Why you should visit wineries in Willcox, Arizona
This blog post covers the best wineries in Willcox, Arizona.
These Willcox wineries make excellent wine from 100% Arizona-grown grapes.
All four wineries use grapes grown in their own estate vineyards. They control the winemaking process from start to finish. As a result, their wines shine!
The name “Willcox” refers to both a town and an area.
The Willcox area used to be known for its cattle ranges. Today it’s the state’s largest-grape growing region. The Willcox American Viticultural Area (AVA) is Arizona’s second federally recognized AVA (after Sonoita).
The town of Willcox used to be one of the largest rail shipping points in the United States. Today it’s a tight-knit community with a friendly, small-town vibe. History buffs will love the town’s antique shops and museums. It’s also home to the oldest continually operating store in Arizona. The surrounding Sonoran Desert attracts outdoor enthusiasts.
But of course we’re here for the wine! So without further ado, here’s our list of the best wineries in Willcox, Arizona.
How to access Willcox, Arizona wineries
These wineries in Willcox, Arizona are relatively easy to access. But you will need a car.
The wineries on this list are located in and around the town of Willcox, so I’ll use that as the reference point. The town of Willcox is within driving distance of the following destinations:
- Tucson is 86 miles from Willcox, so that’ll take 1 hour and 20 minutes by car.
- The town of Sonoita is 76 miles from Willcox, which is about a 1 hour and 10 minute drive. The towns of Sonoita and Elgin are just 9 miles apart, which is a 14 minute car ride. You could explore all three towns in one weekend.
- The Phoenix and Scottsdale area is about 196 miles from Willcox. The drive should take about 2 hours and 50 minutes.
If you already live in Arizona State then you’re golden! You can simply drive to the Willcox wineries on this list.
But if you live out of state then you’ll need to fly into a nearby airport, rent a car, and drive from the airport to the wineries on this list. The closest major commercial airport is the Tucson International Airport (TUS).
The best wineries in Willcox, AZ for a wine tasting
Strive Vineyards
Strive Vineyards is an amazing winery with a lot going for it.
First of all, they’re located on the “Willcox Bench,” which is among the best wine regions in the State of Arizona. Their estate vineyards are nestled amongst some of Arizona’s most prominent mountain ranges.
Second, they’re “green.” Strive Vineyards is 100% solar-powered. And they practice sustainable farming methods. This sounds simple but it’s actually quite hard to do. So far they’ve worked with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Verdot, Aglianico, and Picpoul Blanc.
Third, Strive Vineyards is family-owned-and-operated. Winemaker and co-owner Desiree Gerth has grown her business and her family alongside her husband Ryan. Together they’ve set and achieved some audacious goals. Which is where the name “Strive” comes from.
You can sample Strive wines in two places: at their vineyard and in historic downtown Willcox.
The Strive Vineyards estate is located a short 25 minute drive from downtown Willcox. Their Vineyard Tasting Room is open by private appointment only, so call or email to make a booking.
If you’d prefer to walk-in then that’s fine too. The Strive Vineyards Downtown Tasting Room is open Monday through Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM. They have a beautiful tasting bar within the Willcox Commercial Building located on Railroad Avenue in downtown Willcox.
A few other local wineries also host tastings within the Willcox Commercial Building. So if you’re looking to try multiple wineries in one convenient place you should visit this venue. By the way, this colorfully painted building is now blue and pink, not purple and pink. But you get the idea… it’s hard to miss!
Aridus Wine Company
Aridus Wine Company is a family-owned winery in Southeastern Arizona.
Their family-owned vineyard near Turkey Creek provides the majority of their premium wine grapes. A wide variety of grapes including Merlot, Malbec, Tempranillo, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Graciano, and Malvasia Bianca appear in their outstanding wines.
Aridus Wine Company has two winery tasting rooms – one in Scottsdale and another in Willcox.
