The Best Wineries in Scottsdale, AZ You Need to Try

For a one-of-a-kind Scottsdale, Arizona experience, check out our list of the best wineries in Scottsdale, AZ!

Calling all wine lovers!

Nothing beats a trip to Scottsdale when considering its beautiful resorts, abundant sunshine, polished shopping and dining- and fabulous local wineries.

You may be surprised to hear this, but in Scottsdale, you’ll find some of the very best Arizona wineries and tasting rooms with wines sourced from the local Verde Valley and global winemakers alike.

In this post, you’ll learn about the best wineries in Scottsdale, AZ, and what makes each one special.

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Wine Tasting in Scottsdale FAQs

The U.S. state of Arizona has over 120 wineries and tasting rooms across the state.

Surprisingly, Scottsdale, Arizona, located in the south-central part of the state, produces around 1/3 of all of Arizona’s wine.

Scottsdale is home to 8 wineries and tasting rooms, with a few more within a short driving distance.

The first of its kind, 7 Scottsdale wineries have joined forces to launch the Scottsdale Wine Trail.

The Scottsdale Wine Trail is comprised of Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Aridus Wine Company, Carlson Creek, LDV Winery, Merkin Vineyards, Salvatore Vineyards, and The Wine Collective of Scottsdale.

Together, this cooperative of wineries works together to advance education and exposure for Arizona-produced wines and the growing wine industry statewide.

All seven wineries and tasting rooms are located within walking distance of each other in downtown Scottsdale, otherwise known as Old Town Scottsdale.

*Known for its fluctuating year-round temps, be sure to check out our guide on what to wear when visiting Scottsdale during every season.

The Best Wineries in Scottsdale AZ

If you’re like me, nothing says ‘vacation’ like enjoying a smooth, aromatic glass of wine in the perfect ambiance.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere in Arizona wine country or something in the heart of historic Old Town Scottsdale, we have the perfect wineries for you to try.

In fact, during my recent Scottsdale girls’ trip, we not only compiled the ultimate list of things to do in Old Town Scottsdale, but we also sampled all of the wineries that you’ll find on this list.

Here are 10 of the best wineries in Scottsdale, AZ to help you start planning your tasting adventure!

This post on the best wineries in Scottsdale, AZ is part of our broader series about our favorite Girls’ Weekend Getaway Destinations! Get our best girls’ trip itineraries here!

• The Best Nashville, TN Girls’ Trip Itinerary
• The 9 Best Nashville Wineries You’ll Love to Visit
• 3-Day Girls’ Weekend Getaway in Austin, Texas
• The Ultimate Girl’s Weekend in Palm Springs, CA
• 3-Day Girls’ Weekend in Scottsdale, AZ

1. Merkin Vineyards

Merkin Vineyards – 7133 E Stetson Dr. Suite 105, Scottsdale, AZ

One of the most infamous stops on the Scottsdale Wine Trail is the Merkin Vineyards tasting room!

Merkin Vineyards sources their wine from 110 acres of estate vineyards located in Willcox, AZ, and the surrounding Verde Valley.

Their commitment to local fares doesn’t stop there.

Fruits and vegetables featured on their menu are grown in their Verde Valley orchards, greenhouses, and gardens, and anything else is locally sourced from Arizona farmers.

Because of this commitment to local-community, their menu rotates based on seasonal offerings.

At their Old Town Scottsdale location, enjoy artisan cheese board, pizzas, and house-made sweets along with your tastings.

For your tastings, choose between white wines like the Merkin Shinola Orancia, red wines like the Merkin Shinola, and rosés like the Merkin Jane Pink.

Merkin Vineyards provides an authentic Arizona experience you don’t want to miss!

2. Salvatore Vineyards Tasting Room

Salvatore Vineyards Tasting Room – 7064 E. 5th St. Scottsdale, AZ

Another stop along the Scottsdale Wine Trail is Salvatore Vineyards and Passion Cellars tasting room.

This tasting room is uniquely located inside the winery—you can actually see the barrel room from your seats!

Here, you can sample reserve Salvatore wine (named after the winemaker’s grandfather) and the award-winning Passion cellars wine.

They specialize in blended, complex red wines and fruit-forward crisp white wines.

Try a sampling and bring home a bottle of your favorite as they are available for purchase onsite.

Beyond wine, they also sell delicious house-made olive oils, balsamic, olives, and sauces.

3. Desert Rock Winery

Desert Rock Winery – 7302 E Helm Dr #1002, Scottsdale, AZ

For those of you who prefer a laid-back atmosphere, you’ll absolutely love Desert Rock Winery.

This Scottsdale winery offers casual seating both indoors and out on its tiki-torch patio where they offer both wine and spirit tastings.

They also sell wine, spirits, and hard ciders by the glass. Walk-in visits are allowed (and encouraged), so make sure to stop by!

While they don’t have a dedicated kitchen, they do have rotating food trucks on site for a quick bite alongside their award-winning wines.

Want to make a night of it?

Desert Rock Winery has live music every weekend from 5-7 pm.

And if you’re looking for a bit more wine knowledge, Desert Rock doubles as a wine education center with information on wine production and the larger wine industry.

