The historic streets of downtown Camp Verde will transform into a bustling landscape of taste, tradition, music and community spirit as the city welcomes locals and tourists alike for a two-day culinary extravaganza. On March 16 and 17, the 23rd Annual Camp Verde Pecan & Wine Festival will celebrate the rich agricultural heritage of the region along with its burgeoning wine scene.
Through the collaborative efforts of the Verde Valley Wine Consortium, the Town of Camp Verde and sponsors including Yavapai College’s Southwest Wine Center, SRP and Larry Green Chevrolet, the event is a free, family-friendly affair that invites guests to indulge in the local bounty of Arizona’s flourishing wine and pecan industries. Watch Camp Verde come alive as the downtown transforms into an engaging hub for savoring diverse culinary treats and discovering distinctive local delicacies.
Fifteen of Arizona’s finest wineries will be on-site, offering attendees the chance to savor their newest releases. From 1764 Vineyards to Su Vino, the selection represents the best of the Verde Valley’s winemaking prowess, available by the glass, bottle or case. Wine enthusiasts can purchase tasting tickets in advance for $20 or at the door for $25, which includes a commemorative glass and six tastings—a perfect way to explore the nuanced flavors of Arizona wines.
The fifteen local wineries that will be attending the festival include:
- 1764 Vineyards
- Alcantara Vineyards
- Arizona Stronghold Vineyards
- Bodega Pierce
- Cella Winery
- Cove Mesa Vineyard
- Da Vines Vineyard
- High Lonesome Vineyard
- Laramita Cellars
- Oak Creek Winery
- Omphalos Winery
- Page Springs Cellars
- Salt Mine Wine
- Southwest Wine Center
- Su Vino
Complement your gourmet wine-tasting experience with a special selection of pecans ideal for pairing. The festival will also host a competitive Pecan Pie Contest, inviting bakers to put their best recipes forward to compete for the title of best pecan pie. After enjoying Arizona’s iconic pecans and wine, spend the rest of the weekend exploring the Budweiser Beer Garden, fueling up at a variety of food trucks and viewing artwork from over 90 local artisans exhibiting their creations.
Live music elevates the festival’s allure, with a lineup that spans genres and generations. Saturday’s performances include the bluesy Americana of Chris Berry and Tall Paul Epoch, followed by the country rhythms of Thunder and Lightning and Billy Bonds alongside Austin Lynn Austin. Sunday mellows down with the Tommy Dukes Band’s blues and Garry Segal and Jeff Compton’s Americana tunes, creating a soundtrack that perfectly accompanies the fun-filled afternoons.
Held at 75 E. Hollamon Street, the Camp Verde Pecan & Wine Festival is an invitation to experience the warmth and welcome of Camp Verde, to revel in the joys of culinary discovery and to participate in a tradition that grows richer with each passing year.
For more details on the festival and other upcoming events, visit cvaz.org or verdevalleywine.org.
