Del Rio Springs Vineyard, Paulden AZ - Live Love Drink Travel

Del Rio Springs Vineyard is located near Chino Valley. The owners and winemakers Rick and Maricor Skladzien planted their first vines in 2009. They started with Pinot Noir since it is Rick’s favorite wine and added a few varieties from there. The vineyard now has 6 acres of vines offering a variety of grapes.

They have a tasting room in Prescott, Arizona at the Old Firehouse Plaza. We had the opportunity to visit the tasting room for Sippin’ September and it will not disappoint.

Not only is the tasting room stylish and well, wine themed, it is in a great location. The tasting room offers inside or outside seating and tastings. You are encouraged to bring lunch or snacks to eat during your tasting. There are many places where you can purchase lunch or snacks and take them to the tasting room.

Although the inside of the tasting room is small, it still feels open and welcoming. The folks running the tasting room when we were there, were very friendly and excited to have folks visiting. COVID-19 has changed so many things and I think at this time anything to help feel a little bit normal goes a long way. We all felt a little more normal on this occasion.

We chose to do the Ultra Premium Red Wine Tasting, which offers 4 red wines. She started us with the 2018 Zinfandel. I am not normally a Zinfandel fan, but I really enjoyed this wine. Zinfandel, in my opinion, is a very inconsistent wine, which is why I always say Zins are hit and miss for me, no in-between. This Zin, however, offered a deeper than usual taste, and to me had no fruitiness, even though the menu said it did. Frankly, I like that it is not fruity, I enjoy spice, pepper and smoke much more and this offers two of those. We bought a bottle. I NEVER buy Zin!

Next up the 2018 Cabernet Franc, one of my favorite varietals, offers an earthy and spicy taste with just a touch of floral. Not too much floral, just enough to blend the flavors together. Smooth and yet complex finish. Just a good wine.

The 2017 Ameritage Red Blend is a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Merlot and Malbec. Not a blend you typically find, but sounds tasty. It did not disappoint, the blend of these makes a well rounded deep red. The dark fruit makes it a richer flavor, blended with the spice and earth tones screams, “EAT A STEAK with me”!

Del Rio Springs Vineyard Menu Summer 2020

Finally, the 2017 Pinot-Noir Estate Reserve is described as exquisite and exceptional, I must concur. I had a short time of Pinot Noir burnout from a weekend in Carmel, which is almost all they offer. I still enjoy one on occasion, but I am pretty picky about it. This Pinot was FANTASTIC to say the least. Both earthy and spicy it is well balanced and very smooth. I do think the price point at $54 is a bit out of range and I was not willing to spend that. Had it been closer to the $40 range I might have considered it. Sometimes a wine is really great, but I can buy other really great wines for a lesser price.

I highly recommend Del Rio Springs Vineyard Prescott tasting room. The wines are great, the venue is relaxed. If you are lucky enough to have a nice day, take the outdoor seating options. The ambiance pushes the experience up a notch. A short drive from Phoenix and a much cooler area means you can visit for an easy day trip.

Be sure to check out tomorrow's feature, Granite Creek Vineyards. You can read yesterday's article on Tantrum Wines, or see all of our Sippin’ September articles here.

Living, loving, drinking, and traveling through life.

— Taunya