I Took an Elevated Wine Tour and It Was an Unforgettable Sedona Adventure

While I love traveling and discovering things on my own, I also love taking tours. Not only are tours informative, but they help you discover places you may not have known existed and can expand your knowledge of a place. Another thing I love? Wine! So, taking an Elevated Sedona Wine Tour was an awesome and unforgettable Sedona adventure for me, and I think you would love it, too!

Per journalistic integrity, we disclose that the writer of this piece was invited on this tour by GV Public Relations, with expenses covered. However, all opinions and thoughts expressed in this piece are their own.

After experiencing a tour with Elevated Sedona Wine Tours, I can see why it was voted "Best in Sedona." Our driver and guide, Lisa, was friendly and passionate about Sedona and brought us to several locations around town before we visited a few wineries.

After we were picked up at our hotel, the first stop on the tour was the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross. Set up high in the red rocks, this chapel has become a popular tourist attraction throughout the years. I visit it each time I'm in Sedona, as it's such a stunning and peaceful piece of architecture. We spent around 20 minutes here, which is all you really need, before moving on to our next location, Tlaquepaque.

Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is another popular spot in Sedona. With dozens of shops and galleries, and architecture reminiscent of a traditional Mexican village, this is another favorite spot of mine. I love walking through the passageways and past fountains between popping into a boutique or art gallery. There are some wonderful cafes and restaurants as well including The Secret Garden Cafe where I grabbed a coffee. After an hour of exploring, we hopped back on the Elevated Wine Tours van where Lisa, our guide, took us to our first winery.

Lisa told us stories about Sedona, her life, and her connection to the Navajo tribe as she drove us to Cornville. I love hearing stories from locals as it gives a different perspective on a place.

Located in the Verde Valley, one of Arizona's wine regions, Cornville is home to Javelina Leap Winery, where we did a tasting. I loved the rustic tasting room with its large bar area, a chandelier in the center of the room, and its selection of merchandise along the walls. Our tastings came with a choice of five wines, and I was pleasantly surprised at how tasty they were. The Coulee Cuvee with its notes of current and raspberry was probably my favorite, though they all tasted lovely.

After the tasting, we headed to the back porch to listen to some live music. Back by the outdoor stage is another, newer tasting room.

Next on our wine tour itinerary was Page Spring Cellars. Located on a beautiful property along Oak Creek, this winery was incredibly busy with a wait. Instead of partaking in a tasting, we checked out the tasting room and walked out to the creek. This is such a peaceful place I will return to in the near future.

Our third stop on the tour was DA Ranch in Page Springs. Located on a gorgeous historic property along Oak Creek, it started as a cattle ranch in 1876. Now an estate winery, you can come here for a tasting, drink a glass of wine by the fireplace, or take a tour.

I suggest spending time exploring the property, which has swings, outdoor seating, and a food truck with offerings like shrimp and fries, Philly cheesesteaks, wraps, sandwiches, burgers, and even smoothies, which is what I ordered.

At long last, we headed to our last stop, Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery & Trattoria. This was the stop I was most looking forward to. Having just opened in 2023, this hilltop winery and bistro in Old Town Cottonwood is owned by Maynard James Keenan, the frontman for the bands Tool and A Perfect Circle (yes, I am a fan!). He also happens to be a winemaker. Merkin has been on my bucket list since it opened, and I am happy to say that I was able to check it off!

Upon arrival, we took a long staircase up the hill, although there was a funicular option. After we checked in, we met Evan, who took us on a tour of the hilltop vineyard and the rooms where the wine was made, along with a greenhouse where they grow ingredients used in the Trattoria's dishes. After all, their motto is "Our farm to your table. Our vines to your glass." Don't you just love that?

After the tour, we sat inside the Trattoria for a wine and food tasting. Everything was exquisite, and I think we were served just about everything on the menu. My absolute favorite dish was the Le Verdure, a dish of roasted and raw vegetables with housemade hummus. The veggies, grown right on the property, were incredibly fresh. As for the wine, the Chupacabras are the most popular, and I thoroughly enjoyed the Chupacabra Blanca.

Once we were done with dinner, we descended the long staircase and stopped by the gelateria at the bottom. Too full from dinner, I opted out of dessert, but some of my tour mates ordered a scoop of decadent gelato. Maybe next time, I will indulge in dessert here at Merkin!

What a tour this was! A full day of exploring and wine tasting, and it was an unforgettable Sedona adventure with Elevated Sedona Wine Tours. Have you booked a wine tour in the Verde Valley yet? If not, what are you waiting for?

Need a place to stay in Sedona? Check out Amara Resort & Spa—I had an incredible experience here!