Just a short drive outside Sedona lies the lush, riparian oasis of the Verde Valley, home to Arizona’s premier high-desert wine country. Tasting bold, estate-grown Syrahs and crisp Viogniers along the Verde Valley Wine Trail is a must-do activity. However, navigating the winding canyon roads between wineries requires a designated driver. Use these top transport solutions to sip safely.
1. AZ Wine Crawler (Best for Hop-On, Hop-Off Flexibility)
If you want a flexible, choose-your-own-stops itinerary, book AZ Wine Crawler. Unlike the Scottsdale-based wine shuttles, this one actually picks up from Sedona-area hotels (Courtyard Marriott Sedona and Element by Westin among them), so you don’t need to drive an hour south just to start your wine day.
Key Stops: Guests customize their route among wineries and tasting rooms across Page Springs Wine Canyon, Downtown Historic Cottonwood, and Clarkdale, Javelina Leap is a popular pick.
Note: As with most wine-tasting tours, expect a minimum age requirement, confirm specifics when booking through Viator or Tripadvisor.
2. Local Limo & Custom Bus Tours (Best for Groups)
For a private, chauffeured experience with complimentary pickup anywhere in Sedona, Wine Tours of Sedona runs private vehicle tours, your group is never combined with other reservations. If you’re staying in the Cottonwood/Clarkdale area, or want a larger group outing, Taste of the Valley Tours runs a 14-passenger, air-conditioned bus with pickup from Cottonwood-Clarkdale lodging; Sedona-based guests should call ahead, since standard pickup covers Cottonwood-Clarkdale and Sedona is served only on private group bookings.
3. The Verde Shuttle (Best Budget Option)
If you prefer a highly flexible, self-guided day in the historic tasting rooms of Old Town Cottonwood, take the public Verde Shuttle.
Schedule: Runs hourly, 7 days a week. First departure from Cottonwood is 6:00 AM; last Sedona-bound arrival is 10:00 PM (last Cottonwood-bound departure is 9:00 PM).
Fare: A mere $2.00 per ride from Sedona to Cottonwood. It drops you off steps away from multiple tasting rooms on Main Street.
Make it a perfect Sedona weekend
Pair your afternoon wine tasting with a morning dose of ancient history by reading our guide on How to Access the Palatki Heritage Site. For a complete breakdown of scenic views you can drive to without any trekking, see our One-Day Sedona Blitz Itinerary. And for the full roundup of non-hiking things to do, check out our guide to 4 Things to Do in Sedona Besides Hiking.