As a certified ✨Barefoot Wine Drinker✨, I know nothing about good wine. In the upper Midwest, the climate only allows us to grow grapes that produce sweet wines. So when I took this show on the road (that’s you), I wanted to give “real wineries” a shot.

Enter Verde Valley in Central Arizona. This creatively named, very green valley produces awesome wines and awesome people. Here are all the wineries I visited. I can confirm that all were very beginner-friendly, and they offered a great place to kick back and enjoy this valley oasis in the desert.

Drive up a gravel road and head down to a gorgeous vineyard with ponds, willows, and walking trails. You’ll go up to a historic house that serves as the tasting room, and you can select from curated wine flights, or order by the glass or the bottle. I had the Mae Rosé on the recommendation of the helpful bartender. (1900 Dancing Apache Rd, Cornville, AZ 86325)

Named after my favorite Arizona animal, this winery was a great place to relax and read. After grabbing a glass from the small tasting room, you could wander or settle on the patio. I opted to sit under a pergola with my Kindle and crisp white. (1565 N Page Springs Rd, Cornville, AZ 86325)

This winery had two notable features: its apple wine and creekside seating. When you approach the front, the host will ask if you’re there for the wine or the restaurant, and direct you to the appropriate area. I had the Hidden Valley Golden Delicious Apple dessert wine, which I sipped on the deck. (1500 N Page Springs Rd, Cornville, AZ 86325)

While this winery had limited grounds, it made up for it with the spacious covered patio and the excellent snack options. You’ll definitely want to order the spinach artichoke dip. I did the white and red flights; The Fire was my favorite. (1555 N Page Springs Rd, Cornville, AZ 86325)

While this isn’t exactly a winery, it is a cidery that serves wine, so we will count it. They offer cider flights and food. You’ll be greeted outside by a very cheerful, very chunky Labrador Retriever. I enjoyed a Golden Halo cider and a slice of chocolate pecan pie. (9280 E Cornville Rd, Cornville, AZ 86325)

🌵Want more ideas for a Verde Valley trip? I’ve created a handy list, including the best coffee I’ve ever had. 👀

See all my recommendations here. »

📚 I’m scared of the Grand Canyon. “Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon” by Michael P. Ghiglieri and Thomas M. Myers confirmed that I should be. This hefty book (now in its third edition) is packed with tales of tourist stupidity, freak weather, and heroic National Park Service rescues. The main takeaway? If you think you’re ready to hike the backcountry, you’re not. Also, those “fun,” scenic flights over the canyon? Wayyyy more dangerous than the hike. 😬

Rating: ✨✨✨✨.5/5

Read my other book reviews. »