When people think of wine country, they often picture the vineyards of California or the rolling hills of France, rows of grapes stretching toward the horizon, welcoming tasting rooms, and peaceful afternoons spent enjoying the view. Yet one of Arizona’s own wine regions is closer to Prescott than many people realize. Just a scenic drive away, the Verde Valley opens into a landscape of vineyards, tasting rooms, historic towns, and wide Arizona skies. It has grown into one of the state’s most recognized wine destinations and makes an easy, memorable day trip from Prescott. Arizona Wine Has Earned Its Place Arizona’s wine industry has grown steadily over the years, with more than 100 licensed wineries across the state. The Verde Valley has become one of the centers of that growth. The secret starts with elevation. Southern Arizona wine regions around Willcox and Sonoita benefit from high-desert conditions, warm sunny days followed by cooler nights. The Verde Valley enjoys many of th...