Haunted Jerome, Brew and Wine Tour from Scottsdale/Phoenix

A Detailed Look at the Haunted Jerome, Brew and Wine Tour from Scottsdale

If you’re considering a day trip that combines a bit of Arizona’s wild past with wine and craft beer tastings, the Haunted Jerome, Brew and Wine Tour might just be your next adventure. Though I haven’t personally joined this tour, I’ve gone through the details and reviews, and it sounds like a solid choice for those who enjoy a mix of history, local flavors, and a dash of ghost-town mystique.

What really caught my eye are two things: first, the balanced itinerary that offers both a deep dive into Jerome’s storied past and generous tasting stops, and second, the small group setting (max 14 travelers) that promises a more personalized experience. On the flip side, one potential consideration is the price point—at $350 per person, it’s not exactly a budget day out, but the inclusions and overall experience seem to justify it. This tour appears ideal for curious travelers who want a taste of Arizona’s historic mining towns paired with good local drinks, all guided by knowledgeable hosts.

Key Points

• History & Atmosphere: The tour offers a well-rounded look at Jerome, once the fourth-largest city in Arizona, with insights into its rise and fall during the copper boom.
• Sampling Experiences: Tasting opportunities include wines, craft beers, and even a chance to visit Maynard Keenan’s vineyard — a unique perk for fans of Tool or wine lovers.
• Duration & Pacing: Around 9 hours total, with about 2 hours in Jerome and 4 hours in Cottonwood, giving enough time to explore without feeling rushed.
• Group Size & Comfort: Small group of up to 14 travelers ensures a more intimate, relaxed vibe.
• Cost & Value: While at $350, it’s on the pricier side, the experience includes transportation, tastings, and a guide—making it a convenient, all-in-one package.
• Flexibility & Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind should plans change.

Setting Off from Scottsdale

The tour kicks off in the morning, around 9:00 am, with pickup offered from convenient locations in Scottsdale. From there, it’s about a two-hour drive to Cottonwood, a charming town that’s become a hub for wine and craft beer enthusiasts. The journey itself sets the tone — comfortable transport with a knowledgeable guide who’ll fill you in on what’s ahead.

The Cottonwood Stop: Wineries & Breweries

First stop is Cottonwood, where the tour really shines if you’re into tasting local drinks. You can choose between wine tastings at Merkin Vineyards or explore local breweries. The highlight here is that one of the vineyards belongs to Maynard Keenan, the frontman of Tool, opening October 6th. It’s a rare chance to check out a new vineyard and sip some Arizona-grown wine.

The four-hour stay in Cottonwood offers plenty of flexibility. You can sample, chat, and soak in the small-town atmosphere. We loved the idea of being able to enjoy a leisurely tasting without feeling rushed, and the fact that the vineyard is new makes it a cool experience for enthusiasts or anyone curious about local wine production. Plus, a review mentions that the guide was very accommodating, which adds to the relaxed vibe.

Exploring Jerome: The Wicked Town

After Cottonwood, it’s about a two-hour drive to Jerome, which is the real star of the tour. This old copper mining town, once a bustling metropolis, is now famous for its art scene, quirky shops, and ghostly tales. The guided walk through Jerome is about an hour and a half, during which you’ll hear stories about the town’s heyday, its infamous characters, and the transformation into a tourist hotspot.

Some highlights include tales of miners, bootleggers, gamblers, and prostitutes — the old wild west charm still lingers in the air. Visitors can explore the shops, pick up unique souvenirs, and enjoy lunch at one of Jerome’s well-known restaurants. The local architecture, especially buildings like the Grand Hotel (which was once a hospital), adds to the town’s captivating atmosphere. The tour notes that Jerome is a place where history feels alive, even if it’s now more artsy and lively.

One reviewer mentions, “We had a great time exploring Jerome and 2 wineries,” which confirms that the town’s charm and the guide’s storytelling make for a memorable experience.

Tasting in Cottonwood and Jerome

While the tour price includes wine and brewery tastings at Cottonwood, the actual experience of sampling Arizona wines, especially at a vineyard linked to a famous musician, makes it worthwhile. In Jerome, you’ll have plenty of time to wander and enjoy lunch, but tastings are not included there. Still, it’s a perfect opportunity to indulge in local flavors and perhaps pick up a bottle or two to take home.

Additional Details & Practicalities

Transportation: The journey is comfortably handled by the tour provider, with pickup from Scottsdale, making it hassle-free. The drive is about 2 hours each way, so you’ll spend most of your day on the road but in good company.

Group size: With a maximum of 14 travelers, the tour promises a more personalized experience, allowing for questions and interaction with the guide.

Pricing & Value: At $350 per person, this tour bundles transportation, guided commentary, and tastings, which might seem steep but offers convenience and curated experiences that would be hard to replicate on your own.

Weather & Cancellation: The tour is weather-dependent, but if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll get a full refund or a chance to reschedule. Cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, which is flexible enough for most travelers.

Authentic Perspectives from Past Travelers

One reviewer shared, “We had a slow start with car issues but it was fixed and postponed until the next day. We had a great time exploring Jerome and 2 wineries. Our tour guide was great and accommodating. Thank you!” This highlights the importance of a responsive guide and the overall positive experience even when minor hiccups occur.

Another review, although brief, rated the tour a perfect 5 out of 5, emphasizing the enjoyment of both the Jerome exploration and the wineries, which suggests that the combination of history and tasting is well-balanced.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is especially suited to adventurous wine and craft beer lovers who also have an interest in Arizona’s historic towns. It’s perfect if you enjoy guided tours that combine storytelling, tasting, and sightseeing without the hassle of planning every detail. The smaller group makes it friendly and engaging, great for travelers who prefer a more intimate setting.

While it’s not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the focus on history and tasting might appeal to older teens or adult groups. Just keep in mind the age restriction for alcohol consumption (21+).

Final Thoughts

The Haunted Jerome, Brew and Wine Tour offers a neat blend of history, local flavor, and small-town charm. With knowledgeable guides and a thoughtfully curated itinerary, it provides a well-rounded day out that’s perfect for those wanting to explore beyond the typical Phoenix or Scottsdale scene.

It’s a bit on the pricier side, but the inclusion of transportation, guided storytelling, and exclusive tastings (like the new vineyard) add value. The small group setting ensures a comfortable, engaging experience, making it a good choice for curious travelers eager to learn and taste in one go.

If you’re after a mix of history, artsy towns, and local drinks, this tour definitely ticks those boxes. Just be prepared for a full day on the road and remember to come hungry for both stories and snacks.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes pickup in Scottsdale and transportation to Cottonwood and Jerome, so you won’t need to worry about driving.

How long is the drive? The journey each way is approximately 2 hours, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Are tastings included? Wine tastings at Merkin Vineyards and brewery tastings are included in the tour, but Jerome’s tastings are not. You’ll have time to explore and dine in Jerome on your own.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start. Cancellations less than 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is this tour suitable for children? The tour involves alcohol tastings and is aimed at adults 21 and over, so it’s not ideal for children.

What’s the tour duration? Expect around 9 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, tastings, and lunch.

Whether you’re a history buff, a wine aficionado, or just looking for a unique Arizona day trip, this tour packs plenty into one adventure. It’s a chance to explore a colorful old mining town, sample local drinks, and learn fascinating stories — all in a well-organized, friendly setting.