For years, Valley wine lovers have been heading north to enjoy the tastes of the state's award-winning wineries, many of which are located in the federally designated Verde Valley American Viticulture Area. And on Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., the Verde Valley Wine Festival will be returning for its 6th year.

Co-sponsored by the Verde Valley Wine Consortium and the City of Cottonwood, wine enthusiasts will get to experience the best of northern Arizona’s burgeoning wine industry, including 20+ wineries who will be in attendance, along with local beer, spirits, bites from local eateries, shopping with local artisans and live music – all within the charming atmosphere of Cottonwood's Riverfront Park (located at 1284 E River Front Rd., Cottonwood, AZ 86326).

Well-known musician and Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan, who also founded the festival and is the owner/head winemaker at Caduceus Cellars, Merkin Vineyards, and Four 8 Wineworks said “Not unlike wine growing in AZ, Old Town Cottonwood is on fire! So many world-class wines in one beautiful location. So many new producers and restaurants to discover. And stars have finally aligned on my busy schedule. I get to actually witness it all this year. Gonna be a great weekend."

Wineries that will be in attendance include:

  • Alcantara Vineyards
  • Arizona Stronghold Vineyards
  • Bodega Pierce
  • Caduceus Cellars
  • Cella Winery
  • Chateau Tumbleweed
  • Coronado Vineyards
  • Cove Mesa Vineyard
  • Da Vines Vineyard
  • Four Eight Wineworks
  • Four Tails
  • Garage East
  • Grand Canyon Winery
  • Laramita Cellars
  • Oak Creek Winery
  • Page Springs Cellars
  • Pillsbury Wine Co
  • Rubrix Wines
  • Salt Mine Wine
  • Southwest Wine Center
  • Su Vino Winery
  • Twisted Union Wine Company
  • Vino Stache

Other libations include THAT Brewery, Desert Diamond Distillery, Wild Tonic (who will be serving non-alcoholic Kombucha among other options) and Crafty Cask, who will be serving their signature mocktails.

To pair with the locally sourced wine, a variety of local fare will be on hand from the likes of the Merkin Vineyards Kebab Wagon, Poppin in the Pines Gourmet Kettle Corn, Batchelor’s Pad BBQ, Rockin’ Rollz Lobster, Carmella’s Joy, Craft Wood Fired, Carolina’s Chocolate, Peace Love and Smoked Cheese, Positively Frosted and Napoli Gardens & Italian Kitchen.

Live music will be on stage throughout the day, including What’s The Big Idea, The Well Dressed Wolves and the S.E. Willis Trio with Sweet Baby Ray. Along with a variety of local artisans who will be on-site sharing their AZ-made wares.

Early Bird tickets start at $40/person and include a commemorative wine glass with 8 tasting tickets, which will also be available at the door day-of for $50/person. Tickets for non-drinkers are available for $10/person. To purchase tickets, visit  www,verdevalleywinefestival.com/tickets or https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-verde-valley-wine-festival-tickets-816011330857. 

For more information on the 6th Annual Verde Valley Wine Festival, visit or www.verdevalleywinefestival.com.