Arizona’s Verde Valley is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for wine lovers, and Clarkdale is at the heart of it all. With a rich history and a vibrant wine scene, Clarkdale is the perfect place to explore the world of wine. From tasting rooms to train rides and boutique wineries to commercial operations, there are plenty of wine tasting experiences in Clarkdale.
Verde Valley Wine Trail
The Verde Valley Wine Trail is a popular way for visitors to explore a variety of Arizona wineries and tasting rooms throughout Northern Arizona, including the Clarkdale area. Visitors can use the Verde Valley Wine Trail App or download a printable map to explore the local wine scene while experiencing the region’s natural beauty.
Some of the wineries along the trail also offer food pairings, live music, and other special events throughout the year, making the Verde Valley Wine Trail a must-visit destination for wine lovers and anyone who wants to experience the best of what Clarkdale, AZ has to offer.
Wine Tasting Rooms in Clarkdale
Chateau Tumbleweed Tasting Room
One of the unique aspects of the wine scene in Clarkdale is the prevalence of husband and wife teams who have created their wineries and tasting rooms. Chateau Tumbleweed is one such winery and one of the most well-known in the area.
Chateau Tumbleweed has been renowned for producing some of the state’s best, most interesting, and unique wines. But how did this tasting room come to be? The story of Chateau Tumbleweed began in 2011 when four friends – two husband and wife teams – with a shared passion to create delicious wines decided to pursue their dream of creating their own wine. After several years of experimentation and hard work, they began to produce small batches of their own wine from grapes grown in the region. Their wines quickly gained a following, and they soon opened their tasting room in downtown Clarkdale.
Today, visitors to Chateau Tumbleweed can sample their award-winning wines and learn more about the winemaking process from the friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Southwest Wine Center
Another great spot for wine tasting in Clarkdale is the Southwest Wine Center. This state-of-the-art facility is part of Yavapai College and offers students the opportunity to study viticulture and enology in a hands-on, immersive environment.
Visitors to the Southwest Wine Center can sample and purchase their high-quality wines at the on-site tasting room, which is open to the public. The tasting room is staffed by students eager to share their knowledge and passion for wine with visitors. So whether you’re a wine lover looking to expand your knowledge or a student pursuing a career in the wine industry, the Southwest Wine Center is a fantastic resource and destination.
Bodega Pierce
Bodega Pierce is another must-visit winery in Clarkdale, AZ. It is a family-owned and operated tasting room that produces high-quality wines from grapes grown in its estate vineyard.
Visitors can enjoy tasting their award-winning wines in the charming tasting room or stroll through the vineyard.
In addition to its tasting room, Bodega Pierce also offers private tastings, wine club memberships, and special events throughout the year. Their wines can also be purchased online or at select retailers throughout Arizona.
Visit this page to learn more
Breweries
Smelter Town Brewery
Beer lovers won’t want to miss a visit to Smelter Town Brewery while in Clarkdale. This local brewery offers a range of craft beers made on-site, from light and refreshing pilsners to bold and hoppy IPAs. They also offer a rotating selection of seasonal beers and limited-edition releases, so there’s always something new.
The brewery is in a historic building, once a smelter in the town’s mining days, giving it a unique and rustic ambiance. And if you’re hungry, they also offer snacks like pretzels, Nachos, and Bratwurst. With great beer, food, and atmosphere, Smelter Town Brewery is a must-visit spot for beer lovers in Clarkdale.
Clarkdale Wine Tasting Events
For those who want a truly unique wine-tasting experience, there are also several wine-themed events and activities to enjoy.
Uncorked Wine Festival
If you want a unique wine-tasting experience in Clarkdale, check out the Uncorked Wine Festival. This new event takes place at the Verde Canyon Railroad Depot throughout the month of May. The festival includes a special wine tasting and lunch before the train departs for a scenic ride through the Verde Canyon. The package also includes a commemorative wine glass and a discount on wine purchases made during the train ride.
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The Grape Train Escape
Finally, wine lovers won’t want to miss the best wine train in Arizona – the Verde Canyon Railroad’s Grape Train Escape! Offered on select Saturdays from May through September, this unique experience allows visitors to take in breathtaking scenery with world-class wine tastings. Each train ride features wines from a different region, and visitors can enjoy a variety of perfectly paired appetizers with their wine tastings. This popular attraction sells out fast, so be sure to book in advance.
Visit this page to learn more and purchase tickets.
Other Clarkdale Arizona Area Activities
In addition to wine tasting, there are many other activities and things to do in Clarkdale to enjoy the area. Outdoor enthusiasts will love hiking, biking, and kayaking in the nearby national forests, while history buffs can explore the area’s many historic sites and museums. And, of course, there are plenty of delicious restaurants and cafes to enjoy, many of which feature local wines on their menus.
Where to Eat
When dining in Clarkdale, there are plenty of great options. So whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, you will find something to suit your tastes in this charming town.
One must-visit spot for a quick and tasty meal is Hermosillo Hot Dogs. This local favorite serves authentic Sonoran-style hot dogs topped with everything from bacon and grilled onions to beans and guacamole. They’re served on soft buns and are the perfect snack for a day of wine tasting.
For something sweet, head to Violette’s Bakery Cafe. This cozy spot offers a wide range of baked goods, including delicious pastries, cakes, and bread. It also serves breakfast and lunch items, such as quiches and sandwiches. Their outdoor patio is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee and a pastry.
If you’re in the mood for Mexican food, head to El Toreo. This family-owned restaurant has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine for over 30 years and is a local favorite. Their menu features classic dishes like enchiladas, tacos, burritos and more unique items like chiles rellenos and mole.
A visit to the Virgin Cheese Company is a must for cheese lovers. They specialize in handcrafted, dairy-free cheeses from nuts, seeds, and other plant-based ingredients. Their cheese products are delicious, healthy, environmentally sustainable, and cruelty-free. The Virgin Cheese Company is an excellent choice for vegans and anyone looking for an alternative to traditional dairy cheese.
Head to the Yavapai College Greenhouse Cafe if you want a healthy and sustainable meal. This cafe is run by culinary students at Yavapai College featuring a menu of locally sourced and sustainably grown ingredients. They offer a range of dishes, from salads and sandwiches to soups and lemonade, made fresh to order.
Finally, head to #1 Sandwich Shop for a classic deli-style sandwich. This local spot has been serving delicious sandwiches for over 20 years and has a loyal following among locals.
Where to Stay
If you’re looking for a place to stay while exploring the wine scene in Clarkdale, consider the Clarkdale Park Hotel. Originally built in 1915, this historic establishment has undergone an incredible transformation. Choose from five luxurious king rooms, one grand king room, and two cozy queen rooms. The upstairs rooms offer stunning views of Mingus Mountain and Town Park, complete with convenient kitchenettes. Downstairs, soak up the cozy atmosphere and enjoy local craft beer brewed right on-site. You won’t find a more central location in the heart of downtown Clarkdale!
Clarkdale offers a variety of places to stay from hotels and an RV resort to off the grid Bed & Breakfasts. Find the perfect lodging in Clarkdale here for your next visit.
Overall, wine tasting in Clarkdale, Arizona, is an experience that shouldn’t be missed. With so many fantastic wineries and tasting rooms, you’re sure to find your new favorite wine in this region. So why not plan your trip today and discover all that Clarkdale has to offer?
