We traveled back up to Cottonwood so that we could visit with the outlying vineyards, one such vineyard is Alcantra Vineyards.  Alcantara Vineyards and Winery is actually on your way to Cottonwood and is one of the coolest places to have a glass of wine.

They are tucked back down by the Verde River and it takes a minute to drive all the way back there.  They just paved the road in July so the drive is much smoother, less intimidating for some and better for the grapes since there is almost no dust from the cars now.

Off to the right across the vineyard is another building for which they offer as a wedding venue.  We have never gone and look closely at it but their website offers additional information on it. It is a bit of a distance although not too far from the actual tasting room.

Coming down the hill you drive through some of the vineyards and you can see the beautiful tasting room in front of you.  Park wherever you can and then head on in. The tasting room is elegant and almost always busy. They offer A LOT of outdoor seating as well as an outdoor bar for ease in your tasting.  The views here are incredible. The patio seating offers ceiling fans to keep you cool on a warmer day. I generally recommend outside seating at this venue simply because the ambiance is exactly what wine tasting should be, relaxing and calm, with a little fresh air.

We have always enjoyed Alcantara wines. They offer two tasting options, a regular flight and a VIP flight. The standard flight it’s $10 for 5 wines, however there are few reserved only for the VIP flight.  The VIP tasting $15 and you get to keep the glass. FYI, they have the best glasses! They currently offer ten reds which is perfect to share two tastings, five each and you will get to taste them all. Here are the wines we tried:

• Sangiovese
• Rosso Tosca - A blend
• Mourvedre
• Confluence X - A blend
• Merot
• Syrah
• Zinfandel
• Grand Rouge X - A Blend
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Meritage

Since we visit so often, we decided to join the club, which is actually really reasonable.  We joined the Silver Membership, three bottles four times a year plan, which allows for free tastings and a 10% discount on purchases.  There wines are pretty darned tasty and we decided it was a worthwhile investment.  

We ended up leaving with a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, Grand Rouge X and the Syrah.  All good choices for us. We might bump our membership at some point, but we like to babystep our way into the wine clubs.

All in all, this is a great place to start your wine tasting adventures in the Verde Valley, have some great wines, good conversation and we fully enjoy the relaxing atmosphere that they offer.

If you have not already, check out yesterday's feature on Salt Mine Wine, or check out all of our Sippin' September features here.

Living, loving, drinking, and traveling through life.

— Taunya

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