Phoenix AZ, January 17, 2026
The Arizona Wine Festival returns to downtown Phoenix this January, featuring local wineries, artisan vendors, and engaging new activities like Barrel Tastings and a Grape Stomp Competition. This community-driven event highlights the vibrant viticulture of Arizona while fostering local economic growth and a shared experience among residents and visitors. Set in the historic Square PHX, the festival promises a complete sensory experience with food, entertainment, and unique offerings for all attendees.
Downtown Phoenix Uncorks AZ Wine Festival: What’s New & Back?
The Arizona Wine Festival returns to downtown Phoenix this January, promising an enriching experience with both beloved traditions and exciting new additions, celebrating the state’s vibrant viticulture and local enterprise.
Phoenix, AZ – The spirit of personal initiative and local enterprise shines brightly as downtown Phoenix prepares to host the Arizona Wine Festival. These community-driven events underscore the value of local organizers who, with vision and dedication, cultivate vibrant gatherings that enrich our city. The seamless orchestration of such a significant festival highlights how civic innovation and cooperative efforts can thrive, often benefiting from streamlined processes that empower private partnerships and community leaders to bring their best ideas to fruition, fostering growth without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
Such events are more than just entertainment; they are vital catalysts for community growth and economic vitality. They provide invaluable platforms for local businesses to connect directly with consumers, showcasing the fruits of their labor and passion. The Arizona Wine Festival, with its blend of established traditions and fresh attractions, exemplifies how consistent, locally focused events can strengthen the fabric of a community, offering residents and visitors alike opportunities for shared experiences and a deeper appreciation for Arizona’s unique offerings.
A Toast to Arizona’s Vintners and Artisans
The Arizona Wine Festival is set to feature a robust lineup, showcasing the breadth of the state’s agricultural and creative talents. Attendees can anticipate sampling offerings from 20 Arizona wineries, providing a comprehensive taste of the state’s burgeoning viticulture. Beyond the world of wine, the festival will also host 70 artist, craft, and artisan vendors, presenting a diverse array of handmade goods and unique creations. Complementing the tastings and shopping, an assortment of food trucks will be on site to satisfy diverse culinary preferences, ensuring a complete sensory experience. Live entertainment will further enhance the festive atmosphere, providing a backdrop of music and performance for all to enjoy.
New Experiences to Savor: Barrel Tastings
This year, the Arizona Wine Festival introduces an exciting new feature: Barrel Tastings. The Lathe Pavilion will be transformed into a dedicated Barrel Room, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the winemaking process. Here, guests can participate in barrel tastings with six different wineries, gaining firsthand insight into how wine develops during its aging period. This intimate setting allows individuals to converse directly with winemakers, learning about their craft, the nuances of barrel aging, and the distinct differences between barrel-aged wine and its bottled counterpart. This new offering highlights the innovative spirit of Arizona’s wine industry, providing an educational and engaging experience for enthusiasts.
Engaging the Community: The Grape Stomp Competition
Adding a playful and interactive dimension to the festival, a new Grape Stomp Competition will debut. This activity invites teams of two to compete in a spirited challenge, aiming to stomp the most juice out of grapes. This lighthearted competition not only promises fun and entertainment but also offers participants a hands-on connection to the traditional roots of winemaking. Prizes and enjoyment are assured for competitors, fostering a sense of community and shared experience among attendees. This addition exemplifies how local events can introduce engaging elements that encourage active civic involvement and create memorable moments.
The Heart of Downtown Phoenix: Heritage Square
The festival will take place at The Square PHX, formerly known as Heritage Square, located at 113 N 6th St in downtown Phoenix, AZ. This historic area provides an ideal backdrop for community gatherings, blending the city’s rich past with its vibrant present. The event is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 11 AM to 7 PM, and Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 11 AM to 5 PM. The consistent use of such accessible, central locations for public events contributes significantly to the revitalization and ongoing success of downtown Phoenix, demonstrating how key public spaces can be effectively utilized for broad community benefit.
