Northern Arizona Private Wine Tour south of Sedona – Verde Valley Wineries

If you’re considering a day out tasting wines south of Sedona, this private tour through the Verde Valley wineries might catch your eye. It’s designed for those who want to enjoy excellent wines without the hassle of planning or driving, and it comes with a cozy luxury vehicle, thoughtful tastings, and a relaxing lunch. We haven’t done this exact tour ourselves, but based on the details and reviews, it sounds like a pretty well-rounded experience worth considering.

What we love about this tour? First, it combines luxury transportation with the freedom to sample wines without worry—perfect for a relaxed day. Second, the inclusion of lunch and tasting fees makes it more straightforward and budget-friendly than piecing everything together independently. But, a potential consideration? The tour is fairly structured and might feel a bit rushed if you’re expecting a slow, wandering winery visit. It’s best suited for those who want a curated experience with everything taken care of, especially couples, small groups, or anyone who loves good wine and great scenery.

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience covering tastings, lunch, and transportation
• Luxury vehicle ensures comfort and ease, no driving required
• Visits to three vineyards with the flexibility to tailor tastings
• Ideal for small groups of 3-6 people, making it intimate and personalized
• Includes a delicious lunch at Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room
• Pre-booking required, with around 16 days’ notice needed on average

A Closer Look at the Private Verde Valley Wine Tour

This tour offers a stress-free way to explore some of the best wineries in the Verde Valley, just south of Sedona. It’s a completely private experience, meaning you and your group (up to 14 people, but generally booked for smaller parties of 3 to 6) can enjoy a tailored day without strangers. The price is $500 per person, which might seem steep at first glance, but when you factor in luxury transportation, three tastings, and a full lunch, it begins to look like a good value for a special day out.

Transportation – Traveling in Style

Imagine being picked up in a sleek Mercedes Benz Sprinter or Ford Transit. The comfort level here is notable, especially after a day of wine tasting. The drivers are also your guides, providing some local flavor and ensuring you get to each stop safely and on time. Given the group size, this setup guarantees a more intimate experience compared to larger bus tours, and the luxury vehicle makes the whole journey pleasant.

Timing and Duration

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, starting around 11:00 am with pickup and wrapping up back at your hotel roughly by 4:00 pm. The itinerary allows enough time to enjoy each winery without feeling rushed, though the schedule is quite packed—if you’re the type who prefers lingering longer at each spot, this might feel a bit brisk.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Stop 1: Alcantara Vineyards and Winery

Your first stop is Alcantara Vineyards, just a short 30-minute drive from Phoenix or Sedona area. With over 20,000 vines and 17 different varietals, this vineyard is a solid choice for wine lovers. You’ll be welcomed into a luxury vehicle and offered a tasting menu, with typically one flight of wine included in your price. It’s a chance to enjoy the scenic beauty of the vineyard while sampling a variety of wines.

The reviews highlight Alcantara’s vast selection of wines and the informative staff. One guest mentioned: “Outstanding! The driver, luxury transportation, wineries, and lunch are fantastic.” We imagine that the spacious tasting room and the chance to try several varietals would resonate with anyone interested in a comprehensive wine experience.

Stop 2: Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery & Trattoria

Next, you’ll visit Merkin Vineyards, renowned for its Italian-inspired atmosphere and farm-fresh ingredients. The tasting room is vegetarian-friendly, with vegan and gluten-free options, making it a considerate stop if you’re mindful of dietary restrictions.

Lunch here is part of the package: one entrée and one wine tasting flight per person. The menu is definitely made with fresh, Arizona-grown ingredients, with all pastas and breads made from scratch using local heirloom wheat. The reviews note that seating can be busy, so reservations are a good idea. This stop offers a relaxing break, where you can enjoy your meal surrounded by views of their own gardens and orchards.

Stop 3: Oak Creek or Javelina Leap Vineyards

Your last stop is at Oak Creek or Javelina Leap Vineyards, where you can soak in the scenery one last time. Weekend visits tend to be lively, so expect a bit more buzz. The tasting room offers inside and outside seating, perfect for enjoying the fresh air and views.

This final visit wraps up the tour, and a roughly 30-minute drive back completes the experience. The reviews praise the stunning views and friendly staff, making for a memorable end.

What the Reviews Say

While the tour is relatively new, the four reviews available give it a glowing overall rating of 5.0. One reviewer, Tamra_M, called it “Outstanding,” highlighting the driver, luxury transportation, wineries, and lunch as the standout features. The consistency in positive feedback suggests this experience is well curated and delivers on its promises.

Analyzing the Value

At $500 per person, this tour isn’t cheap. But when you consider luxury vehicle transport, three tastings, and a sit-down lunch, the value becomes clearer. It’s especially appealing if you’re seeking a hassle-free, intimate day with a focus on quality rather than quantity.

The fact that the tasting fees are included means there are no surprise costs, and you can comfortably sample your favorites without worry. Plus, the personalized nature of the tour makes it a good pick for couples or small groups wanting a special, private outing.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits those who want a curated, comfortable wine day without the stress of planning logistics. It’s perfect for couples celebrating a special occasion, small groups of friends, or even business groups looking for a relaxed outing. If you love wine, appreciate good food, and favor luxury transport, this tour could be right up your alley.

However, if you prefer a slow, unstructured day with time to explore each winery at your own pace, this itinerary might feel a little tight. Though flexible to some extent, it’s designed more for a guided, streamlined experience.

Final Thoughts

This private Verde Valley winery tour offers a nicely balanced combination of comfort, convenience, and quality. The luxury transportation, paired with carefully chosen wineries and a delicious lunch, makes it an excellent way to spend a half day in wine country.

If you’re looking to indulge in some excellent wines while enjoying the scenic beauty of Arizona’s wine region, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s especially suited for those who want a hassle-free, intimate experience with a touch of luxury.

While it’s on the pricier side, the all-inclusive nature and top-notch reviews suggest it’s a worthwhile splurge for a memorable escape from Sedona’s usual sights.

FAQ

Is transportation provided? Yes, you are picked up and dropped off at your hotel in a luxury Mercedes Sprinter or Ford Transit, removing the need to drive yourself.

How many wineries are visited? Three wineries—Alcantara Vineyards, Merkin Vineyards, and either Oak Creek or Javelina Leap.

Are tastings included in the price? Yes, each person gets three tastings, and the fees are covered in the $500 price.

Is lunch included? Yes, lunch at Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room is part of the package—one entrée and one wine tasting flight per person.

What is the group size? The tour is private, typically for 3 to 6 people, but can host up to 14.

How long does the tour last? Approximately 5 hours, starting around 11 am and returning by mid-afternoon.

Can I customize the tastings? The tastings can be tailored to your preferences, depending on the winery’s offerings.

What should I bring? Just your ID (must be 21+), and some comfortable clothes; water and snacks are provided.

What’s the cancellation policy? Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund if canceled in time.

If you’re seeking a smooth, luxurious way to taste some of Arizona’s best wines without the fuss, this private tour could be just the ticket. It combines comfort, quality, and scenic beauty in a way that’s hard to match for a half-day outing.