Cottonwood Old Town from Jerome — 8 Miles Down the Hill

Old Town Cottonwood sits at the base of Jerome's switchbacks — 8 miles and 15 minutes by car on AZ-89A. Where Jerome is vertical, steep, and intimate with about 460 residents (464 at the 2020 Census), Cottonwood spreads flat along the Verde River and functions as the practical hub of the Verde Valley. Old Town specifically — the 3-block historic district on Main Street — is the best version of Cottonwood: wine tasting rooms, restaurants, antique shops, and easy parking that Jerome cannot match.

The strategic value of Cottonwood Old Town is its position on the Verde Valley wine trail. Page Springs Cellars — consistently the most acclaimed winery in the valley — is 6 miles southeast. Pillsbury Wine Company and Alcantara Vineyards have tasting rooms directly in Old Town. Jerome and Cottonwood together form the natural anchor of a wine trail day that does not require more than 20 miles of driving.

What to Do in Old Town Cottonwood

Main Street Walk and Wine Tasting — 2–3 Hours

Old Town Main Street runs about 3 walkable blocks between historic storefronts. Pillsbury Wine Company's Old Town Cottonwood tasting room permanently closed in April 2026 — its Willcox, AZ location remains open, so it is no longer a stop here. Alcantara Vineyards does not have its own tasting room in Old Town; instead it runs a free shuttle van from the Cottonwood Visitors Center (817 N Main St) out to its vineyard and tasting room at 3445 S Grapevine Way. Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room & Osteria (1001 N Main St, part of Maynard James Keenan's wine group) serves lunch and dinner most days — confirm current hours directly with the restaurant, as they have shifted in the past.

Page Springs Cellars — 6 Miles Southeast, 1–2 Hours

Page Springs Cellars (1500 N Page Springs Road, Cornville) is 6 miles southeast of Old Town via AZ-89A east and Page Springs Road south. It is consistently rated the best winery in the Verde Valley and one of the best in Arizona. The outdoor terrace overlooks Oak Creek; the estate Petite Sirah and Rhone-style blends are what the valley does best. Per the winery's own site, it's now open daily from 11 AM (until 6 PM Sunday–Wednesday, until 8 PM Thursday–Saturday). No reservation required for tasting; groups over 8 should call ahead.

Blazin' M Ranch — Wednesday Through Sunday Evenings

Blazin' M Ranch (1875 Mabery Ranch Road) is a Western dinner and entertainment venue 2 miles east of Old Town Cottonwood. Per the ranch's own site, shows now run Wednesday through Sunday and include a chuckwagon dinner and live Western variety show — singing, comedy, and cowboy lore. Reservations required (General Pass $79.95 per adult, ages 13+; VIP Pass $109.95, all ages). Gates open at 5 PM; dinner at 6:30 PM; show 7:30–8:30 PM. This is the most specifically Cottonwood-flavored evening option in the Verde Valley and works well for families or groups who want a fully produced experience.

Cottonwood Farmers Market

Cottonwood has a seasonal farmers market in Old Town (near Old Town Square on Main Street) with local produce, Verde Valley wines, olive oils, and artisan goods — but the day of the week and exact hours have shifted between seasons, so confirm the current schedule with the City of Cottonwood or the Old Town visitor bureau before planning around it. Whenever it runs, this is the best single time to experience Cottonwood as a community rather than a tourist destination — the market is genuine, not curated for visitors.

Practical Information

Verde Valley Wine Trail Tours on Viator

Guided Verde Valley wine trail tours from Jerome and Sedona — some include Page Springs Cellars, Pillsbury, and Alcantara in a single guided itinerary with transportation.

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