The 13 Best Places To Sip Wine In Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale, tucked to the northeast of Phoenix, features breathtaking views of the Sonoran desert, swanky hotels, spas outfitted with luxurious digs, and award-winning, world-class restaurants, making it a popular destination for travelers who crave warmer temperatures without the threat of humid weather. But what you may not know is that Scottsdale is also an ideal destination for wine lovers. No, it may not be Napa or Sonoma, but it's a city that boasts an array of tasting rooms and restaurants with impressive, often extensive, wine lists. Yes, you'll be able to sip wines from all over the world in Scottsdale, but you'll also have the opportunity to taste wines coming out of Arizona itself, many of which display beautiful balance, quiet sophistication, and incredible finesse.
Whether you're just searching for a spot to enjoy a glass of wine or two with a casual dinner or you're really looking to dive into the Arizona wine scene, Scottsdale has you covered. Let's take a look at some of the best places to sip wine in Scottsdale, Arizona.
LON's at the Hermosa Inn
The Hermosa Inn is one of Scottsdale's quieter, more tranquil resorts, housing cabin-like suites shrouded in picturesque landscaping. If you're a wine lover, though, the highlight of staying at the Hermosa Inn is definitely eating at LON's, the on-site restaurant. The food menu is fantastic, from the refreshing beet salad to the seared ahi tuna to the churro tree you can indulge in after you've had your fill of the savory stuff. But Lon's really shines with its extensive wine list.
You'll find standout bottles from all over the world, but don't forget to try out the incredible selection of Arizona-produced wines. We tried a petit manseng from Callaghan Vineyards in Elgin, Arizona, with a whopping 14.8% ABV, though you wouldn't know it by the bright minerality and citrusy zing. Don't worry if that's not your thing, though — the knowledgeable sommeliers will be able to point you in the direction of the right bottle for your meal, no matter what you're drinking. As the sun sets, the restaurant's outdoor seating area is lit by candlelight, providing the ideal ambiance for enjoying dessert and sipping on a glass of sweet wine.
The Wine Collective of Scottsdale
For those who are interested in learning more about Arizona wine and the state's wine regions, The Wine Collective of Scottsdale may just be the best place to go. This place pours wine from a wide array of Arizona wineries, making it a great spot to get a handle on the state's wine scene in general. You can choose a flight based on white, rosé, or red wines, but you may want to leave the wine selection in the hands of your server. Tell them what you like, and they can curate a tasting just for you. And don't worry about things getting too boozy when you order a full flight — you can also grab some snacks or a meal to pair with your wine.
Don't be afraid to ask questions when you're at The Wine Collective of Scottsdale because the people who work here truly want to spread the word about Arizona wines. They'll tell you everything you want to know about the wines, the producers, and growing wine in the desert. When you're done with your tasting, consider grabbing a bottle to take home with you. The best part? You're supporting local producers when you sip at The Wine Collective of Scottsdale. Our favorite bottle here was a 2021 rosé from Chateau Tumbleweed.
Carlson Creek Vineyard Tasting Room
It was only in 2008 that Carlson Creek Vineyard first started making wine, but now, it's one of the largest vineyards in the entire state. If you don't want to make your way all the way to the Willcox AVA, you can get a taste of what Carlson Creek is growing in the Scottsdale tasting room. The terroir is similar to that of the Rhone, which is why you'll get to taste wines like petite sirah and red blends in addition to Italian varietals like sangiovese. On the white end of the spectrum, you'll get to taste everything from riesling to chardonnay to Muscat, all grown on the vineyard's estate.
The tasting room offers a cozy, unfussy atmosphere for enjoying these iconic Arizona wines right in the heart of Scottsdale Arts and Entertainment district, which means you don't have to go far out of your way to get a taste of what you're looking for. After you taste some of the wines and learn about Arizona's unique terroir, join the winery's wine club or just buy a bottle to enjoy later. Share it with a friend so you can spread the gospel about Arizona wine.
Merkin Vineyards Old Town
If you're looking for the best Arizona has to offer in terms of food and wine, you have to make a stop at Merkin Vineyards Old Town, where Arizona produce and wine shine. Before you even get to the wine, you'll want to check out the food menu, which changes depending on what's in season in Arizona. Executive chef Steven Zimmerman wows with whatever he currently has on the menu, whether he's whipping up garlic pide or serving you chicken and donuts, the salty-sweet combo of your dreams.
