Arizona has long been an under appreciated agricultural producer. Besides the cotton and citrus it's famous for, Arizona produces many grain crops, as well as a viable dairy industry. Arizona's strong agricultural tradition is not well known, and what most people don't know is that the soil and climate in several locations in the state provide ideal conditions for numerous kinds of grape. After all, wasn't it in the Mediterranean that winemaking originally flourished? Dry warm conditions are perfectly acceptable to many grapes, and Arizona climate certainly has provided that.

Arizona an excellent place to visit not only for a wine country getaway but also for the opportunity to see the natural rugged beauty of the state. You can visit the Sedona area, which has several wineries in close proximity to the stunning red rock views. Hundreds of thousands of people make the short drive annually from Phoenix just to see Sedona itself. It is an enchanting place to visit, and adding stops to local vineyards will only enhance the your trip. Bed and Breakfasts are plentiful and unique, there are many local artisans, and wonderful eateries and you will certainly not lack for things to see and do. Echo Canyon Vineyards, Jerome Winery, and Oak Creek Vineyard are all part of the Northern Trail of Arizona Vineyards. There are many more being planned.

If you visit the Southern Trail of Arizona wine country, you will have to hit the Sonoita Vineyards, the vineyard that made winemaking happen in Arizona. Just southeast of Tucson, the area boosts numerous vineyards, and also boasts some of the most popular wines to come out of Arizona. Many wines of the area have been honored nationally and internationally! The southeast Trail is also the home to the "Island in the Sky"; a wonderfully unique and spiritual land where rock rises out of the ground in breathtaking spires and bluffs.

If you haven't the time to make the drive to these spots in the southeast, you can still enjoy a wine sojourn in the Phoenix metro area. Kokopelli Vineyards has established a winery and restaurant in Chandler, to bring their fine products closer to the city dwellers. Their actual vineyard lies in the southeast of the state, so this is as easy as it gets for a taste of going to wine country if you have only a few hours instead of days. There is also a Cave Creek extension of Dos Cabezas Wine works, where you can sample some of this respected vineyard's best. Arizona's growth allows great things for the prospects of winemaking in the state. More people are being exposed to the state's least known but perhaps most enjoyable product. The benefit of it not being well-known yet is that you as can enjoy a quiet, unrushed visit to prime wine country, where you are likely to get personal service from the pioneering owners of Arizona's next great agricultural industry. Some wine treasures can be found in Arizona's hidden away wineries.

Now on to culinary adventures! There's fine dining restaurant cuisine for every taste in this spectacular state. Choose from Mexican Food, Steakhouse, Seafood, Thai, Chinese, Italian, American and a wide variety of ethnic restaurants. You will find many unique dishes on the menus here that you will not find in any other state. So if you like a little adventure with your food as well, Arizona should be high on your list of places to visit.
The following is a list of just some of the wine & culinary festivals planned for 2008! Arizona Culinary & Wine Festivals 2008