Cottonwood & Valley Verde Wine Trail

Day One

We’ll leave the Valley behind and head up the scenic and winding road to Jerome, Arizona, at 5,000 feet above sea level. Once a booming copper-mining town, Jerome is now best known for its quaint shops and restaurants, beautiful views, and haunted buildings. There are also six tasting rooms in this tiny town! Spend time enjoying lunch, shopping, and wine tasting on your own. Heading back down the hill, we’ll check-in to The Tavern Hotel in Old Town Cottonwood. This boutique hotel was originally built in 1925 as a grocery store and was the center of activity in Old Town. In 2011 the historic building was transformed into an elegant hotel and remains a gathering place in the heart of Cottonwood. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome cocktail at The Tavern Grill. Your included dinner and wine this evening will be at Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery and Trattoria. Merkin Vineyards offers stunning 270-degree views of the Verde Valley, a beautiful restaurant and patio, and delicious farm to table food. The rest of the evening is yours to explore downtown Cottonwood, just steps from the hotel.

Day Two

For breakfast, head across the street to Crema Craft Kitchen. With your included breakfast voucher, enjoy a continental breakfast, or use the value towards a special brunch entrée, mimosa or bloody Mary. After breakfast we’ll visit Tuzigoot National Monument. Take the short 1/3-mile pueblo trail to view a 110-room pueblo village built nearly 1,000 years ago. Visit the Tuzigoot Museum to see archeological artifacts and learn the history of the Sinagua people, who settled in this area in approximately the year 650. The 170-acre D.A. Ranch is a hidden gem in Arizona. Enjoy an included wine tasting among the stunning outdoor spaces, surrounded by green pastures, mature trees, tranquil ponds and orchards. From the Ranch we’ll travel a short way to Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery where you’ll be greeted by the stunning backdrop of the Mingus Mountains. This small winery features a saloon-style tasting room where you’ll enjoy an included tasting of award-winning wines. Javelina Leap boasts being among the first 10 vineyard and winery licenses to be issued in Arizona. Back in Cottonwood, spend the rest of the afternoon and evening on your own. Stroll down Cottonwood’s historic Main Street, lined with quaint boutiques, art galleries and tasting rooms. For dinner, stop at Nic’s Italian Steak and Crab House, which captures the essence of Main Street charm. Each guest room will receive a $50 gift card to Nic’s, where you can indulge in a hearty plate of pasta, a perfectly seasoned steak, fresh seafood, outstanding cocktails and local wines.

Day Three

Start this morning back at Crema Craft Kitchen with your included breakfast voucher. Enjoy a leisurely morning before visiting Alcantara Winery along the Verde River for an included wine tasting and lunch. As you relax and sip wine, watch overhead for bald eagles, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. After our final tasting, we’ll head back to the Valley, with a new appreciation for Cottonwood and the Verde Valley, and perhaps a few bottles of wine.

FB=Full Breakfast, D=Dinner