March is officially Arizona Wine Month, which was originally put into effect under former Governor Doug Ducey and celebrates Arizona’s diverse wineries and vineyards. With over 120 licensed wineries across the state, wine lovers will not be short on ways to celebrate – be it at wine festivals, special events, wine trails or tasting rooms.
Below are a few ways you can celebrate Arizona Wine Month here in Scottsdale and across the state throughout the month of March:
Walk the Scottsdale Wine Trail
For a fun and easy way to explore Arizona's wine industry, consider taking a walk along the Scottsdale Wine Trail. This trail takes you through the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, where you can visit tasting rooms and wine bars that feature Arizona wines. The trail includes seven different stops, each with its own unique ambiance and selection of wines to try, including, LDV Winery, Merkin Vineyards, Salvatore Vineyards, Arizona Stronghold Vineyard, Carlson Creek Vineyard, The Wine Collective of Scottsdale, and Aridus Wine Company.
Enjoy food and wine at Merkin Vineyards and other tasting rooms along the Scottsdale Wine Trail
Attend the Camp Verde Pecan & Wine Festival
For a weekend of wine, food, and fun, check out the 22nd Annual Camp Verde Pecan & Wine Festival on March 18-19. This two-day festival features local wineries and other vendors from around the Verde Valley region and highlights their two prime tourism draws, wine and pecans. In addition to wine tastings, there will be live music, food trucks, and activities – such as a fiercely competitive Pecan Pie Contest – for the whole family to enjoy.
Camp Verde Pecan & Wine Festival
Visit the Verde Valley Wine Trail
If you want to explore more of Arizona's wine country, consider visiting the Verde Valley Wine Trail. This trail includes several wineries and tasting rooms throughout the Sedona and Cottonwood areas, with scenic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Some of the wineries on the trail also offer tours and special events throughout the month of March. For more info on tasting rooms and events, visit www.vvwinetrail.com.
Enjoying wine among the Verde Valley's red rocks
March 25: Arizona Wine Month Grand Festival
The Arizona Wine Growers Association (AWGA) is hosting the 2nd Annual Arizona Wine Month Grand Festival and Governor's Cup Celebration on March 25, 2023, at Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix, Arizona. The festival will feature award-winning wines from across the state, live music, food trucks, and local artisans. General admission tickets cost $35/person and include a commemorative wine glass with eight wine tasting tickets, while VIP tickets cost $55/person and allow early entry at 10 a.m. and extra tasting tickets. Non-Drinkers can purchase tickets for $10 for entry. To purchase your tickets, go here.
Enjoy join wine tastings from 20+ wineries at the Arizona Wine Month Grand Festival
Join an Arizona-Only Wine Club
For true wine enthusiasts, joining an Arizona-only wine club is a great way to discover new wines and support local winemakers. The Scottsdale-based Wine Collective of Scottsdale not only features tastings of an incredible array of Arizona wines at their Old Town location, but also has a wine club featuring a rotating selection of wines from some of Arizona's best wineries.
For more information on Arizona wines and upcoming events, visit www.azwinegrowersassociation.com.
A sampling of local wines at The Wine Collective of Scottsdale