellent private tour option. Available only for groups of at least four people, you and your friends or family (minimum age 21) can explore four wineries on a tour, stopping at Page Springs Cellars, Javelina Leap Vineyard, and Oak Creek Vineyards, as well as Alcantara Winery in the Verde Valley. Roughly an hour will be allotted for each winery. Please note that tasting fees are not included in the price. From $199 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Sedona Wine Tasting Small Group Tour
This excellent full-day tour combines the best sights around Sedona with a winery tour. You’ll get to see the Native American cliff-dwellings at Montezuma Castle National Monument, see the view from Belle Rock Vista and head to Page Springs Cellars, a winery in the Oak Creek Valley (a tributary of Verde Valley), where you will get to try some of the best wines this region has to offer (tastings incur an additional fee). Please note that this tour departs from and returns to Phoenix. At least two participants are required for this tour to run. From $215 per person.