The Winery

It started with an empty apple warehouse.

We decided to separate the winery from the vineyard in order to streamline our operations and enhance efficiency. In our quest for a suitable location, we stumbled upon an unexpected gem—a weathered, yet sturdy, warehouse that had once been utilized for storing local apples destined to be transformed into juice and sauce. Interestingly, the processing plant was still intact, giving us a head start on establishing our winemaking facility. The spacious warehouse, though vacant, possessed excellent structural integrity, impeccable insulation, and even boasted a covered area that we ingeniously repurposed for the delicate process of crushing grapes.
Being firm believers in the power of sustainability and resourcefulness, we seized this opportunity to incorporate the existing elements of the warehouse into our winery's aesthetic. Cold grey steel, gracefully aged reclaimed wood, solid concrete, and the earthy beauty of natural stone came together harmoniously, forming the foundation of our design philosophy. This unique fusion of materials not only transformed our tasting rooms into extraordinary spaces, but it also allowed us to create a cohesive winery experience across all our locations—a testament to our commitment to offering exceptional wines and memorable experiences to our discerning customers.
In recognition of our innovative approach to architecture and our unwavering dedication to eco-conscious practices, our winery was honored with an esteemed award in 2012 for its sustainable and well-designed building. This accolade further fueled our motivation and propelled us to continuously strive for excellence in crafting award-winning wines. Guided by an exceptionally talented team, our winery continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, and we take pride in continuously producing wines that captivate palates and evoke delight among connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike..

Go the distance.

If you're a wine enthusiast, I highly recommend taking the extra drive to Willcox, AZ to witness firsthand the fascinating process of how our exceptional wines are crafted. You'll have the incredible opportunity to explore the various stages of barrel aging, from the initial fermenting process to the transformative months spent maturing in oak barrels. If you're intrigued by the artistry behind winemaking, we encourage you to inquire about scheduling a winery tour today. It's an enriching experience that will deepen your appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle.

History Re-purposing.

We established our winery operations within the shell of a former apple storage plant with an eye to being eco-friendly. Instead of constructing a new building, we repurposed this space, embracing sustainability from the start. Interestingly, our cellar staff believes that our winery may be home to a friendly ghost residing in the barrel room. This added touch of mystique only adds to the allure of our establishment.
When Winemaker Lisa Strid joined us in 2016, her expertise and passion were evident. She immediately set out to refine our operations, determined to elevate the quality of Arizona wines produced not only for Aridus but also for our custom-crush clients. Lisa's dedication to her craft has resulted in remarkable improvements over the years.
Despite being categorized as medium-small, our winery equips itself with an unexpected array of state-of-the-art winemaking machinery. This abundance of resources provides us with endless possibilities for treating our wines with utmost care and precision. We take great pride in the flexibility we have to create exceptional wines with the help of these diverse tools.
Harvest season at our winery is a bustling period, maintaining a 24/7 operating schedule. Trucks frequently arrive laden with ripe grapes, symbolizing the fruitful abundance of the harvest. However, it's not just the grapes that are put to use. We ensure that every part of the grape is utilized by transforming grape pomace into compost that enriches the soil of our cherished estate vineyard. This commitment to sustainability drives us in our endeavor to reduce waste and tread lightly on the land we call home.
In 2017, we celebrated a significant milestone as we crushed our first Sauvignon Blanc sourced entirely from our estate vineyard. This accomplishment paved the way for us to expand our portfolio further, ultimately crushing 12 distinct varieties. With each new harvest, we continue to explore and discover the potential that lies within our vineyards.
While our winery remains primarily closed to the public, we understand the curiosity surrounding our unique operation. For those truly captivated by the world of winemaking, we are happy to arrange private tours of our facility. If you would like to experience the magic firsthand, please reach out to us at info@ariduswineco.com, and we will gladly accommodate your request.
So, who ya gonna call? The answer is clear - Aridus Winery, where tradition meets innovation, and the art of winemaking is truly embraced.