Cottonwood: Water to Wine Kayak Tour & Alcantara Vineyard Tasting

Summary

Kayak the verde river then walk up to alcantara vineyards for a relaxed tasting

You’ll paddle a gentle stretch of the Verde River with a local guide before landing beneath shady cottonwoods near Cottonwood. Walk up through Alcantara Vineyards for wine tasting using your included credit—maybe try some snacks too—and relax in their Tuscan-style farmhouse. It’s an easy mix of river adventure and vineyard calm that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — not just water, but this low, constant hush as we pushed off from Cottonwood into the Verde River. Our guide, Mark, grinned and handed me an inflatable kayak paddle. “Don’t worry if you spin around once or twice,” he said (I did, immediately). The river’s not wild here, but it’s got just enough chutes and little bumps to keep you awake. Sunlight flickered on the water and there was that faint green smell — like wet grass and something sweeter I couldn’t place. We passed a heron standing so still I thought it was fake.

I didn’t expect to feel so far away from Arizona’s dry heat — under those huge cottonwood trees at the end of our float, it was almost chilly in the shade. Everyone got out kind of quietly, stretching legs and laughing about who’d managed to stay dry (not me). There’s this gravel path that winds up through actual vineyards — which felt surreal after paddling a river in the desert. Mark pointed out some grapes that were just starting to turn purple; he said Alcantara Vineyards is one of his favorite stops on the Verde Valley Wine Trail because “the people here actually remember your name.”

Inside the Tuscan-looking farmhouse, it smelled like oak barrels and something buttery. The sommelier (I think her name was Ana?) walked us through a few wines — she had us swirl and sniff and try saying “Viognier” without sounding French (Li laughed when I tried). The $20 credit covered my tastings and a snack plate with cheese I still dream about. We sat outside for a while after, watching light move across the vines. It all felt slow in a good way. I keep thinking about how odd it was: paddling through Arizona’s desert one minute, sipping wine under old trees the next.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak trip and wine tasting

• Inflatable kayak trip on Verde River
• Walk gravel path to Alcantara Vineyards
• Wine tasting with $20 credit

Top questions

How long is the Water to Wine kayak trip from Cottonwood?

The tour lasts about 2 hours total, with around 1.5 hours spent kayaking.

Is wine tasting included in the Water to Wine tour?

Yes, each person gets a $20 credit for wine tastings or food at Alcantara Vineyards.

Do I need kayaking experience for this Verde River tour?

No experience is needed; guides help beginners and the river section is gentle with mild excitement.

What equipment is provided for kayaking?

You’ll get an inflatable kayak, paddle, and personal flotation device (PFD).

Where does the kayak trip end?

The trip ends under large cottonwood trees at the confluence of Oak Creek and the Verde River.

How do we get from the river to Alcantara Vineyards?

You’ll walk up a gravel path through vineyards directly from your landing spot by the river.

Is lunch included in this Cottonwood Water to Wine tour?

No full lunch is included but your $20 credit can be used for snacks or food at Alcantara Vineyards.

Are guides included on this Verde River kayak tour?

Yes, local guides are included throughout your kayak trip.

What’s included

Your day includes use of inflatable kayaks with paddles and PFDs for your guided float down the Verde River, all landing and facility fees along the way, plus a $20 per person credit at Alcantara Vineyards that you can use toward wine tastings, food or gifts before heading back whenever you’re ready.