Additional planning tips: Walk-in visits are allowed, and encouraged.

Also, this location is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your pooch along with you for your tasting!

4. LDV Winery Tasting Room

LDV Winery Tasting Room – 7134 E Stetson Dr. B110, Scottsdale, AZ

Conveniently located on the Scottsdale wine trail, take a visit to the LDV tasting room.

Here you’ll enjoy estate-grown wine in a friendly, approachable setting.

The LDV Winery Tasting Room is located in the entertainment district in Old Town Scottsdale, with indoor and outdoor patio seating.

You can sample a wine flight, glass, or bottle of LDV wine, plus, wine options are rotating, so there’s always something new and exciting to taste.

LDV is the perfect example of how wine is more than just a drink; it’s an experience.

They offer several wine-focused experiences, including:

• Wine and cheese pairings
• Le Nez du Vin (wine aroma therapy)
• Wine and chocolate pairings
• Travel with LDV (to wine destinations around the world!)
• Wine and art night

5. Cooper’s Hawk Winery

Cooper’s Hawk Winery – 7361 E Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ

Discover guided wine tastings with 7-8 different wines at Cooper’s Hawk Winery.

This Napa-style tasting room also has an extensive menu, including fresh, gourmet desserts to round off your visit.

While you’re here, a classic glass of wine like the Sauvignon blanc or inventive offerings like their sparkling almond with notes of almond cookie, maraschino cherry, and nutmeg.

They also have several beer and cocktail varieties for you to try.

6. Aridus Wine Company

Aridus Wine Company – 7173 E Main St, Scottsdale, AZ

In search of a more intimate setting?

The Aridus Wine Tasting Room should be your first stop.

This cozy tasting room is located in downtown Scottsdale serving wine from 40 acres of vineyards in Pearce, Arizona.

More than just another stop on the wine trail, this Scottsdale tasting room is located in an old gallery space in the heart of the Old Town Arts District.

Because of its central location, it’s also within walking distance of amazing art galleries, museums, and restaurants.

If you value atmosphere, this tasting room makes a major impression with natural, reclaimed materials contrasted with caged chandeliers and leather armchairs.

This warm and welcoming winery has a wine club that delivers you new wines twice a year, along with year-round exclusive offerings.

At the end of your visit, be sure to take home a bottle of their 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon for the perfect special occasion wine.

Additional planning tip: Tastings are available by appointment only, so plan ahead!

7. Windmill Winery

Windmill Winery – 1140 W Butte Ave #48, Florence, AZ

The Windmill Winery is located an hour outside of Scottsdale proper in Florence, Arizona.

Though it’s technically not in Scottsdale, its locally-produced wine is worth the mention (and visit!).

Here, you can enjoy Arizona wine, live music events, food trucks, and more.

This winery is also a popular wedding venue, so their beautiful tasting room comes as no surprise.

Join them for a special event to get the full experience!

8. Caduceus Cellars

Caduceus Cellars – 158 Main St, Jerome, AZ

Located on the top of a hill with picturesque views overlooking the Verde Valley, you’ll find the beautiful Caduceus Cellars!

While Jerome, AZ isn’t exactly a convenient location for Scottsdale visitors (it is found 2 hours north of Scottsdale), it does offer a small-town charm that is sure to impress!

The owner of this small production, family-owned winery is Maynard James Keenan, who you may know as the lead singer of the metal band Tool.

He’s now taken on the winemaking traditions of his Italian ancestors.

For those who can’t take the journey, never fear!

Caduceus Cellars is partnered with Merkin Vineyards, so you can taste their wine at the Old Town Scottsdale location.

9. Arizona Stronghold

Arizona Stronghold – 4225 N Marshall Way Suite #2, Scottsdale, AZ

Another Old Town Scottsdale location, Arizona Stronghold, stands out from the pack with award-winning wines and a relaxed ambiance.

The owners pride themselves on being both pioneers and farmers first, meaning they use Arizona’s natural resources to produce their ingredients.

Enjoy tasting flights, bottles to go, sangria, charcuterie, and cheese plates.

They also offer private tours and events!

10. Carlson Creek Tasting Room

Carlson Creek Tasting Room – 4142 N Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ

This tasting room is on the Scottsdale Wine Trail in the arts and entertainment district of Old Town.

Here, they feature wine from their family-owned vineyard in Cochise County, Arizona.

Taste 13 rotating varieties alongside custom, artisanally-made cheese boards.

They also offer wine education with private wine tastings, wine tasting 101 courses, and other special events.

You can find their other tasting rooms in both Old Town Cottonwood and at the Willcox Winery.

Final Thoughts on the Best Scottsdale Wineries

It’s true – the wineries in Scottsdale AZ are worth the trip alone!

Though you won’t find Scottsdale’s wineries on our list of the best things to do in Scottsdale with kids, they’re definitely someplace you’ll want to visit as an adult.

With unique offerings sure to satisfy every wine lover, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the best that Arizona wines have to offer.

On your Arizona getaway, I hope you get the chance to sample some of these locally-owned community-focused wineries.

I’m excited to know! Which of the wineries in Scottsdale, AZ are you most excited to try?

Jen

*Before leaving, be sure to check our Travel Resources Page to find exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*