Discover the Allure of Arizona Wines at Vino Zona in Old Town Cottonwood
By Annabel Sclippa
Photography by Greg Bernstein
Ginger Mackenzie moved to Jerome from Berlin in 2015, after a music career for which she lived in Germany and worked all over Europe for about 12 years. It wasn’t the wine that first brought her here. “My mom was in a nursing home close by and I have always loved Jerome.”
Come to a New Town. Get a Job. Meet New People. Craft New Ideas.
Mackenzie worked at Passion Cellars for Jason Domanico. As she observed the feeling of that setting, she decided wine and art were going to be her next career. “That’s where I came up with the idea for Vino Zona: Vino + View + Vibe = Vino Zona.” https://passioncellars.com
Three is a Charm
Ginger opened the Jerome location first, in August 2018. That went so well she spread her wings to Tlaquepaque in Sedona, opening its doors in August 2019. Finally, she nestled here in Old Town Cottonwood, in April 2023. She opened in the former Pillsbury Wine Company North space, in The Willard Building. Vino Zona offers a quintessential experience for wine lovers seeking the artisanal charm and rich flavors of Arizona’s finest small-batch wines. These three cozy havens are more than just wine tasting rooms; they’re vibrant communities celebrating the art of local winemaking and artistic expression. Tlaquepaque: https://www.tlaq.com
A Commitment to Local Excellence
Arizona, with its unique climate and picturesque landscapes, provides the perfect conditions for cultivating grapes that yield exceptional wines. At Vino Zona, the emphasis is solely on regional pride: every wine served is 100% locally grown and produced. Mackenzie corrects me, “Yes! Except for one, a Chardonnay from Flying Leap. The grapes are from Argentina, but the Vineyard belongs to them. It’s a fun way to showcase the similarities between the climates in South America and Arizona.” This dedication to serving only local wines, not only highlights the diverse range of Arizona wines—from robust reds to delightful sweets—but also supports small family-owned vineyards and businesses, bringing a touch of love and craftsmanship to every bottle.
https://www.flyingleapvineyards.com
Discoveries You Can Share
Each Vino Zona location is steeped in atmosphere. Why not try all three? You can take in the breathtaking views over the Verde Valley, or nestle into the artistic enclave of Sedona’s Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, or relax right in the heart of Old Town Cottonwood, surrounded by restaurants, lodgings and shops. These spaces have been carefully designed to enhance the tasting experience, providing a relaxing environment in which to appreciate AZ wine’s subtle nuances. Did I mention, the tasting fee is waived if you decide to purchase two bottles or more? These rooms encourage guests to savor and share their discoveries.
A Personalized Tasting Journey
Visitors can indulge in a curated tasting menu featuring award-winning dry to sweet wines, with selections changing frequently to keep each visit fresh and exciting. No matter your preference, the passionate team at Vino Zona is eager to guide you through the flavors and stories behind each wine. Their deep connection to the local wine scene means you might even meet a winemaker during your visit! On my last stop in, the owner herself, Ginger Mackenzie, was gracious enough to pour a sampling of her Vina Zona Exclusive “Ginger’s Cuvee” from Laramita Cellars, and put up with our cameras snapping away.
https://www.laramitacellars.com
Community and Connection
Beyond the wines, Vino Zona fosters a sense of community. Creating initiatives like the Cottonwood Local Lounge, featuring Vino + Vinyl + Vintage Board Games, plus other regular events that engage locals and visitors alike, it’s a place where wine isn’t just tasted: it’s shared and enjoyed as part of a broader cultural tapestry.
Tied Back into History
As this is my “Old Town Cottonwood: Then and Now, A Decade Later” historical series, I would be remiss to complete this article without providing an historic context of Vino Zona’s Old Town Cottonwood address at 1012 N Main Street.
The Willard Building
Historically, this architectural address is known, in whole, as The Willard Building. I say ‘in whole,’ because Vino Zona occupies the right half of the street front, which has its own history from the left half of the building’s street level. The current left half, at 1010 N Main, is home to The Tiny Gourmet, offering delicacies including meats, cheeses and chocolates, which compliment exceedingly well with Vino Zona, and other Old Town wine tasting room offerings. Buy a basket. Take a picnic lunch on the Verde River.
https://thetinygourmet.com
Old Town Association of Cottonwood
When I moved into the Old Town district in 2005, the Vino Zona space was Little Lisa’s. The owners, Tom and Lisa Pender, ran an intimate Printing, Curios, and Coffee Shop in the space. For a handful of seasons, we also held our Old Town Association (OTA of Cottonwood) meetings in their back room. Eventually, the OTA moved into the Old Town Jail, before its renovation, before it became a Tea House, before it became a dress store. The OTA still exists and holds annual events, including the wine-centric Valentine’s Day Sip & Stroll, and the December Wine & Chocolate Tasting:
https://oldtown.org.
Old Town Burn Downs
Like most of the buildings in the original Old Town, The Willard Building was originally a wooden board-built structure. So, as happened to many a wood structure (often by cause of a distillery gone awry), The Willard Building burnt to the ground in the two fires of 12/3/1917 & the 4/20/1925. At the time of the 1925 fire, it was Willard’s DURANT AUTO, also housing a barbershop & doctor’s offices. Charles Willard rebuilt the commercial building, and added a 2nd floor, known as WILLARD HALL, in 1926.
Community Before, Like Today
Willard Hall’s spacious hardwood dance floor served as Cottonwood’s assembly hall, until the civic club, now the Cottonwood Community Clubhouse, was built. Boxing matches were held here, and it was a roller rink and activity center. This then collapsed in 1967 during a snow storm. The upper level hasn’t been properly built back yet, but owner/landlord Tom Pender promises, “Ultimately it will be… and then will become more space for Old Town fun and activities.” https://cottonwoodclubhouse.com
It’s Wielded Wine Before
The street level has remained mostly active through the decades. It was a hardware store in the 60s and 70s. Then it sat vacant for a spell. When the Penders purchased it in 2000, it housed Spectrum Healthcare’s predecessor, The Guidance Clinic. The Penders repurposed the entire building. The Guidance Clinic offices became Jerome resident Lydia Van Mill, of LVM Design Studios, interior design showroom on the right side, until the Penders opened Little Lisa’s. Later the space became one of the two first wine rooms in Old Town. Pillsbury Wine Company opened in the space within a week of Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, which is still situated down the street. Pillsbury Wine has now relocated just outside of Old Town
315 S Willard Street.
https://www.pillsburywine.com
Curation of Wine and Spirit
Experience the best of Arizona wines and the community spirit that Vino Zona embodies, in a location of true Arizona history, which Old Town Cottonwood continues to embody. As Mackenzie beamed, “We offer something none of the other rooms do. Here it is a try and buy, so you really experience your way though. We don’t offer glasses, like other rooms do. Ours is a specific discovery revolving around curation.”
Visit Vino Zona
Whether you’re a seasoned wine aficionado or new to the subtleties of Arizona’s wine scene, Vino Zona invites you to explore, learn, and most importantly, enjoy the finest AZ Wines. Each location has its own unique vibe, and winter hours. While reservations aren’t taken by phone, a text- or email-based waiting list ensures you can plan your visit seamlessly. Contact via text 928-284-805 or email vinozonajerome@gmail.com.
https://vinozona.love
