Merkin Vineyards

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For a great selection of local Arizona wine and locally sourced foods, is the best of the local tasting rooms in Old Town Scottsdale. The Merkin Vineyard is located in Jerome, Arizona north of Phoenix. Its high elevation and climate are similar to wine-growing areas in Europe. They make around 6500 cases of wines focusing on French, Italian and Spanish varietals.


The tasting room is located in Old Town right off the canal. Warm lighting and an elegant atmosphere welcome you inside. A three-sided bar offers plenty of stools for chatting with the very friendly bartenders. There are also five four-top tables and a couple of high top tables for hanging out with friends. Two long tables await larger parties.


The menu lists five types of white wines, five types of rose, and thirteen types of red all of the Caduceus and Merkin brands. Their three tasting flights offer a good sample of their wines. My choice, the Caduceus Exclusive, includes the red wines Airavata and Kitsune, both from 2018 and Sancha from 2016. They progress nicely from lighter to more full-bodied and earthy.

Much of the ingredients for the food are grown at their own farms and greenhouses. The rest is sourced from local farmers. As a nice variation from most tasting rooms, Merkin offers a full complement of food items. There are four pasta options, including the lasagna cupcake, offered vegetarian or with beef ragu. Five wood-fired pizzas and several salads and appetizers offer tasty servings. The burrata is topped with green tomato chutney and sliced apples all served on a bed a rugala. There are also eight artisan board options for sharing with friends. Round them out with a selection from their dolce. The warm brownie is served in a tiny cast iron pan with peanut butter ganache and salted caramel gelato.


If you are looking to sample some of the growing selections of Arizona grown wine, stop by in Old Town for a tasty meal and amazing wine.

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