Every dish on the menu is ideal for pairing with wines from Maynard James Keenan's (yes, of Tool fame) vineyards. At Merkin, they're really experimenting with what Arizona wine can do, trying out a wide variety of grapes and styles, many of which feature refreshing acidity and unmatched charm. They're making everything from refosco to carignan to pet nat, defining what Arizona wine can be along the way. When you want to experience interesting, thought-provoking wines alongside some of the best food in the city, Merkin Vineyards Old Town is the place to be.
FnB Restaurant
FnB Restaurant has been around since 2009, and in that time, it's established itself as one of the best restaurants in the Phoenix area, winning multiple awards and earning accolades from a variety of publications. Co-owner and chef Charleen Badman focuses on local Arizona ingredients, elevating humble vegetables to main course status, and wowing guests along the way. The menu is ever-evolving, reflecting what's growing in Arizona during the season in question, but while we were there, we were particularly impressed by the grilled cabbage. Trust us, you've never had cabbage like this before.
The food provides the backdrop for the stunning wine list, curated by beverage director, co-owner, and winemaker Pavle Milic, who showcases the best of Arizona wine while offering guests other wine selections from all over the world. Some of his own wines, which you should definitely try, are featured on the wine list, which offers a unique experience to taste wines from one of Arizona's most respected winemakers.
Aridus Wine Company Tasting Room
You'll get the chance to experience winemaker Lisa Strid's wines at Aridus Wine Company's Tasting Room located in Scottsdale, Arizona. The former art gallery space has been transformed into an upscale tasting room where you can experience some of the most interesting wines coming out of the state. Some of the grapes for the wine at Aridus come from Arizona, while others are sourced from California and New Mexico. Enjoy one of the tasting room's flights based on the month you're visiting — they have different themes throughout the year. Try some of the older bottles they're pouring, or try one of their new releases for a fresh experience.
Aridus is producing a wide array of wines, including varietal whites like viogner and malvasia bianca, and reds like graciano and cabernet franc. Give your favorite varietals a try, or ask an employee to make some recommendations for you. You'll be sure to enjoy every sip as you relax in the cozy, welcoming space.
Weft & Warp Art Bar and Kitchen
Located at the trendy Andaz Resort, Weft & Warp Art Bar and Kitchen doesn't have the longest wine list you've ever seen, but it does offer a focused list that allows diners to choose from a range of wines from all over the world. You won't see a huge focus on Arizona wines, but you will get to choose from everything from Mosel riesling to Greek xinomavro. There are even some natural wine bottles for those who prefer a bit of funk in their wine.
Before you choose your wine, though, you should think about what you want to eat. The food menu focuses on meze and pasta, but you can also choose from mains like branzini with puttanesca, charred fennel, a fennel celery salad, and an Iberico pork chop served with milanese, salsa verde, and an endive parmesan salad. Once you order, you can ask your server to help you find the right wine, whether you just want to try a glass or you're more interested in ordering a whole bottle.
LDV Winery Tasting Room
Arizona is a relatively new American wine region, which means that in many ways, it's still fighting to find its identity. Some wineries are working with a huge variety of grapes, experimenting with what works best for the climate. However, at LDV Winery, co-owner and winemaker Curt Lawrence Dunham is a bit more focused on his winemaking. LDV is working with a few different varietals, but petite sirah is the signature grape. These wines are big but not unbalanced, plush, and perfect for pairing with steak. Despite petite sirah's reputation for creating incredibly deep, rich, dark red wines, LDV's petite sirahs retain an elegant acidity that'll make you want to keep sipping.
While you're there, you should also try their grenache and viogner and maybe even grab a snack. Most importantly, though, don't be afraid to ask questions. Whether you've been studying wine for years or you're brand-new to drinking wine, the employees will be happy to answer questions about each glass you taste.
Fat Ox
Fat Ox offers an impressive wine list, but you'll just have to make sure you don't get distracted by celebrated beverage director Christiaan Rollich's cocktail menu, which includes a lemongrass-spiked gin and tonic as well as a bourbon and fernet cocktail with a cola cordial. If you're ordering your wine by the glass, you'll have a few different options available to try, ranging from Champagne to a Napa Valley red blend. If you're looking for more options, though, you'll want to order by the bottle. After you order your food, ask your server for pairing suggestions — you may just discover your new favorite wine.
