This Tiny Winery Town in Arizona Is a Hidden Gem for Wine Lovers

Although Arizona is best known for its deserts, mountains, and the Grand Canyon, it's often overlooked as a destination for wine lovers. Home to three distinct wine regions, or American Viticultural Areas (AVAs)—Wilcox, Sonoita, and the Verde Valley—the state has made a name for itself, at least locally, when it comes to wine. Those searching for a weekend wine trip in Arizona often find themselves in either Cottonwood, Jerome, Sedona, Willcox, or Sonoita. However, Cornville is a winery town in Arizona offering wonderful tasting opportunities and scenery with fewer crowds in the Verde Valley. Often overlooked, consider Cornville your next destination for tasting some of the state's most exceptional varietals.

Why Cornville Is a Wine Lover’s Dream

Perfect for wine lovers, Cornville is a Verde Valley town in a picturesque setting along both the cottonwood-lined Oak Creek and Verde River, just 20 minutes from Sedona. Part of the Verde Valley AVA, the town of 3,600 is home to five family-owned hidden gem wineries in Arizona.

A destination along the 25-mile Verde Valley Wine Trail that also includes Jerome, Clarkdale, Cottonwood, Camp Verde, and Sedona, Cornville doesn't experience the tourist crowds the other wine trail towns do. Because it's such an underrated destination, wine lovers tend to have a more low-key and intimate experience here in Cornville.

The Best Wineries To Visit in Cornville

Each of the five wineries in Cornville is highly rated, and you can visit them all in one day if you're short on time. However, I suggest taking a weekend getaway to Cornville, so you can sit and savor your experience at each location. I have been to three of the five vineyards on a wine tour, and highly recommend each one.

• Javelina Leap Vineyard and Winery has a saloon-style bar in its main tasting room where you can indulge in a tasting flight that includes five wines from the current selection. The winery also has a second tasting room and an outdoor space where I listened to live music when visiting on a tour.
• Page Springs Cellars Tasting Room & Vineyard offers a picturesque setting on Oak Creek and a large tasting room with a bistro offering lunch, dinner, and a picnic menu. This is the most popular vineyard in Cornville; reservations are strongly recommended.
• DA Ranch has a history that dates back to 1876, when it was established by pioneer Gertrude Gates who settled here and called the homestead she created, where Jersey cows were raised, "Delta Alpha Ranch." Today, it is owned by the Petznick family. The property, set on Oak Creek with lush greenery and trees, is absolutely stunning. It's also kid-friendly, live music is offered every day, and a food truck is available on-site every Friday through Sunday. Sit back, relax, and listen to music while sipping on a glass of estate-grown wine.
• Cove Mesa Vineyard Winery Tasting Room has an award-winning tasting room offering fine wines and a menu featuring charcuterie boards, pizza, salads, and more, including gluten-free options.
• Oak Creek Vineyards and Winery is another family-friendly winery in Cornville (and that includes pets!), set on 11 verdant acres and only 500 feet from the banks of Oak Creek. Choose a flight of white, red (lighter or bolder), or medal winners, or you can build your own tasting flight.

What It’s Like To Spend a Day Here

Having taken a day trip to Cornville on a tour, I can tell you that it's quite a laid-back and enjoyable experience for wine tasting in Arizona. Aside from Page Springs Cellars, the wineries are uncrowded, the wine is excellent, and the overall vibe is relaxed. It's a great rural town to take a day trip from busier surrounding towns like Jerome, Cottonwood, and Sedona.

More To Do Beyond Wine

Although Cornville is a destination for wine connoisseurs, there is more to do beyond an afternoon of tastings. A wonderful destination for lovers of the great outdoors as well, hiking and water recreation are abundant.

Take a hike along the 1.3-mile Black Hawk Trail Loop at Bubbling Ponds Preserve, a unique riparian area along Oak Creek, overseen by the Northern Arizona Audubon Society. Over 263 bird species have been recorded here, and mountain lions, river otters, and the endangered Mexican garter snake have been spotted here as well. Another popular hike is the 1.1-mile Mormons Crossing Trail that leads to the edge of Oak Creek, several waterfalls, and a swimming area with creek access.

For off-roading adventures, the Beaverhead Flats OHV Trail is a 2.9-mile route that follows the Verde River in Cornville. Along this route, those on dirt bikes and ATVs will enjoy the varied terrain of sand, rocky patches, and shallow areas with views of cottonwoods, mesquite, and red rocks.

What To Know Before You Go

With Cornville's proximity to Sedona, you may opt for a wine tour through local companies like Elevated Sedona Wine Tours or Wine Tours of Sedona, which, depending on the tour you choose, includes stops in Cornville. A tour is a great way to let someone else do the driving as you sit back, relax, and learn about the Verde Valley and the destinations along the way. You can also arrange for a personalized winery experience with one of the tour companies ahead of your visit.

If you choose to visit any of the town's wineries on your own, make sure to book reservations ahead of time, especially at Page Springs, which is Cornville's most popular and busiest winery.

If you consider yourself an oenophile and haven't yet been to Cornville, I suggest taking a day trip or weekend getaway to experience all that it has to offer. And if you find yourself in the southern part of the state, make sure to stop at Los Milics Vineyards located in Sonoita, one of the best wine towns in Arizona.

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