3 Best Wine Tours In Phoenix (With Prices)

Phoenix offers a surprising variety of wine experiences, thanks to its proximity to Arizona’s unique desert vineyards. While many travelers think of the city for its vibrant arts scene and desert landscapes, the wine scene here is blossoming. Arizona’s warm days and cool nights create ideal conditions for grape growing, making Phoenix a surprisingly good base for wine adventures. Whether you’re after a peaceful morning in the sky or a full-day private tour of southern vineyards, this guide will help you choose the right experience. You’ll find options ranging from a 3.5-hour hot air balloon flight with champagne, perfect for a romantic or celebratory outing, to an all-day private vineyard tour with gourmet lunch.

The three tours highlighted here each bring something special: one provides breathtaking aerial views, another combines a scenic flight with a picnic and wine tasting, and the third is a luxury private journey through some of Arizona’s most acclaimed vineyards south of Tucson. These options cater to different budgets and interests, ensuring you’ll find a memorable way to explore Arizona’s wine culture.

1. Phoenix: Hot Air Balloon Flight with Champagne

At $209 per person, the Phoenix: Hot Air Balloon Flight with Champagne delivers a memorable experience that combines scenic beauty and a touch of celebration. This 3.5-hour flight takes you high above the Arizona desert, offering stunning views of Phoenix, the mountains, and the desert landscape. What sets this tour apart is the peaceful feeling of drifting in the breeze, with an experienced pilot at the controls ensuring safety and comfort.

The flight begins early, with a safety briefing and inflating the balloon, which itself is a fascinating process. Once in the air, you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas that are hard to beat. The highlight, of course, is the champagne toast on the ground after the flight, perfect for celebrating this unique adventure. Renowned for its high ratings (4.8/5 from 273 reviews), this tour is praised for friendly pilots, smooth flights, and spectacular views. Many mention the professionalism of the crew and the feeling of safety throughout.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a peaceful, scenic experience with a celebratory touch and breathtaking desert views. Suitable for first-timers and seasoned adventurers alike.

2. Phoenix: Hot Air Balloon Ride with Champagne and Catering

For $247 per person, the Phoenix: Hot Air Balloon Ride with Champagne and Catering elevates the balloon experience with a full package that includes a scenic flight plus a gourmet picnic. Like the first tour, it lasts about 3.5 hours, but the real magic is the combination of stunning views at 3000 feet and a relaxing breakfast in the desert.

This experience begins with a short van transfer, followed by a one-hour balloon flight where you’ll learn about local points of interest, wildlife, and plant life as you float over the Sonoran Desert. After landing, you’ll enjoy a champagne breakfast, with some tours offering special touches like birthday cake or customized tastings. Many reviewers highlight the knowledgeable and humorous pilots like Matt and Alisa, who make the experience both educational and fun. The scenic setting, combined with the delicious food and champagne, makes this a great choice for celebrating significant milestones or simply indulging in a luxurious morning.

Guests often comment on the smooth flight, the entertaining crew, and the well-organized logistics. It’s especially suited for those who want a longer, more comprehensive experience that combines aerial views, local insights, and a relaxing meal.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive morning experience that pairs breathtaking scenery with fine food and bubbly, suited for special celebrations or leisurely mornings.

3. Southern Arizona Private Wine Tour South of Tucson – Sonoita-Elgin Vineyards

The Southern Arizona Private Wine Tour is a full-day luxury experience costing $521 per person. This 8-hour private tour takes you to three different wineries and vineyards in the renowned Sonoita-Elgin region, about 2.5 hours south of Phoenix. It’s ideal for wine lovers who want to explore Arizona’s award-winning wines in a personalized setting. The itinerary includes tastings at Charron Vineyards, where grapes are grown at 4,200 feet elevation, and a gourmet lunch with spectacular vineyard views.

The tour approach is highly customizable, and the private nature means you can set your own pace or focus on particular wineries. Transportation is in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, and the tour includes water, snacks, and a COVID care kit. Guests are impressed by the quality of wines and the scenic drives through rolling vineyards and mountains. Because it’s a private experience, it’s suited for groups seeking intimate, tailored visits—perfect for celebrating a special occasion or making a corporate event memorable.

While this tour has no reviews yet, its clear focus on personalized service, gourmet lunch, and multiple tastings makes it a high-value option for serious wine enthusiasts willing to invest in a full-day experience.

Bottom Line: Best suited for serious wine lovers interested in Arizona’s top regional wineries and who prefer a luxury, private experience with flexible scheduling.

How to Choose the Right Phoenix Wine Tour

When selecting a tour, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. The hot air balloon options provide a scenic, peaceful way to enjoy the desert from above, perfect for a romantic outing or celebrating a special day. If you want a combination of aerial views and a gourmet meal, the Champagne and Catering tour offers a longer, more comprehensive experience. For those seeking a personalized, full-day exploration of Arizona’s premier vineyards, the private wine tour south of Tucson delivers in-depth tastings and flexibility, ideal for serious wine aficionados.

Booking early is wise, especially during peak travel seasons or weekends, as these tours are popular and often fill up. Also, check the weather forecast — clear skies make for the most memorable balloon flights, and flexible scheduling can help avoid delays.

In summary, Phoenix’s wine tours range from a serene balloon ride with champagne to an indulgent vineyard excursion. The scenic flight experience offers breathtaking views and a peaceful escape, while the full-day private tour immerses you in Arizona’s best wines. For those celebrating or just wanting a memorable adventure, these options show that Phoenix’s wine scene is diverse and accessible. Consider your interests and budget, then book early to ensure you don’t miss out on these unique experiences.