easy
2–3 hours
Suitable for all fitness levels; primarily walking on flat or gently sloped vineyard paths.
Experience award-winning wines and stunning Arizona vistas during a private tasting tour in Verde Valley. Learn about the region’s unique wine heritage on this exclusive outdoor adventure.
4 Hours • Enjoy Wines Made By The Students of the Southwest Wine Center
Discover the Verde Valley's burgeoning wine scene on the Clarkdale Wine & Vineyard Tour. Taste award-winning wines crafted by students and the dean of the Southwest Wine Center, and explore unique offerings from Bodega Pierce and Chateau Tumbleweed. Enjoy a memorable day of wine tasting and rich local history.
About Clarkdale Wine & Vineyard Wine Tour:
Many people don’t know that the Verde Valley was recently (December 2021) rated as an AVA (American Viticulture Area) by the government body that oversees wine production throughout the United States. This designation is a proud accomplishment for the northern Arizona wine industry, for it allows the public to know that not only is the area producing an abundance of grapes, but they are making world class wines with these grapes.
Notably is the Southwest Wine Center, part of Yavapai College. Here students take a two year program learning everything about viticulture and wine making. During this process the students make their own selection of wines, made from the grape vines right on the college campus! Not only are these wines delicious, but they are also winning awards by the Arizona Wine Growers Association.
Just down the road is Bodega Pierce Winery & Tasting Room, owned by Michael Pierce who also happens to be the dean of the wine program at the Southwest Wine Center. He has been making wine for over a decade and personally we love his white wines, especially his malvasia blanca.
Then there is Chateau Tumbleweed whose wines are as unique as the labels that identify them. Each label has a picture of a tumbleweed in one fashion or another. Across the board, all their wines are top notch and worthy of your attention. And for the wine geeks, their labels give you more information about the wine than you’ve ever seen on any other wine label. This tour is only available Thursday through Sunday. Because the Southwest Wine Center and Bodega Pierce require advance reservations, we do require at least 7 days advance reservation. Your tour includes three wine tasting flights per person.
Join us for a fun day tasting wines along the Verde Valley Wine Trail and experience wines made by the students, the dean, and graduates of the Southwest Wine Center.
Wine Tours of Sedona Inclusions:
Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated between wine tastings and while walking through the vineyards.
Choose sturdy, comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven vineyard terrain.
Use sunscreen and wear a hat to protect yourself from the Arizona sun during the tour.
Arrange transportation or a designated driver if planning to enjoy the full wine tasting experience safely.
The Verde Valley AVA is Arizona’s first designated wine appellation, recognized for its unique terroir and rich winemaking tradition.
Local wineries prioritize sustainable vineyard practices, including water conservation and organic farming, helping protect this fragile desert environment.
Supports your feet on vineyards’ uneven surfaces during the walk.
Keeps you hydrated under Arizona’s warm sun.
summer specific
Provides extra shade and protection from direct sunlight.
summer specific
Helpful for cooler mornings and evenings during autumn tours.
fall specific