b"Located in Verde Valley, the center of Arizona, Cottonwoodits unique personality and different wines for visitors to is a charming small town situated below the high countrydiscover at each stopover on the Wine Trail.If you were looking for a positive from 2020 you may chill and above the desert heat. Surrounded by thehave a cause for celebrationthe grape harvest. 2020 has Mogollon Rim to the northeast and the stunning red rocksthe potential to be a great vintage. The wines produced from this harvest won't be bottled until 2021 or 2022. If of Sedona to the west, the towns low elevation and mildyou're looking for great Verde Valley wines now, local climate make it an idyllic destination year-round. wineries have a selection of excellent wines from 2017, 2018, and 2019. If you are a fan of white and rose wines, A n easy trip fromthis has grown exponentially2019 is already selling out so make sure to get some soon. The Verde Valley is slated for designation as a Phoenixonlyto include approximatelyfederally-recognized American Viticultural Area (AVA). an hour and a half20 cellars, wineries, tastingThis designation is significant as it lends credibility to drive. Old Town is knownrooms, vineyards, and bodegas.the region, and will draw attention to the area among for its Main Street withAlcantara Vineyard & Winery,wine connoisseurs. The Verde Valley's AVA designation over 60 businesses thatBurning Tree Cellars, Fourwill make it the third AVA region in Arizona.attract visitors and supportEight Wineworks, Pillsbury local residents.Wine Company North, andHERE IS JUST A SAMPLING OF THE Bodega Pierce are just a fewVINEYARDS, WINERIES, AND TASTINGThe valley is also richof the stops along the way.ROOMS IN THE AREA: with recreational actions,Each provides a collection ofAlcantara Vineyards is a sustainably-farmed, artwork, and culture. Thereskillfully and artfully craftedfamily-owned winery located in the foothills of the are several state parks andwines to satisfy any palate. Verde Valley. Surrounded by the Verde River and Oak national monuments in theCreek on three of its sides, Alcantara is an expansive area that allow for outsideVerde Valley as a wine87-acre property opened in 2005 by husband and wife, recreational chances. The Verde Valley is not only amonglocation comes to the surprise of many individuals, butBarbara and Bob Predmore. There are more than 20,000 the most amazing parts of Arizona, its an extraordinaryit is extremely comparable to many of the great winevines on the property producing 17 different varietals spot to grow grapes and make delightful Arizona wine. growing regions across the planet. The Verde Valley iscreating a diverse assortment of red, white, and dessert at the same level as Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Iran, areaswines. They offer 1.5-hour long guided tours of their Dead Horse Ranch State Park is situated along thewhere grapes were first domesticated and the first wineimpressive grounds where they share information on Verde River just north of town. Home to an abundancewas produced. The level between 3,800 ft. and 5,000 ft.the philosophy of growing grapes, irrigation, trellising, of plant and animal life, the area is filled with Willow,combined with the appropriate latitude supplies the idealand varietals along the way. The winery also offers wine Cottonwood, Arizona Ash, Cattails, Netleaf Hackberry,climate for growing grapes. It is hot through the day andtastings in their rustically designed tasting room. They and Mesquite trees as well as coyotes, javelina, grey fox,chilly at night which stressesinclude five 1oz samples of jackrabbits, and cottontail rabbits. The park is also homethe grapes, the warmth isthe guests choice. Leashed to an extensive list of birds including several sensitive,needed for sugar creation anddogs welcome. 3445 S. endangered, and threatened species. Four trailheadsthe cool nights are importantGrapevine Way. 928-649-8463. within the park lead into Coconino National Forestfor acid retention.AlcantaraVineyard.comand 20 miles of shared-use, single-track and double-track pathways. Outdoor recreation activities includingThe Verde Valley wineArizona Stronghold canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking, horsebackcountry is under-discoveredTasting Room has a fun riding, and mountain biking. Camping spots and cabinsbut the folks whove beenand quirky dcor with are available. 675 Dead Horse Ranch Road. 928-634- to the area and tasted thehandcrafted wood furnishings 5283. azstateparks.com/dead-horse wine it produces attest toand comfortable, oversized its excellencerather a fewleather furniture. The relaxed The Verde Valley Wine Trail is a popular destinationwines have won nationalatmosphere is reminiscent for wine enthusiasts that was established in 2009. Theawards for their quality.of a cool, corner coffee shop area is known for its beauty, rich history, and wineThe winemakers offers include Syrah, Petite Sirah,encouraging guests to sit down production. The Trail originally consisted of just sevenViognier, Rousanne, Zinfandel, Merlot, Pinot Grigio,and play a game of Connect-Four while sipping one of tasting rooms and four wineries, but over the yearsand Chardonnay, just to name several. Every winery hastheir award-winning wines. They offer a selection of 24 January 2021"