Wine on display at Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Trattoria in Cottonwood. (Jessica Swarner/The Copper Courier)
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A couple of weekends ago, some friends and I drove up to Cottonwood for a wine-tasting day trip.
The city outside of Sedona is full of tasting rooms where you can find affordable flights, glasses, and bottles of wine, along with plenty of snacking plates and food to go with the drinks.
We started the day at Da Vines Vineyard, where I had a Groupon deal. For just over $50, we got four flights—a choice of any three wines on the menu—and a charcuterie board. We also ordered the duck fat fries, which were delicious. This was a great, budget-friendly place to start the trip!
After that, we did some more tasting at Four Eight Wineworks. I ordered a unique flight of white, rosé, and red sparkling wines.
We then wrapped up the day with some more wine and dinner at Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Trattoria. This place was a lot of fun—not many restaurants have a gelato stand at the bottom, and a little tram that takes you up to the hill to its doors. I had a prickly pear mac and cheese there that I’m still thinking about.
November was a great time to visit, as we got to see some fall leaves while enjoying the city’s Christmas decorations along Main Street. It also happened to be a rainy day that brought out a huge double rainbow.
I had a great time hopping from one winery to another and enjoying a change of pace from Phoenix. If you’re looking for a quick, fun day trip—or maybe a weekend trip if you’re down south—I highly recommend Cottonwood.
The trip was also a good reminder of how much great local wine we have here in Arizona—and that buying bottles or gift cards as Christmas gifts is a great way to support those small businesses.
MORE: Heading to Cottonwood for wine? Don’t skip this record-lover’s gem
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