Haunted Jerome, Brew and Wine Tour from Scottsdale/Phoenix

Exploring the Haunted, Tasty Side of Arizona: An Honest Look at the Jerome, Brew, and Wine Tour

If you’re looking for a day trip that combines a dash of spooky history with delightful tastings and scenic old-town charm, the Haunted Jerome, Brew and Wine Tour from Scottsdale might just be your perfect match. This 9-hour adventure offers an engaging mix of storytelling, cultural insight, and sampling of Arizona’s best wines and craft brews—all in a small-group setting.

One of the standout features of this tour is its ability to balance educational sightseeing with fun tasting experiences, making it ideal for those curious about Arizona’s past but also eager to indulge in its current-day flavors. What really stands out is the inclusion of a visit to Maynard Keenan’s vineyard, which is set to open in October, giving participants a sneak peek into the local wine scene.

However, a potential consideration is the approximate 2-hour drive each way—not a long haul, but something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to long bus rides. This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of history, scenic drives, and flavorful tastings, especially those with a penchant for artsy towns and a little spooky lore.

Key Points

• Small-group experience: With a maximum of 14 travelers, it feels intimate and personalized.
• Historical charm: Jerome is packed with stories of miners, bootleggers, and gamblers, now turned into an artsy hub.
• Tasting variety: You get options of wine and brewery tastings, including the chance to visit a new vineyard associated with rock band Tool’s frontman.
• Flexible exploration: Plenty of time to wander through shops, enjoy local cuisine, and soak in the town’s atmosphere.
• Comfortable transport: Pickup is offered, making it convenient, and bottled water is included.
• Value for the price: For $350, you’re getting a comprehensive day with guided insights, tastings, and transportation—great for those looking for a full experience without the hassle of planning.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off at a convenient location in Scottsdale around 9:00 am, with pickup options that simplify the logistics for visitors. The group remains small, capped at 14 participants, ensuring a cozy atmosphere and plenty of chances to engage with your guide—an aspect reviewers have appreciated, especially Cheri_B, who mentioned their guide was both great and accommodating despite a slight delay due to car issues. This flexibility and personal touch can often make or break a tour, and this one seems to excel there.

The Journey to Cottonwood

The drive to Cottonwood takes approximately two hours, giving you time to stretch, chat, and perhaps enjoy some scenic desert views. Once there, you’re given the choice to indulge in wine tastings at Merkin Vineyards or explore local breweries, including the upcoming vineyard of Maynard Keenan, front man of Tool. Being among the first visitors to this new vineyard adds a unique element, turning this tour into a special insider experience.

What to Expect at Cottonwood

While the tasting options are not included in the price, the opportunity to sample Arizona’s local wines and craft beers adds significant value. The vineyard and brewery visits typically last around four hours, giving ample time for sampling, learning, and soaking up the atmosphere of this lively town.

Exploring Jerome’s Historic Streets

The highlight of the tour is a roughly 1.5-hour stop in Jerome, a town that was once the fourth largest city in Arizona with a population of 15,000 in the 1920s. Today, Jerome is a mecca for artists and musicians, with its streets lined with galleries, gift shops, and cafes. The guide will share stories of the town’s rise and fall as a copper mining hub and its colorful past involving miners, bootleggers, and gamblers.

One of the most notable landmarks is The Grand Hotel, which used to serve as the local hospital—an intriguing reminder of Jerome’s layered history. Visitors will have plenty of time to explore the shops, enjoy a meal at one of its famous restaurants, or simply wander and soak in the eclectic vibe.

Authenticity and Atmosphere

What makes this stop particularly interesting is the combination of history and current arts scene. Several reviewers highlighted the knowledgeable guides who shared stories that brought Jerome’s past to life. Cheri_B noted their guide was great and accommodating, which suggests a well-organized and engaging commentary.

Food and Drink

While lunch isn’t included, the tour’s timing allows you to choose from Jerome’s many acclaimed eateries and enjoy a leisurely meal. The focus remains on local flavor and ambiance, and many visitors find that the town’s eateries live up to their reputation for delicious, hearty fare.

Return and Wrap-Up

The tour concludes with the journey back to Scottsdale, with the entire day running around 9 hours. The group size and the structured schedule allow for a relaxed yet comprehensive experience, ideal for those who prefer a curated day without feeling rushed.

Practical Details and Value

Cost and Inclusions

At $350 per person, the tour offers a full day of exploring, tasting, and sightseeing. The price includes transportation, bottled water, and guided commentary, with the tastings and meals being additional expenses you can choose to indulge in. Considering the personalized approach, the stops, and the exclusive vineyards, many travelers will find this a reasonable investment in a memorable day.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 14 travelers, you’ll enjoy a more intimate experience, with plenty of chances for questions and interaction. This small-group setting tends to foster a friendly, relaxed environment—something many reviewers appreciated.

Weather and Cancellation Policy

Weather can influence the experience—bad weather might lead to cancellations or rescheduling, but full refunds are available if that happens. Cancelations made at least 24 hours in advance are fully refundable, providing peace of mind.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

This tour offers a balanced mix of history, local culture, and tasting experiences, making it ideal for adventurous foodies, history buffs, and those looking for a scenic day trip from Scottsdale or Phoenix. Its small-group nature, knowledgeable guides, and the chance to visit a new vineyard set it apart from more generic tours.

If you love discovering quirky towns with a story to tell, enjoy sampling wines and beers, and appreciate an authentic, personalized experience, this tour hits many sweet spots. Plus, the inclusion of Jerome’s legendary streets and its artsy, haunted vibe adds a dash of intrigue and fun.

Final Thoughts

The Haunted Jerome, Brew and Wine Tour provides a comprehensive, engaging day that combines Arizona’s historic mining roots with its vibrant current scene of arts, music, and local libations. It’s an excellent option for those seeking a mix of education, tasting, and exploration, all delivered in a friendly, small-group setting.

While the drive is a bit long, the stops and experiences along the way make the journey more than worthwhile. If you’re eager to explore Jerome’s past, taste some of the state’s best wines and brews, and enjoy a well-organized day out, this tour offers great value and a memorable adventure.

FAQs

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup is offered from a convenient location in Scottsdale, making it easy to start your day without extra planning.

How long is each stop?
You’ll spend about 2 hours traveling to Cottonwood, 4 hours for wine and brewery tasting, and approximately 1.5 hours exploring Jerome.

Can I customize the tastings?
The tour includes wine tastings at Merkin Vineyards and the chance to visit a new vineyard of Maynard Keenan, with options for brewery tasting also available.

Is food included?
No, meals are not included, but there will be plenty of time to enjoy lunch at Jerome’s many restaurants.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 14, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are children allowed?
The tour is geared toward travelers aged 21 and older due to alcohol tastings.

How much does the tour cost?
The price is $350 per person, offering a full day of guided exploration, tastings, and scenic drives.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 6 days in advance to secure their spot, especially during peak seasons.

Whether you’re a history lover, a wine enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique day trip, this tour provides a well-rounded, authentic Arizona experience that balances storytelling, tasting, and scenic exploration.