Verde River Water to Wine tour

With spring in the wind ever so soon, thoughts of wet and wild adventures return. Now with warmer days and a brighter sun, it is a good idea to consider plans for upcoming fun wine outings around Arizona. The best reason to plan now is that spots for the well-liked trips get booked ahead of time by locals and tourists alike.

One excursion that has been gaining in popularity in recent years is the “Classic Water to Wine Tour” provided by Verde River Rafting (877-673-3661). In a cooperative arrangement with Alacantara Vineyards, they make it very convenient for visitors to park their cars at the winery and jump in a van that follows along the river to intercept a collection of inflatable Kayaks. Then, after an hour or so river float, you’re right back at the winery!

There is just enough white water along the way to keep it interesting while remaining dry and invigorated upon arriving at Alcantara. Verde River Rafting takes care of the boats and you enjoy the wine. After a tasting tailored to what you like, it’s back to the car (with a case of wine in tow?) for a return to the valley or maybe your hotel in Sedona or Cottonwood. The arrangements are your call.

Because they operate year-round, it is convenient to set up a trip to entertain visiting relatives or just “to lavish in it” during an open weekend.

You won’t be disappointed by Alacantara’s tasting room which is about close as you can get to a genuine Southwest hacienda. Pull up a stool at the kitchen bar for a tasting flight or have a glass out on the patio. It’s all a perfect setting for a relaxing contemplation of the grape after experiencing the wilds of the Verde River.

Article by Tom Peiffer, Phoenix Wine Shopping Examiner at Examiner.com

View more of Tom’s articles on Examiner.com by visiting his writer’s page.