Your wine will be paired beautifully with the dishes on the Italian-inspired menu. We loved the Linz prime beef tartare served with endive, as well as the grilled chile glazed octopus and corzetti. Opt for the ultra-flavorful branzino flavored with dry herbs and anchovy and covered in a breadcrumb crust if you're looking for something that'll pair well with a rounder white wine.
Virtu Honest Craft
If you're looking for a warming, filling dish to enjoy with your glass of wine, then you have to make your way to Virtu Honest Craft, a cozy spot that offers a 30-bottle wine list featuring wines from all over the world. Don't want to buy a bottle? No worries. You can also choose from a wide variety of by-the-glass pours, including some less-than-expected varietals, like fiano. If you're not drinking wine, you'll enjoy a range of cocktails to choose from as well.
The menu at Virtu Honest Craft changes regularly, but you'll generally find a selection of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, all expertly crafted by chef Gio Osso, that pair well with a range of wines. This restaurant has won a bevy of awards from publications and was nominated for a James Beard award for Best New Restaurant back in 2014, so you know you're going to get an incredible meal. Order your wine, take a sip, and prepare yourself for an exciting culinary experience.
Postino Highland
If you want your wine with a side of architectural history, you have to visit Postino Highland, a wine bar operating out of a 1960s building that was designed by an architect named Frank Henry, who, later in his career, apprenticed under Frank Lloyd Wright. The space itself is a treat, but let's be honest: You're going there for the wine. Luckily, you're not likely to be disappointed on that front, either. Although you will find some Arizona bottles at Postino, you're more likely to come across European wines ranging from Austrian gruner veltliner to French cabernet franc. There are also a variety of American wines from other regions, including California and Oregon. Don't know what to order? Just ask your sommelier for help with choosing a wine.
You're not going to go hungry at Postino, either. When it comes to the food menu, you can opt for small bites to enjoy while you sip your wine, or you can go all out and get a charcuterie board piled with all of your favorite meats and cheeses. These boards are curated, so you don't have to worry about picking everything out yourself. Don't forget the long list of bruschetta options or the soup, salad, or paninis that Postino sells as well. If you visit with someone who's not a wine drinker, check out the beer list.
Don't want to go to the Highland location? There's also a Postino in Kierland if that happens to be closer to you.
Scapegoat Beer & Wine Bar
When your group can't decide what to drink on a night out, it may be difficult to find a place that caters to everyone's tastes. But if you're working with a group that loves both beer and wine, you may want to make your way to Scapegoat Beer & Wine Bar in Scottsdale. The wine list is fun, but it's not extensive — perfect for when you don't want to spend hours poring over the different options. There are a wide variety of styles you can choose from if you're drinking by the glass, and there's even more available if you want to invest in a whole bottle. The best part? Most of these wines are very affordable — you're not going to spend over $50 for a bottle in most cases (which is great for restaurant pricing). That means you're not going to be spending hundreds of dollars on a single bottle.
Of course, not everyone wants to drink wine, which is why we love the fact that this place carries a wide selection of beers both in a can and on tap. Pair whatever you drink with light bar snacks like olives marinated in citrus and herbs or asiago spinach dip, or go for a whole meal and order the short rib gnocchi or the green chili pork potato wedges.
Sorso Wine Room
At Sorso Wine Room, you're going to get an easy, unfussy wine experience, which is great if you're just starting your wine journey. You'll get to choose from a list of house wines, which are offered at a reasonable price and make for simple ordering, though you can also get into a wider variety of bottles beyond what's offered on the house wines list. They've got you covered from pinot grigio to chardonnay and from pinot noir to cabernet sauvignon. We prefer to order the bubble flight, which will allow you to enjoy a range of different sparkling wines.
You're definitely going to want to order food when you visit Sorso, as the long menu is stuffed full of appetizing appetizers, entrees, and beyond. Order some shareables for the table if you're just planning on having a few glasses of wine, or order a salad, flatbread, or sandwich if you're on the hunt for something a bit heartier to go with your glass of wine. You're definitely not going to leave here feeling hungry or thirsty.