Verde River kayak and wine tasting from Cottonwood

Paddle down a desert river, then taste wine in a Tuscan farmhouse.

The Water to Wine tour combines a kayak trip down the Verde River with wine tasting at Alcantara Vineyards on the Verde Valley Wine Trail. You paddle an inflatable kayak for about an hour and a half through a scenic stretch with small chutes and riffles, then walk up through the vineyards to the farmhouse for tastings. A $20 credit per person covers wine, food or gifts; guides lead both parts of the day. Minimum age 21 with photo ID required for wine tastings.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak trip and wine tasting

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

The Experience

You start with an inflatable kayak trip down the Verde River, paddling a scenic stretch with just enough current and small rapids to keep things interesting without demanding expert skill. The paddle takes roughly an hour and a half, ending in the shade of giant cottonwood trees where Oak Creek meets the Verde River. From there, you leave the water behind and walk a gravel path uphill through the vineyards.

The path leads to Alcantara Vineyards, a stop on the Verde Valley Wine Trail known for award-winning wines and staff who walk you through the tasting. Your $20 credit per person — included in the tour price — covers wine pours, food or vineyard gifts. The farmhouse itself sits in a Tuscan-style setting, a sharp contrast to the desert river you just left.

Guides handle both the river and the vineyard portions, so you're not navigating or finding your way between stops. Kayak gear — inflatable kayak, paddle and personal flotation device — comes with the tour, as do landing and facility fees. The whole experience runs two hours from start to finish.

What’s included

• Use of inflatable kayak, paddle and personal flotation device.
• guides for both the river and vineyard portions.
• landing and facility fees.
• $20 wine tasting credit per person to spend on tastings, food or gifts at Alcantara Vineyards.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Verde Adventure River Trips by Sedona Adventure Tours

Is this one for you?Paddle the Verde River in the morning, then taste wine at a vineyard the same afternoon—this route connects both without extra travel or logistics.

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Top questions

How difficult is the kayak part of this tour?

The Verde River stretch has small chutes and riffles that add a bit of excitement, but nothing that demands advanced paddling skills. The pace is scenic rather than technical, and guides lead the way.

What happens at Alcantara Vineyards after the paddle?

Alcantara Vineyards sits on the Verde Valley Wine Trail and offers wine tastings led by sommeliers. Your $20 credit per person covers wine tastings, food or gifts from the vineyard shop.

What do I need to bring or wear?

Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet and bring a change if you want one for the vineyard part. Kayak gear, paddles and life jackets are all provided. You'll need photo ID if you're doing the wine tasting.

Is this tour suitable if I've never kayaked before?

Yes — the river section is designed for paddlers of moderate fitness with no experience required. Guides lead the trip and the current does much of the work.

How long does the whole tour take?

The tour runs about two hours total: roughly an hour and a half on the water, then the walk and wine tasting at the vineyard.