Try Wines From These 7 Arizona Wineries Along Scottsdale’s Wine Trail

In the Valley, sweeping vistas of desert dotted with cacti often stretch as far as the eye can see—but in other areas of Arizona, lush, fertile soil and temperate climates provide the perfect destinations for wineries to set down roots. These destinations, primarily found in Northern and Southern Arizona, produce numerous award-winning wines. While a trip to each is always a welcome adventure, many wines can be sampled in the city along the Scottsdale Wine Trail, located in Downtown Scottsdale.

The trail includes seven tasting rooms from wineries around the state, all showcasing their Arizona-grown wines—and all within walking distance of each other.

Not only is there a map so you can easily find the locales, but you can pick up a Wine Trail Passport for $5 at any of the wineries, which provides $2 off a wine tasting. All locations participate with the exception of Aridus.

Ready to explore? Here are the 7 locations.

Aridus Wine Company
This winery, owned by Scott and Joan Dahmer, is located in Pearce, in the heart of Southeastern Arizona. It opened its cellar doors in 2012 after refurbishing an existing 28,000-square-foot apple warehouse that had been built in 1982. They use grapes sourced from Arizona, New Mexico, and California to capture the tastes of those regions, creating award-winning wines. The wines are handcrafted in small lots, and the tasting room offers the same feel as its eco-friendly winery–it’s adorned with all-natural materials, and reclaimed materials whenever possible. The name is a play on the Latin word arid, meaning dry—a tribute to their desert setting. 7313 E. Main St., Scottsdale, AZ 85251

AZ Stronghold

Founded in 2007, Arizona Stronghold Vineyards grows its grapes between the Winchester mountains and Mount Graham in southeastern Arizona, in the Willcox AVA. At the Old Town tasting room, sample a variety of wines, including chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and more, and choose from a creative food menu. 4225 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Carlson Creek Tasting Room

Carlson Creek also has a family-owned vineyard in Southeastern Arizona, in Cochise County. One of the largest vineyards in the area at 320 acres, it produces chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, riesling, muscat, Syrah, Sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon, grenache, malbec, Mourvèdre, and malvasia bianca. The tasting room, where the walls are adorned with artwork for sale by local artists, offers a selection of its wines. Tastings are $25 per person and include your choice of five wines. 4142 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

LDV Winery Tasting Room

Co-owners and winemakers Curt Dunham and Peggy Fiandaca began as longtime wine collectors, launching their estate vineyard and winery in Southeastern Arizona in 2008. At this stop sample some of the award-winning wines—including viognier, grenache, petite sirah, and syrah, among others–on the tree-shaded patio or inside the tasting room. 7134 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Los Milics Vineyards

Los Milics has a 20-acre estate vineyard in Elgin, with a 5,000-foot elevation. They currently grow 17 varieties of grapes and offer 14 wines—three whites, three rosés, and eight reds. The tasting room offers wine flights, glasses, and bottles, along with light snacks. If you’re up for a road trip, the Elgin tasting room was voted the second-best tasting room in the country—and boasts casitas to rent for the perfect stay. 4151 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Salvatore Vineyards Tasting Room

Salvatore Vineyards debuted in 2012 and currently offers a 2019 Salvatore Cerca, an aglianico; 2021 Salvatore La Neve, a white table wine; and a 2019 Salvatore Reserve, a Sangiovese. All are made from grapes grown at its Cochise County, Willcox AVA vineyard. 7064 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale, AZ 85251

The Wine Collective of Scottsdale

Here, find the wines from four Arizona wineries—Vino Stache Winery, 1764 Vineyards, Omphalos Winery, and Soaring Wines. The sommelier can craft a perfect wine flight, which you can pair with a cheese, meat, or chocolate board. Enjoy your sips and bites in the space or outside on the pet-friendly patio. 4020 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251