5 Arizona outdoor adventures that end with a glass of wine in your hand

Imagine a sommelier, if you will, dressed not in attire affiliated with fine dining, but wearing shorts, hiking boots and a breathable cotton shirt.

You will have but one question: “Which wine pairs best with our chosen outdoor activity?”

Arizona is blessed with wineries every bit as good as its scenery, which lends to adventurous pursuits that include stops at a local winery or two.

It could be a hike finished with a bright and refreshing Malvasia Bianca. Or a kayak trip topped by a robust Tempranillo.

Then again, those who have recently undertaken a calorie-burning journey have earned any winery’s top accolade — a large selection of samples that challenge the palate rather than your fitness level.

Here’s a selection of Arizona adventures that pair well with wine.

Chiricahuas and Chardonnay

The menu: A scenic hike followed by a sampling of tasting rooms.

Appetizer: The rocky landscape of Chiricahua National Monument in southeastern Arizona is almost otherworldly. The tantalizing 8-mile scenic drive offers a peek at the boulder-based spires that seem to defy gravity.

Main course: Digest any portion of the 11 miles of day-use hiking trails, the showstopper of which is the strenuous Heart of Rocks loop. But might we suggest the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail, a moderate 1.8-mile path that takes you to the highest point in the monument, offering stunning views. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, perhaps the half-mile Bonita Creek trail, where you may see deer, coatimundi or javelina.

The wine: There are 18 wineries and tasting rooms in and around Willcox, which is 35 miles from Chiricahua National Monument. The wineries are scattered about the region, and some of their tasting rooms open only by appointment. The most convenient wine-sampling location is downtown Willcox, home to five vintners’ tasting rooms.

Details: www.nps.gov/chir, willcoxwinecountry.org, willcoxwines.com.

Saddle up for sampling

The menu: Join a trail ride to Sonoita Vineyards in southern Arizona.

Appetizer: If you’ve never been on a horse, the guides at Arizona Horseback Experiences will take whatever time you need to feel comfortable atop a gentle steed.

Main course: Enjoy a three-hour trail ride through grasslands and along the rolling hills. Drink in the beauty of the Mustang Mountains in the distance as you explore the beauties of the desert.

The wine: Sonoita Vineyards awaits at the end of the trail. Clear the dust from your throat with a variety of wines from Arizona’s oldest commercial winery. Established in 1983, Sonoita now includes 30 acres of vines.

Details: www.horsebackexperience.com, www.sonoitavineyards.com.

FOR SUBSCRIBERS:  Find calm at this labyrinth, a hidden gem in the heart of Tempe

Water to wine

The menu: Kayak along the Verde River with Sedona Adventure Tours before a short hike to a winery.

Appetizer: Strap on a life vest, pay attention to the safety talk and then relax because with a modicum of skill and balance, you’ll control your kayak without threat of tipping over.

Main course: As you paddle along the Verde River, you’ll find the surface relatively calm, allowing plenty of time to lap up the scenery. There are just enough riffles to spice things up, but nothing to set your teeth on edge.

The wine: You’ll beach your kayak not far from Alcantara Winery. After a short walk you’ll encounter a Tuscan-style farmhouse where samples will be waiting for all. You’ll have up to 90 minutes to enjoy wine and exchange stories of how you survived a trip down the peaceful Verde.

Details: sedonaadventuretours.com, alcantaravineyard.com.

Wine on the rocks

The menu: Hike a trail that shows off Sedona’s iconic Cathedral Rock before toasting your adventure at a nearby winery.

Appetizer: Before your hike, visit the Crescent Moon Picnic Site, home of Red Rock Crossing, for one of the best views of Cathedral Rock. This is the view that launched a thousand postcards. Your selfies will be the perfect image to kick off your “Sedona Adventure” Instagram story. There's a $10-per-vehicle day use fee at Crescent Moon.

Main course: Hop back in your car and drive to Back O' Beyond Road for the Cathedral Rock trailhead. Don't be fooled by the 1.5-mile round-trip length. The trail is strenuous at points, and becomes more about climbing than hiking after the first quarter mile or so. Bite off only what you can chew. Buy a $5 Red Rock Pass at the trailhead kiosk. Credit cards only.

The wine: Just 30 minutes south in Cornville is Oak Creek Vineyards and Winery, where you’ll choose among at least 10 reds and 10 whites ($10 for five samples). There’s also an expansive gift shop, a veritable shopping vortex for wine lovers.

Details: www.fs.usda.gov/coconino, oakcreekvineyards.net.

Ride the rails and sip

Each summer, the Verde Canyon Railroad offers the Grape Train Escape, an evening excursion that typically features wine from the Verde Valley.

It’s perfect for those who enjoy their landscapes rolling, their bodies seated and their wines both local and easily accessible.

The railroad has yet to set dates for 2020, but the Grape Train Escape typically has been offered on select Saturday evenings May through August.

Details: verdecanyonrr.com.

Have any tips on relatively unknown, must-see destinations in Arizona? Reach the reporter at scott.craven@arizonarepublic.com or at 602-444-8773. Follow him on Twitter @Scott_Craven2.

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