Located in the geographic center of Arizona, the Verde Valley AVA defines an area of 219 square miles in the northeastern Yavapai County centered on the junction of Oak Creek and the Verde River. Approximately 79 square miles (36%) of the AVA is privately owned land. Federal and State entities manage the remainder.
Also located within the Verde Valley AVA is Yavapai College, an accredited educational institution that offers classes, certificates and an associate degree in viticulture and enology. Yavapai College features a commercial, licensed and bonded teaching winery, a teaching vineyard, and a tasting room, collectively known as the Southwest Wine Center. Enrollment in the viticulture and enology programs have risen steadily since its inception in 2009. Many of the school’s alumni are now working in the Verde Valley wine industry.
For more information, please visit: https://verdevalleyava.org
Photo Credit: Deb Weinkauff
Main Image: MJ Keenan
