The Verde Valley’s signature wine event is set to make its return this spring as the 8th annual Verde Valley Wine Festival takes over Cottonwood’s Riverfront Park on May 9, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Co-sponsored by the Verde Valley Wine Consortium and the City of Cottonwood, the festival invites enthusiasts from across Arizona and beyond to experience one of the state’s best celebrations of its growing wine industry.
Set at Riverfront Park, the festival blends wine tasting, food, artisan shopping, and live entertainment into a relaxed, all-day gathering designed for discovery and connection.
“This event is the best way to celebrate Mother’s Day! It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to celebrate mothers while enjoying local wines and delicious food,” festival organizer, Paula Woolsey, said. “The chance to meet the winemakers adds a personal touch, allowing attendees to learn more about their favorite wines.”
Guests will be able to stroll the park with a glass in hand, sample new releases, and talk directly with winemakers while enjoying live music and views of the Verde River.
At the heart of the festival are 20 of the region’s most recognized wineries, pouring everything from familiar favorites to newly released vintages. Participating wineries include 1764 Vineyards, Alcantara Vineyards, Arizona Stronghold, Bodega Pierce, Cactus Cru, Caduceus Cellars, Chateau Tumbleweed, Cove Mesa Vineyard, Da Vines Vineyard, Dos Cabezas Wineworks, Grand Canyon Winery, Laramita Cellars, Oak Creek Vineyards, Omphalos Winery, Page Springs Cellars, Queen of Cups, Rubrix Wines, Salt Mine Wine, Southwest Wine Center, Twisted Union Wine Company, and WildCatter Winery.
Beyond wine, attendees can also enjoy additional local libations from Desert Diamond Distillery and The Belfry Brewery, offering beer and spirits that highlight the region’s broader craft beverage scene.
Food lovers will find plenty to pair with their tastings, thanks to a lineup of vendors and food trucks including Campfire Grill, Craft Wood Fired Pizza, The Gravy Train, The Tiny Gourmet, Carolina’s Chocolates, Gia’s Toffee, and Positively Frosted.
Live music will keep the energy flowing all day long, with performances scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Muddy Rabbit from 1:30 to 3 p.m., and headliner Naughty Bits closing out the afternoon from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.Early-bird tickets start at $20 per person and include a commemorative wine glass and six tasting tickets, with day-of tickets available for $25 per person. For more information, visit verdevalleywinefestival.com.
