Did you know that the second most-populated city in Arizona, Tucson, offers over 200 days of sunshine every year? It’s true! With tons of fresh air and wide-open spaces, it is a paradise for active people and a delight for foodies. Their food and beverage scene is huge – especially if you’re into Mexican cuisine since the city is so close to the border. Not to mention the rejuvenation of the downtown area has really helped the food and beverage scene explode! If you want to find out what’s been going on in the Tucson AZ wine scene, these are some of our favorite spots! Below are only a few exciting wine bars and destinations that you should check out when you’re out in Tucson.
Want to skip the wine bar and stay at home? Check out these wine clubs that ship to Arizona!
Revel
Recently voted Tucson’s most popular wine bar, Revel offers wines from around the world in a chill setting. You’ll find well-known varietals, but you’ll also find a few lesser-known surprises for the more adventurous wine drinker. Revel also sells beer and the ever-popular charcuterie board. They also offer a wine club if you’re a dedicated wine drinker.
Right around the corner from the busy 4th Avenue Shopping District, this is perfect for relaxing after exploring the area. Great for an after-work drink or a starting point for date night as well.
Sand-Reckoner Tasting Room
The Sand-Reckoner Tasting Room is the one and only place to find their entire lineup of wines in Tucson. Owned by Arizona winemakers Rob and Sarah Hammelman, their wines are created from influences all around the world. After spending time making wine in Colorado, Australia, California, and France, their wines really are a labor of love. The tasting room is full of live music on Friday & Saturday evenings and their MicroGallery offers a rotating art exhibition curated by Conrad Wilde Gallery.
Come sample the wine at the tasting room in the Warehouse Arts District, eat a snack, and keep exploring the galleries, breweries, and other shops in the area.
The Living Room Wine Cafe & Lounge
This Tucson wine and food concept is perfect for any time of the day. If you’re looking for a daytime lunch spot, weekend brunch idea, or want to try some amazing specials on a weeknight, stop by The Living Room Wine Cafe & Lounge. An extensive collection of boutique wines are available by the glass and bottle for a laid back wine experience.
Located in the Tucson La Encantada Shopping Center, you can take a seat here while you’re shopping or plan a girl’s night! The vibe and ambiance are genuinely enjoyable and there’s a patio to enjoy the gorgeous Tucson weather!
Arizona Wine Collective
Can’t decide on which Arizona wine you want to try? This is where you should stop! The Arizona Wine Collective is the first (and only) tasting room, wine bar, and bottle shop that features multiple Arizona wineries. After years of retail and wine experience, the shop is dedicated to sharing the best of Arizona’s wine products.
Only feet away from the Rillito Loop bike and walking path and the dining and shopping options at St. Phillips Plaza make the Arizona Wine Collective a great stop for wine lovers passing by! You can even have nearby restaurants deliver food while enjoying your wine tastings!
Wilhelm Family Vineyards Tasting & Tapas at Ventana
This tasting room will definitely inspire you to check out their vineyard if you’re ever in Sonoita. Their small bites kitchen in the tasting room offers a few food pairings for their Arizona-made wines. Their offered varietals include Tempranillo, Graciano, Verdejo, Garnacha, Albariño, Tannat, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Plan a private event, stop in for a tasting, buy some bottles or enjoy live music at their Ventana location!
Caps & Corks
Beer, wines, meads, and more are available for your enjoyment at Caps & Corks. Not a traditional wine bar, but it’s a warm and inviting place to enjoy craft beer & wines. It’s a child-friendly option as well if you’re adventuring with kiddos! This beer, wine bar/bottle shop is near the freeway, so it’s very easy to make a stop here!
This Marana location is close to a busy commercial shopping area, but does not serve food. However, they often have food trucks parked nearby and you can bring your own food if you’re planning to hang out for a while!
Charron Vineyards
If you want your wine with a side of mountain views, take the short drive to Charron Vineyards. Located in the suburb of Vail, this is one of southern Arizona’s oldest vineyards. This small boutique winery produces handcrafted wines at an elevation of 4200 feet!
At about $10 per wine tasting, plus the complimentary glass, this is a must-do experience if you’re visiting the Tucson area. You can also purchase picnic baskets with charcuterie supplies, souvenirs, and some other snacks. Even better: they’re dog-friendly!
Flying Leap Vineyards Tasting Room
What?! Premium wines and distilled spirits from the American Southwest? Yes, they’re all here for you to try at Flying Leap. Founded in 2010 by three former Air Force pilots, Flying Leap Vineyards now has a portfolio of ultra-premium wines and in 2016 added distilled spirits to their offerings. Currently, they grow a variety of French, Spanish and Italian wine grapes in their Southern Arizona vineyards.
Visit Flying Leap’s Tucson wine tasting room, located inside of Plaza Palomino. Relax in plentiful cozy seating at the bar or take a seat on one of their sofas. You can also enjoy a variety of art pieces from local artisans during your tasting! Visit their website to see current offerings and upcoming events.
Honorable Mention: Hotel McCoy
This non-traditional hotel bar (Tucson Sunshine Climate Club) offers a variety of Arizona wines to those who are passing through this kitschy hotel. Offering retro & modern vibes all over the property, their bar offerings are no different. Provisioner Wine (their house brand) offers wine from grapes grown in the Willcox basin in Southeast Arizona.
Surround yourself with upcycled furniture, local Arizona artwork, and you’re only a $5 Uber ride from downtown Tucson!
Tucson is truly a sight to behold. Beautiful sunsets, great weather, and their burgeoning food & beverage scene are a great reason to plan a trip! IF you’re in the southwest, definitely stop in Tucson!
