When driving across the Arizona desert, its hard to believe that just a little more than an hour north of Phoenix a vineyard, lush with growing grapes and bright green vines, is nestled in the barren landscape.
Walking through the vines you can hear the rolling waters dance along where the Verde River clashes with Oak Creek.
Alcantara Vineyards is one of the Verde Valley's unique businesses. Established in Northern Arizona in 2004, this boutique winery prides itself on the ability to produce a seemingly expensive bouquet of flavorful wines, for close "Two Buck Chuck" prices.
There is a science to creating your favorite glass of wine. Predmore says that when the grapes heat up, sugar in the fruit is produced. If the temperatures spike for too long, the vines protect themselves, and go dormant as if it is winter.
Walking through the vines you can hear the rolling waters dance along where the Verde River clashes with Oak Creek.Alcantara Vineyards is one of the Verde Valley's unique businesses. Established in Northern Arizona in 2004, this boutique winery prides itself on the ability to produce a seemingly expensive bouquet of flavorful wines, for close "Two Buck Chuck" prices.
On a day day trip with "the girls," we visited this growing winery.
Arriving at Alcantara we were greeted by more than 13,000 growing vines, reaching toward the sun for strength. In the middle of the vast fields sits a Tuscan style home with a welcoming front door and a bar waiting with open seats for wine tasting.
For a mere eight dollars, we ladies sampled five different wines. It was our choice out of the vineyards 12 varietals.
While sampling we had the chance to look around, and take in nature. It's something in which Alcantara Vineyards founder and owner Barbara Predmore takes prides.
Premdore calls her hidden get-away is a sustainable vineyard, relying on nature, the rugged terrain and scorching sun to flavor her wines. She says during the day the sun heats and sweetens her grapes, but the vines will protect themselves from the intense heat that Summers in Arizona bring.
There is a science to creating your favorite glass of wine. Predmore says that when the grapes heat up, sugar in the fruit is produced. If the temperatures spike for too long, the vines protect themselves, and go dormant as if it is winter.
The Verde Valley will see temperatures around 100 degrees during June, July and August, but the wine maker says the temperature extremes and cool evenings in Arizona's high country keeps her vines safe.
It allows the hundreds of thousands of grapes to flourish to perfection for your glass of Chardonnay, Cabernet, or Syrah rather than becoming to ripe and turning into raisins. 
And whether you are looking for a nice cool glass of Pinot Grigio or wanting to take in the landscape and beauty of Northern Arizona, Alcantara is a perfect stop along your road-trip. Just remember, before sampling your wine selections, you may want to nominate a designated driver.
And whether you are looking for a nice cool glass of Pinot Grigio or wanting to take in the landscape and beauty of Northern Arizona, Alcantara is a perfect stop along your road-trip. Just remember, before sampling your wine selections, you may want to nominate a designated driver.
Things you need to know:
- Alcantara doesn't serve food yet, so pack a picnic lunch. You can enjoy the vineyards and all of the surroundings while seated at the several outdoor patio tables or lawn area near the vines while you eat.
- Make sure you bring plenty of water.
- Bring your camera- Alcantara has been known to be the home to Bald Eagles and other wildlife.
- Wine Tasting cost $8.00 - You can sample 5 wines and take home a commemerative Alcantara wine glass.
- Winery tours are on Friday and Saturday @ 11:30 am and other days by appointment, for groups of 5 or more. The cost of for a wine tour is $5.00. Tours last 1-1/2 hours, depending on the number of guests and questions asked.
- Alcantara Vineyards. 7500 Alcantara Way, Verde Valley, AZ
Phone (928) 649-8463 (vine) or (888) 569-0756
