Arizona now has a reputable and consistent winery tour company offering all-inclusive excursions that include tastings at three vineyards, luxury bus accommodations, delicious lunch, water, snacks and round-trip transportation.
In 2015, owners Karen and Keith Hinderberger started their tour business in southern Arizona. By 2018, they purchased Arizona Winery Tours, a company that existed since 2011, took over the name and started doing tours in both northern and southern Arizona. Karen Hinderberger, a former American Airlines employee, got into the business because although she enjoyed wine tasting as a hobby, she wanted to be responsible when it came to driving home. The wine industry in Arizona is booming and she realized the imminent need for a service that would allow people to taste in a safe and fun way.
The couple worked hard to earn the trust of the winemakers and vineyard owners. They wanted them to know that they were serious and wanted to join forces to help each other bring recognition to the industry.
“We formed relationships by helping during harvest and at festivals. We are not a party bus, we want the people who ride with us to want to learn about Arizona wine and we pride ourselves on that,” said Karen Hinderberger.
Many locals are still unaware of the quality wines being produced in Arizona and, tourists always seem surprised to see tasting rooms throughout the state. The truth of it is, there is a lot of really wonderful wine being made here. Tourism in northern Arizona makes it easier for the wineries there to get the word out. However, southern Arizona is where most of our state’s grapes are grown and it isn’t as popular a tourist destination just yet. Arizona Winery Tours is a convenient way for people to discover and explore the wine regions of our state. The company now has anywhere from 40 to 60 people out on tours during the weekends.
“COVID had us shut down for two months but once we re-opened, we had the busiest fall in the history of our business,” Hinderberger said.
They operate seven days a week and, if your schedule allows, they do recommend a week-day tour, as it is less crowded at the vineyards.
Everything – except for bottle purchases – is all-inclusive which limits wait time and allows for more relaxation. You will be visiting boutique wineries so if you love a specific wine, making bottle purchases makes sense as they are not likely available at big-box stores. The executive shuttles have storage for your wine purchases to keep them cool and intact.
When planning a visit there are a couple of different options to choose from. You can arrange your pick-up at a number of hotels in Sedona to visit the north or at various locations in Tucson to visit the south. Tourists and locals alike are booking trips, as well as Valley residents to enjoy an overnighter. Another alternative is a day trip from Phoenix without a stay over. The executive shuttle vehicles/luxury buses are 14-seaters and people can join in with others or book a private party. A limo is available for booking for a northern tour and it seats up to 18. Due to COVID, lunch is picnic style but is made to order at the Café in Sonoita down south or Wildflower in Sedona up north. Pricing for the entire experience ranges from $139 per person to $225, depending on the trip.
For more information on booking a tour, contact Arizona Winery Tours by email at [email protected] or by phone at 480-843-4941 for Sedona or 520-201-6905 for Sonoita/Willcox. Visit www.azwinerytours.com for more information.
East Valley resident Darla S. Hoffmann is a certified sommelier and certified specialist of wine. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her at www.aboutwineinaz.com.
