Cottonwood: Holding Down The AZ Wine Trail

Cottonwood is a high-country town that epitomizes the statement “if you know, you know.” This secret hideaway resides just off an exit on the I-17, about an hour and a half away from Phoenix. Tucked off the beaten path, acting as a gateway to Sedona’s beautiful red rock country, Cottonwood has come into its own in recent years, giving Arizona residents and out-of-state visitors another place to discover untapped treasures that represent Arizona.

The area was once home to the Indigenous Havasupai and Hualapai tribes and a stop for hunters and miners who were attracted to Cottonwood’s abundance of wild game and its proximity to water, the Verde River. After incorporating in the early 1880s, Cottonwood fell into the familiar persona of the region, welcoming settlers arriving by the new railroad line and the economic opportunities of logging, mining, and farming. 

More recently, the focus of its nutrient-rich farmland has transitioned away from citrus orchards to grape vines, with pioneers in the wine industry carving a new identity for the town. As It turns out, grapes grown at higher elevation breed more vibrant colors and stronger tannins — characteristics that have fueled the growth of Cottonwood’s wine industry and helped usher in a burgeoning local food scene.

Among the Cottonwoods: Local Goodness

Grab a pizza from Pizzeria Bocce.

The local food scene in Cottonwood is as diverse, vibrant, and full of flavor as the people who live there. For a town of just 12,000 or so people, Cottonwood and its quaint Old Town area — reflecting a storybook depiction of a bygone era of the West — offers a wide variety of choices for those who want to taste the town’s local goodness.

For early-risers, favorites like the cinnamon rolls at Old Town Red Rooster Cafe and the crab eggs benedict at Randall’s Restaurant to the wood-fired pies at Pizzeria Bocce are must-tries. 

Cottonwood also offers an abundance of creative and comforting culinary experiences to support its acclaimed tasting rooms. Flavors abound at Crema Craft Kitchen + Bar, where an all-day brunch menu features chorizo gravy and biscuits, chilaquiles, red-chili glazed bacon and a black bean breakfast burrito, along with decadent selection of sandwiches and sweets. 

Over at Colt Grill, smokers work overtime as from-scratch recipes for ribs, brisket, chicken and pork add a distinct scent to the air, while cornbread, beans, cobblers, and whiskey brownies round out a hearty meal. 

And, Cottonwood wouldn’t be an Arizona town if it didn’t have a selection of Mexican restaurants bringing spice to the table. Local favorites include Concho’s Mexican Restaurant, Pepe’s Cafe, and Adriana’s Mexican Restaurant.

Take a Tour of Local Wineries 

One of the perks of visiting Cottonwood is the trail of wineries and tasting rooms to experience local wines made in the region. If you’re in search of a cork to pop, look no further than the abundance of wineries and tasting rooms along Cottonwood’s portion of the Verde Valley Wine Trail. Here’s a starter pack: 

Book a Staycation in Cottonwood

With its charming and diverse community, Cottonwood values its natural and social history as much as its thriving wine, dynamic arts, and rich agricultural scene. Surrounded by six State Parks, magnificent Cottonwood trees, and the flowing Verde River, the natural beauty of the surrounding Verde Valley will almost instantly capture your heart and calm your mind. 

A typical day in Cottonwood is likely to consist of a peaceful kayak journey or a quiet stroll through Historic Old Town; enjoying tasting rooms, perusing the gourmet market, dining in local restaurants, or shopping for unique antiques. Click the link below to create all the local businesses and plan a staycation or trip itinerary: 

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