When you think of wine, whether it is a crisp refreshing white wine or a big bold red, your mind most likely wanders to images of lush scenery – rolling hills in Tuscany, or perhaps the beautiful Napa and Sonoma Valleys in California. The desert climate of Arizona is probably the last place you'd associate with wine! But while Central Arizona may not be the first location that comes to mind, the region boasts several tasting rooms that are easily accessible and perfect for a day's activities.
During your Arizona Vacation Rentals stay, take time to enjoy the wines of Central Arizona, and schedule lunch or dinner at one of the wineries' fine restaurants for tasty pairings of wine with a gourmet meal.
Kokopelli Winery & Bistro
Following a summer-long remodel project, Kokopelli, the largest winery in Arizona, will reopen this month with “A New Fun Restaurant Concept Called Chop Shop.” With an esteemed history (the winery planted its first grapes in 1991, first harvested in 1994, and opened in 1995, producing 5,400 cases that year; founded in part by a sixth generation winemaker, with a family history of making wine in France and North Africa; recognized for developing methods for growing grapes in Arizona despite its heat), Kokopelli wines have won multiple awards in regional wine competitions. All is still very hush-hush, check their website for updated information!
Kokopelli Winery & Bistro is located at 35 West Boston St. in Chandler. Kokopelli reopens this month with new hours and a new restaurant partnership.
Casavino Custom Winery
For over a decade Casavino has been making hand-crafted customized wines and creating an unforgettable experience for those looking to taste great wine in Central Arizona. Casavino is unique, allowing you to take control of your wine. By working with their experienced staff, guests will be guided through the wine-making process from start to finish. And with great wine, comes great food. Casavino provides a seasonal gourmet menu – from small plates of artisan cheeses to full dinners. Stop by and meet Chef Nick and see what the Casavino kitchen is capable of creating!
Casavino is located at 12005 N. Saguaro Blvd Suite 101 in Fountain Hills, and is open by appointment Monday-Friday, Saturday 1pm to 9pm, and Sunday 2pm to 7pm.
Studio Vino
Whether you are looking for a local winery to enjoy a bottle of wine, gather with friends for wine tasting, make your own wine or create custom-labeled bottles, Studio Vino has you covered! Tempe's first and only winery offers a contemporary and comfortable tasting room. Wine tasting is available for a vast selection of Arizona wines such as Alcantara, Bitter Creek Winery, Charron Vineyards, Dribble Creek, Jerome Winery, Javelina Leap, Keeling-Schaefer, Kief Joshua. Kokopelli, Oak Creek Vineyards and Sultry Cellars. Wine can be purchased to enjoy on-site or take home, as well as menu items such as cheese boards, olive trays and assorted snacks, wine-making packages and individual bottles with custom labels.
Studio Vino is located at 1825 East Guadalupe in Tempe. Studio Vino's hours of operation are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 3-10pm, Friday and Saturday 12-11pm.
Su Vino Winery
Su Vino Winery, Scottsdale is the second installment of the award-winning winery founded in Grapevine, Texas. An award-winning winery with a twist, Su Vino has won over 40 medals for their wines, and offer customers the opportunity to have wine made specifically for them and their palate.
This custom winery makes their own wines, specializing in unique and interesting varietals and blends, as well as customized wines to the customer's palate. Customers participate in the winemaking process by bottling and corking their wine blend and placing a personalized label on the wine – perfect for holiday gifts, business promotional items, wedding favors, or simply to keep on hand.
Su Vino is located at 7035 E Main St., Suite 110 in Scottsdale. Su Vino is open Tuesday and Wednesday 12-8pm, Thursday through Saturday 12-10pm, Sunday 1-5pm, and is closed on Mondays.
Martin Wynn