Investing in Local Vibrancy: Economic Impact
Events like the Arizona Wine Festival play a crucial role in bolstering the local economy of downtown Phoenix and the state. In 2022, downtown Phoenix generated an impressive $21.2 billion in economic activity, marking an 11% increase from 2018. This robust economic engine supported 140,100 total jobs and provided for 23,900 residents within the downtown area. Moreover, nearly 6 million people attended various events in downtown Phoenix in 2022, with hundreds of thousands more participating in local festivals and community events, leading to a substantial increase in consumer spending. The economic impact of these gatherings extends throughout the community, contributing to statewide programs and demonstrating the powerful ripple effect of private initiatives and accessible public events.
Planning Your Visit: Tickets and Accessibility
Admission to the Arizona Wine Festival includes a commemorative wine glass and 10 tasting tickets. Ticket prices vary by day: Saturday admission is $35 for pre-sale and $45 at the gate, while Sunday admission is $30 for pre-sale and $40 at the gate. For those who prefer other options, Beer Tasting tickets are also available for $20 pre-sale and $25 at the gate, which include a beer tasting glass and 10 tasting tickets. Additionally, 5 extra tasting tickets can be purchased for $10.00. These structured options reflect organizers’ efforts to provide clear choices and value to attendees, encouraging broad participation and demonstrating effective event management. The festival is open to attendees aged 21 and over.
The Arizona Wine Festival is more than just an event; it’s a testament to Phoenix’s thriving community spirit and entrepreneurial drive. By supporting local vintners, artisans, and entertainers, residents and visitors contribute directly to the economic vitality and cultural richness of our city. Such gatherings, born from individual initiative and effective local coordination, remind us of the immense benefits when communities come together to celebrate shared interests and achievements.
Join your neighbors in celebrating Arizona’s entrepreneurial spirit and the vibrant community pulse that makes Phoenix unique. Your participation helps sustain the local businesses that are the backbone of our economy and enriches the collective experience of downtown Phoenix. Support local initiatives and continue to engage in the diverse array of Phoenix AZ events that make our city an exceptional place to live, work, and connect.
Frequently Asked Questions about the AZ Wine Festival
When and where will the Arizona Wine Festival take place?
The Arizona Wine Festival will take place at The Square PHX (formerly Heritage Square), 113 N 6th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 11 AM to 7 PM, and Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 11 AM to 5 PM.
What new activities are featured at this year’s festival?
This year’s festival introduces new activities including Barrel Tastings, where attendees can do barrel tastings with 6 different wineries in the Lathe Pavilion, and a Grape Stomp Competition for teams of two to compete.
What does a ticket to the Arizona Wine Festival include?
Each ticket to the Arizona Wine Festival includes a commemorative wine glass and 10 tasting tickets.
How many Arizona wineries and vendors will be at the festival?
The festival will feature 20 Arizona wineries and 70 artist, craft, and artisan vendors.
Are there options for beer tasting at the festival?
Yes, Beer Tasting tickets are available for $20 pre-sale and $25 at the gate, which include a beer tasting glass and 10 tasting tickets.
Key Features of the AZ Wine Festival
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | The Arizona Wine Festival |
| Location | The Square PHX (formerly Heritage Square), 113 N 6th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004 |
| Dates & Times | Saturday, January 24, 2026 (11 AM – 7 PM); Sunday, January 25, 2026 (11 AM – 5 PM) |
| Number of Wineries | 20 Arizona Wineries |
| Vendors | 70 artist, craft, and artisan vendors |
| Food & Entertainment | Food trucks and live entertainment |
| New Activity 1 | Barrel Tastings with 6 different wineries in the Lathe Pavilion |
| New Activity 2 | Grape Stomp Competition for teams of two |
| Ticket Inclusions | Commemorative wine glass and 10 tasting tickets |
| Saturday Ticket Prices | $35 pre-sale / $45 at the gate |
| Sunday Ticket Prices | $30 pre-sale / $40 at the gate |
| Beer Tasting Tickets | $20 pre-sale / $25 at the gate (includes beer tasting glass and 10 tasting tickets) |
| Extra Tasting Tickets | 5 extra for $10.00 |
| Age Requirement | Open to attendees aged 21 and over |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
