If you’re dreaming of a wine getaway, you don’t need to travel to Napa or Bordeaux to sip great Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. In fact, you don’t even need to leave Scottsdale.
Winemaking in the desert still surprises people, but Arizona has a thriving wine industry with well over 100 wineries. While grapes are grown in Willcox, Sonoita, and the Verde Valley, several top producers have tasting rooms in Old Town Scottsdale. These allow locals and guests to spend the day tasting their way through Arizona wine without ever leaving the city.
Here, we explore several Arizona wineries with tasting rooms in Scottsdale. Each is a great place to learn about Arizona viticulture and taste the best expressions of our terroir. Of course, Old Town has a variety of other activities, including shopping, viewing art galleries, and dining before or after you sip your vino.
Los Milics Vineyards
The Los Milics Vineyards tasting room might be the new kid on the Scottsdale wine scene, but it’s come out swinging. At this year’s Governor’s Cup, Los Millics’ Sandra’s rosé won the best wine in the state, marking the first time a Rosé took the title. The wine is named in honor of Arizona’s Supreme Court Justice, Sandra Day O’Connor. It’s an unusual blend of Carignan, Malvasia Blanca, Petit Verdot, and Montepulciano that will keep red wine lovers happy drinking pink during Scottsdale’s sizzling temperatures. Los Milics also took the title for Best White Wine in the state with its Hannah’s blend of Marsanne and Malvasia Bianca, a varietal that shines in Arizona.
At the tasting room, you can order individual wines or opt for the flight of five pours that currently includes Matt’s White, Ita’s Rosé, and Cay’s, Renato’s and Lorenzo’s Reds. While the Scottsdale location is small, it makes for a cozy place where wine lovers can settle in at the wooden bar, or grab a table for groups.
𖡡 4151 N Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Arizona Stronghold
Arizona Stronghold began in 2007 and is a pillar of the Arizona wine community. From the beginning, they have been aiming to put Arizona on the fine wine map. Since opening, Arizona Stronghold wines have won recognition in prestigious competitions like the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Awards and Taster’s Guild International Competition.
Arizona Stronghold’s Scottsdale tasting room opened in 2022. Inside, the cozy space is done up in Stronghold red and has a Southwest vibe that mirrors the Native American story behind its wines. Many of the wines are named after former Native American tribal leaders. Arizona Stronghold offers five different tasting flights including a white, light red, robust red, combo, and a chocolate-paired flight.
𖡡 4225 N Marshall Way Suite #2, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Carlson Creek Vineyard
Carlson Creek Vineyard (pictured below & to the right) is a family-owned venture with a laid-back tasting room in Downtown Scottsdale. Belly up to the unique bar made from wine barrels to enjoy a custom tasting flight. Guests have the chance to pick any five wines from the current selection to create their personalized flight. In warmer weather, try the Chenin Blanc, Malvasia Bianca, or Grenache rosé, and when the mercury trends down try the Rule of Three red or Sangiovese.
The tasting room has several different seating areas including large high tops, relaxing sofas, and a back room that can accommodate larger parties. Their staff is knowledgeable and will gladly point visitors towards specific wines to accommodate a certain palate, or they can guide you on a tour of the winery’s varied offerings. Don’t forget to grab some bottles to bring home as well.
𖡡 4142 N Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
LDV Winery
LDV Winery is the second act for husband and wife Curt Dunham and Peggy Fiandaca. The Scottsdale tasting room features the estate wines grown on their vineyard in Willcox. Enjoy a glass of their Gold Medal-winning 2017 Syrah, a spicy wine with the pepper, licorice, and black fruit characteristic of the varietal. LDV offers light, medium, and robust tasting flights featuring three pours of their wines that fit each category. To experience the essence of the winery, try the Taste of LDV flight which features each varietal LDV produces including a Viognier, Grenache, Syrah, and Petite Sirah.
𖡡 7134 E Stetson Dr B110, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Salvatore Vineyards
Part of the Domanico family of wines, which also includes Passion Cellars and Cabal Cellars, Salvatore Vineyards is named for winemaker Jason Domanico’s grandfather. The boutique winery is dedicated to producing small-batch wines that reflect the terroir of Arizona and the Italian passion and tradition of the family. Pop in and enjoy their La Neve, a rich and complex Viognier with notes of fig, apricot, and butterscotch.
𖡡 7064 E 5th Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Ardius Wine Company
Ardius Wine Company stands out for its gorgeous tasting room, a space that invites visitors to sit down, relax, and enjoy a glass…or two. The wine selection rotates, so guests never know what they’ll get to experience. If the Malvasia Bianca Dry is available, snap it up. Arizona is known for this varietal, and Ardius does it especially well. During the winter months, opt for the Graciano. This Italian varietal is packed with spiciness and pairs well with hearty dishes.
𖡡 7173 E Main St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
written by: dena rochè | photographed by:luke irvin
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