Sedona & Verde Valley Private Wine Tour with Lunch

If you’re looking to experience Sedona beyond its stunning red rocks, this Sedona & Verde Valley Private Wine Tour with Lunch might just be your ticket. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, I’ve reviewed plenty of experiences that revolve around wine, craft brews, and local bites, and what stands out here is the personalized nature of the journey and the variety it offers.

What I love about this kind of tour is how it caters to diverse tastes—whether you’re into wine, micro-brews, or artisan chocolates, there’s a little something for all. Plus, the inclusion of a delicious lunch paired with either local wines or beers makes the whole experience feel like a well-rounded day out. That said, it’s not the cheapest option out there, so it’s best suited for those who really want a curated, flexible tasting adventure rather than a quick stop-and-go visit.

For travelers who appreciate guided expertise combined with the freedom to choose their tastings and pace, this tour could be a real treat. If you’re traveling with a group that shares different tastes or simply want to indulge in a variety of local flavors while soaking up the views, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Highly flexible: Your guide curates stops based on your preferences, making the experience personalized.
• Diverse tasting options: Includes wine, micro-brews, and artisan chocolates, appealing to different palates.
• Delicious lunch: Typically at Merkin Osteria but can vary, and features farm-to-table ingredients and local wines.
• Beautiful scenery: Stops at scenic vineyards and a tranquil ranch with spring-fed ponds.
• Expert-guided: Guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience engaging and informative.
• Premium price point: At $555 per person, it’s an investment, but the tailored experience and variety offer strong value.

What to Expect From the Itinerary

First Stop: Alcantara Vineyards and Winery

This is a great way to kick off your day. Visitors get a VIP wine tasting with a souvenir glass, which makes for a nice keepsake. If time and staff permit, they might give you a walking tour of the property, including sights like the onsite chapel, the river beach, and the confluence of Oak Creek and the Verde River. Sometimes, you might even peek into the barrel room to see how wine is crafted—an insider peek that wine lovers tend to appreciate.

Authentic reviewers loved this stop, with one saying, “Juan was absolutely amazing,” and praising the beautiful wineries and the fun of the stops. The personal touch and the chance to see the vineyards up close really add to the value here.

Cove Mesa Vineyard

Next, you’re taken to Cove Mesa, where each guest gets a wine flight of their choice—typically four to five options. The staff is quite good at explaining each wine, helping you make choices that suit your palate. It’s a relaxed, unhurried stop that lets you savor multiple wines without feeling rushed.

Artisan Chocolate Break

Hands down, this is one of the sweetest parts of the tour—literally. Depending on the day, you might visit ChocolaTree, Living Chocolate, or Synergy Sedona. All are known for handmade, organic chocolates sweetened with healthier alternatives, making it a guilt-free indulgence. The included $11 of artisan chocolate per person means you get to pair some tasty bites with your wine or beer tasting, enhancing the overall experience.

Micro-Brewery Stop: That Brewery

For beer lovers, this stop is a highlight. You’ll get a flight of six beers of your choosing, giving you plenty to sample and compare. It’s a laid-back, fun atmosphere—perfect for kicking back after some wine tasting. The reviews mentioned having a “full of fun” day, which is exactly what you want from a micro-brewery.

Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery

This vineyard consistently wins praise for its diverse selection—from whites and rosés to reds and sparkling wines. You’ll be offered a custom flight of up to five wines or a full glass, giving you flexibility to enjoy your favorites. Expect scenic views and quality wines in a relaxed setting.

Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery & Trattoria

This is the tour’s crown jewel for many—lunch here is highly favored. The restaurant features handmade pasta, farm-to-table vegetables, and a diverse selection of wines made by a well-known local winemaker who’s also the lead singer of bands like Tool and A Perfect Circle. You get to choose a pasta dish, salad, or appetizer, paired with a wine flight of three wines. The leisurely pace allows for a genuine meal, making it more than just a tasting.

DA Ranch

Your final stop is the DA Ranch Vineyard, a small but stunning vineyard with a sprawling 350-acre property and a spring-fed pond. You’ll enjoy a flight of five signature wines and, if lucky, get to keep your glass as a souvenir. This stop offers a sense of tranquility and natural beauty that caps off your day perfectly.

The Experience in Practice

Flexibility and customization are what set this tour apart. You can expect your guide to tailor stops based on your interests, whether that’s more wine, beer, or chocolate. With most of the stops including admission tickets and tastings, the value really adds up, especially since you’re not paying extra for these experiences.

The tour’s duration of about five hours is just right—long enough to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. Plus, the private transportation means you don’t have to worry about driving or navigating, allowing you to relax fully.

The Good Stuff According to Reviews

Many reviewers emphasize the knowledgeable guides—Juan, in particular, got rave reviews for his personality and expertise. The stunning views at vineyards and ranches are a consistent highlight, making the experience visually memorable.

Participants also appreciated the variety within the tour—from tasting rooms to micro-breweries to chocolates, there’s enough diversity to keep everyone engaged. The quality of food and wine at Merkin, combined with the friendly, informal atmosphere, makes for a truly enjoyable meal.

The Not-So-Good

Since this is a premium-priced tour, some might find the $555 per person cost steep, especially if they’re planning to do more casual tasting on their own. Also, note that additional wines beyond the four included flights are at your expense, so budget accordingly if you plan to indulge further. The tour is not refundable or changeable, so it’s best suited for travelers who are sure about their schedule.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who appreciates personalized experiences and enjoys a mix of wine, craft beer, and gourmet chocolates, this tour is a winner. It’s particularly suited to adults who want a relaxed, curated day with lots of tasting options and scenic stops.

Travelers who value having a guide handle logistics and want to explore the Verde Valley with flexibility will find this tour a good fit. It’s not designed for children or families, given the focus on alcohol tastings, but it’s ideal for couples, friends, or even small groups of wine enthusiasts.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or people with dietary restrictions?
While the tour includes a lunch at Merkin Osteria, which offers farm-to-table options, it’s best to check directly with the provider to ensure they can accommodate specific dietary needs.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately five hours, including visits to all stops, tastings, and lunch.

Can I customize the wines or beers I taste?
Yes, at most stops, you choose your wine flight or beer flight, allowing you to tailor the experience based on your preferences.

Are additional wines or beers included?
No, the four tastings are included. Extra glasses, bottles, or flights are at your own expense.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it’s a private experience, so only your group will participate, making for a more intimate and flexible outing.

What’s the price?
It costs $555 per person, which reflects the personalized stops, tastings, lunch, and private transportation.

Is pickup offered?
Yes, pickup is included, making it easier to start your day without worrying about logistics.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a luxurious, tailored day of wine, craft beers, chocolates, and delicious food in Sedona and the Verde Valley, this tour offers a well-rounded and flexible experience. The combination of scenic vineyard stops, local micro-brews, artisan chocolates, and a hearty farm-to-table lunch makes it a compelling choice for adults wanting to indulge without the rush.

The tour’s strength lies in its customization and knowledgeable guides, ensuring you get a personal touch at every stop. While the price might be a bit high for some, the inclusions and the quality of experiences justify the cost for many who want a curated day out.

This tour is best suited for adults who enjoy tasting experiences and scenic vineyard settings. It’s ideal for those celebrating special occasions, wine connoisseurs, or simply travelers craving a day of indulgence and relaxation in stunning surroundings.

Whether you’re a wine lover, craft beer enthusiast, or just someone looking to enjoy a scenic, flavorful day, this private tour provides a comprehensive, enjoyable way to explore the Verde Valley’s best.