The Aridus Wine Company Willcox tasting room is the perfect place for a tasting flight or glass of wine. Large leather armchairs, chandeliers, reclaimed wood, and a stone fireplace bring a comfortable yet elegant feel to the space. It’s easily one of the most beautiful wineries in Willcox, Arizona.
The Aridus tasting room on Railview Avenue in Willcox is open from 12–6 PM Sunday through Wednesday. They’re also open Thursday (12–8 PM), Friday (12–6:30 PM), and Saturday (12–8 PM).
If you’d like a deeper dive into the winemaking process you can book private vineyard tours of the Aridus winery facility. Their main office and winery is located on Haskell Avenue in Willcox.
Birds and Barrels Vineyards
Birds and Barrels Vineyards crafts ultra-premium Arizona wines.
Founded in 2015 by Chad and Monica Preston, this family owned and operated winery brings a meticulous approach to their fantastic wines.
Their wine begins in the vineyard where they grow a variety of grapes including Malbec, Montepulciano, Tempranillo, Tannat, Pinotage, Petite Verdot, Graciano, Symphony, Riesling, and Chardonnay.
The Prestons then harvest, press, age, and bottle everything by hand. This is high-quality hand-crafted wine for true wine lovers.
Birds and Barrels Vineyards has two Willcox tasting rooms.
The first tasting room is located on Railroad Avenue in the town of Willcox. The Birds and Barrels Vineyards Rail Road Tasting Room is open Thursday through Sunday from 12–6 PM.
The second tasting room is at their vineyard in the Willcox AVA. The Birds and Barrels Vineyards estate tasting room is open Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM. On Sundays they’re open from 1–5 PM. Tastings are by appointment only Monday through Thursday.
Golden Rule Vineyards
Golden Rule Vineyards makes award-winning wine from Arizona-grown grapes. All of their wines are estate grown and bottled.
Golden Rule farm is located at the northern end of the Dragoon Mountains. They grow Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Petite Syrah, Zinfandel, and Mourvèdre grapes. These estate-grown grapes become a variety of crisp white wines, rosé wine, and medium and full-bodied red wine. They also make a port-style dessert wine from Mourvèdre, Zinfandel, and grape-based spirits.
Golden Rule Vineyards has two tasting rooms in Willcox wine country.
Their vineyard tasting room is located in Cochise County. Tastings are by appointment only. In addition to wine tastings they also offer vineyard and pistachio tours. You should visit the Cochise tasting room if you want to see behind-the-scenes winemaking.
If you’d simply like to sample these wines in a convenient location I suggest you visit their second tasting room in Willcox, Arizona. It’s housed in the historic Chevrolet building, which was built in 1946. The Golden Rule Vineyards Willcox tasting room is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM. They’re closed Sunday through Tuesday.
Other Arizona wine towns to explore
Wine lovers, rejoice! Our list of the best wineries in Willcox, Arizona is just the tip of the iceberg. We’ve also made guides on the following Arizona wine country gems.
The Willcox AVA in Southeastern Arizona is within driving distance of another famous American Viticultural Area – the Sonoita AVA. The Sonoita area offers such a wide range of wine that it’s hard to know where to start. That’s where we come in. Our list of 17 wineries in Sonoita and Elgin will help you plan your trip.
Drive north of Sonoita vineyards and you’ll eventually hit Tucson. These four amazing wineries in Tucson offer a variety of different grapes, flavors, and tasting experiences.
If you’d like to take a broader look at the entire Southern Arizona region, then we’ve got a guide for you. These Southern Arizona wineries only work with Arizona-grown grapes. These wineries are proud, passionate, and pushing the industry forward.
The area north of Phoenix also offers a number of great wines.
The town of Cottonwood has historic buildings, cute shops, and winery tasting rooms. These wineries in Cottonwood are a great place to kick back with some fine wine.
Jerome is a former mining town a short drive from Cottonwood. The town’s quirky artsy vibe is reflected in these fun Jerome, Arizona wineries.
Sedona is a popular tourist town about 24 minutes by car from Cottonwood. These Sedona wineries and wine bars are sure to quench your thirst after a long hike.
