Nothing pairs better than food, wine and great company - especially in Scottsdale, where award-winning local wines are served up alongside wines imported from the far corners of the globe. While the Wine Trail in Old Town Scottsdale shouldn't be missed, we've also rounded up a list of some of our favorite wine bars around Scottsdale.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Obviously, this high-end steakhouse (named after legendary local restaurateur, Paul Fleming, aka the P.F in P.F Chang’s) is not just a wine bar. But they do have a separate wine bar area featuring an outstanding wine list and a meaty menu brimming with shareable small plates and deep-fried delights. Highlights include the bacon-topped prime cheeseburger and the lobster tempura, plus the tasty wine deals at the daily happy hour from 5 – 7 p.m.
Postino WineCafe
Founded locally more than 15 years ago, Postino’s two Scottsdale locations continue on the tradition of quirky-cool architecture and ah-mazing grub, like the signature bruschetta boards topped with everything from apples and brie to sweet-and-spicy pepper jam and goat cheese. Plus, Postino offers unbeatable deals like a $20 Bottle and Board every Monday and Tuesday (after 8 pm), and all glasses of wine and beer pitchers are only $5 before 5 p.m. during Postino's happy hour.
Scapegoat Beer & Wine
What’s not to love about this teeny-tiny craft wine and beer shop in the heart of downtown Scottsdale? Not only does it serve up a surprisingly gourmet menu of bar bites, it makes the perfect pit-stop for any day spent exploring the area’s countless shops, galleries, salons, restaurants, malls, canal-walks and bike paths. Try the fresh-baked cheese puffs made with ooey-gooey Gruyere or the eponymous G.O.A.T sandwich made with Parisian ham and three types of cheese.
Terroir Wine Pub
Another longtime local favorite, Terroir is known for its casual atmosphere and friendly-yet-knowledgeable staff. Not to mention the famously generous pours. But they also whip up a savory menu of cheese boards, and crispy, crunchy lavosh flatbreads piled high with everything from artichoke hearts and feta cheese to gorgonzola and fresh sliced pears.
Sorso Wine Room
Recently named the “Best Wine Hangout” by Phoenix Magazine, this husband and wife-run shop is somehow both casual and welcoming and also sleek and stylish. But the real star here is the expansive menu overflowing with craveable bites such as the BYOGC (Build Your Own Grilled Cheese) and the PLT (Pancetta, Lettuce & Tomato). And be sure to check out the dispense-your-own-wines.
The Living Room Wine Café & Lounge
How can you go wrong relaxing at a place named The Living Room? Choose from two locations in Scottsdale, then step beyond the signature orange window drapes and into a charming, home-like space featuring more wines and delicious food than you can shake a cork at. Sure, you’ll find plenty of usual suspects here such as bruschetta, flatbreads and sliders, but this Living Room also tempts with hand-rolled sushi, oysters on the half shell and south-of the boarder specialties such as guacamole and tacos.
Uncorked Wine Lounge & Eatery
Housed inside a soaring, glass-lined space, Uncorked is a North Scottsdale neighborhood gem that’s well worth the drive from anywhere. The friendly staff will let you sample just about any wine before you buy, and the menu is equally easygoing. Think house-made chicken pot pie, lamb meatball stuffed with goat cheese, or even unexpected combinations such as duck nachos and the Southern classic, Kentucky hot brown skillet smothered with a rich mornay sauce.
Recognized for crafting clear, compelling and impeccably researched content, Dawson Fearnow is a marketing copywriter and an award-winning freelance reporter (guess which one pays the bills?) based in Phoenix, AZ. A longtime travel junkie and food fanatic, when he’s not crisscrossing the state in search of his next favorite dish, Dawson is daydreaming about scuba diving in far-away places.
