Experience a Luxury Weekend in Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town Scottsdale is known for its vibrant atmosphere, upscale shops, and bustling nightlife. But for me, the thriving food and wine scene and most extraordinary luxury accommodations are what keep me coming back.

A haven for foodies and wine enthusiasts, Old Town has many top-rated restaurants and a booming wine scene. The area offers a wide array of dining options, from cozy cafes serving locally sourced dishes to fine dining establishments specializing in gourmet cuisine. Furthermore, one of my favorite parts of Old Town Scottsdale is its Arizona wine-tasting rooms scattered throughout the historic streets.

If you only have the weekend to indulge, let me share my recommendations on where to wine, dine, and stay for the ultimate mini vacation.

Where to Wine

The Scottsdale Wine Trail is a collection of some of Arizona’s best wineries with tasting rooms in the area, all within walking distance of each other. It is the perfect destination for a relaxing wine-tasting and exploration day. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or simply someone who enjoys a good glass of wine, the Scottsdale Wine Trail has something for everyone.

Each stop along the trail offers a unique tasting experience, from intimate tasting rooms to outdoor patios. You can sample award-winning wines, from crisp whites to bold reds, made with Arizona’s locally grown grapes. The wineries offer charcuterie and a variety of small bites, host special events and wine dinners, and have wine clubs, allowing you to learn more about the winemaking process and meet the people behind the wine.

Carlson Creek Vineyards

The tasting room offers a laid-back, comfortable atmosphere with a vibe of being in your living room. You have your pick of community tables, high-tops, bar, or couch seating. With 30 wines on the menu, their lovely line-up of crisp whites, bold reds, and everything in between, you are guaranteed to have something for everyone.

One of my favorites is the Mourvèdre, made in a lighter style with aromatic florals, herbaceous flavors, and gamey undertones. Their Sangiovese and Rule of Three – a GSM to include Malbec instead of Mourvèdre – are also exceptional.

Lovers of big, bold wines like Malbec, Petit Syrah, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon will find a bestie in Carlson Creek. Family-owned Carlson Creek Vineyard invites visitors to sample wines from grapes grown on the vineyard’s estate. While Owner Robert Carlson enjoys guests in Old Town’s tasting room, he likes to ensure they know why the word vineyard is in their name. He says, “It’s all about the fruit.”

LDV Winery

Having worked in LDV Winery’s tasting room many years ago, I find this one near and dear to my heart. Guests can enjoy wine flights, wine + chocolate pairings, or glasses tableside inside or on the beautiful patio, perfect for enjoying the Scottsdale ambiance. With a fun and knowledgeable concierge, you’ll enjoy learning about their wines and unique grape harvesting approaches. If you are lucky enough to pop in when owners Peggy or Curt are there, you are in for a treat – and you will feel like you’ve known them all your life.

They stay true to the grapes that thrive on their land, and with each vintage, the fruit reveals an expression of the year. Petite Sirah and Syrah are the big reds on the menu, along with my favorites, the Sky Island Grenache aged in neutral barrels and the beautifully fragrant Viognier. Each bottle is made in a style unlike any other winery, and every sip is distinctly LDV.

Aridus

With a casual elegance, Aridus welcomes visitors to taste while sitting at their barrel tables, each set with a delicate succulent. The dim lighting in the tasting room offers a romantic feeling yet comedy nights are entertaining, making the mood cheery and lively.

The staff is passionate about their wines and enjoys sharing information about their varietals. Winemaker Lisa Strid and owners Scott and Joan Dahmer have a true appreciation for wine and are humbly consistent with quality. They offer a wide selection, from sparkling to dessert style; however, my favorites are the soft and spicy Graciano and the Barrel Select Cab Franc.

Salvatore Vineyards

There is a quiet soulfulness about Salvatore Vineyards, yet they are a powerful presence throughout the state. In Scottsdale, the tasting room sits among boutique shops and softly draws in passersby for a flight. The winery also encompasses the Passion Cellars and Cabal Cellars labels, each with its individuality, which are also available for tasting.

Owner and winemaker Jason Domanico carefully crafts each bottle with intense yet gentle grace. Tasting Manager Amera shares that Sangiovese is the ultimate star. I agree; the Italian varietals are among my favorites, including the Passion Cellars Spectre Rose, the Salvatore Sangiovese, and Cerca, a robust Aglianico.

Arizona Stronghold

The largest winery with the most longevity, Arizona Stronghold, is known for its experimental and ever-evolving spirit. The Glomski family has a long history of winemaking in the state and also owns Page Springs Cellars. The Scottsdale tasting room is operated by the Patriarch of the family, Terry Glomski, whose devotion and enthusiasm for their wine are palpable.

While Stronghold makes a plethora of reds and whites, I am most taken by their delightfully crisp Semillon and the energetic Diya, a blend of Viognier, Vermentino, and Malvasia Bianca. Additionally, the dainty Rose of Mourvedre and its dusty minerality are exquisite. You can sip these wines while relaxing on their patio in cooler months and taking in the bustling scene.

Los Milics Vineyards

Los Milics Vineyards is the new kid on the block. They recently joined the Scottsdale Wine Trail, and they make a fabulous addition. Belly up to the bar or sit at the outdoor bistro tables to revel in some of the finest wine in Arizona. Owner and winemaker Pavle Milic, who also owns FnB restaurant in Old Town, is a magnetic personality, and his wines are just as charismatic.

The wines are named after family members and demonstrate dynamic and subtle characteristics, like those of different people. Some of my current favorites are Ita’s, a Grenache blend Rose, and Betty’s, a Beaujolais-style wine of Grenache made with slight carbonic maceration. Renato’s, a Grenache and Graciano blend, is also quite lovely—the takeaway here might be to try the Grenache.

The Wine Collective of Scottsdale

The great thing about this stop is that you can taste many Arizona wines under one roof. Owner Zoya Vora-Shah curates’ local wine and ensures guests have a variety to choose from on a rotating basis. Her concept allows wine lovers to sample wines without making the trek to the vineyard sites. The collective brings visibility to the Arizona wine scene, giving winemakers a spotlight in the valley.

Although the wines change weekly, I most enjoyed Vino Stache’s (Sonoita) Sangiovese and a newer winery, Soaring Wines’ (Willcox) GSM blend during this visit. I recommend stopping in and asking for the ‘Just Trust Me’ Flight so you can taste the wine personally chosen by Melly, Zoya, and their highly educated staff. 

Where to Dine

Virtu Honest Craft

Virtu is a charming restaurant with a clever, first-class Mediterranean-inspired menu. The room’s tone warms the heart; the wooden tables are set with candlelight, and each napkin has a sprig of rosemary tucked in the fold, exuding attention to detail. The 7-seater bar enhances the aura and creates a special occasion kind of vibe – bar seating is first come, first serve, and the patio in the courtyard is peaceful and pretty. The ’70s and ’80s music will keep you smiling as you dine. Before one bite, the tiny space captivates the senses. 

Owner and Chef Gio is extraordinary in his meticulous seasonal creations. His menu changes weekly, and so does the rotation of fresh ingredients. The extensive global wine list demonstrates excellence by the glass and bottle. In the summer, Virtu keeps all reds (even Btg) in a temperature control kiosk. A favorite of mine is the Jacques Girardin Santenay 1er Cru Clos Rousseau from Burgundy, France. 

I recommend choosing the craft of pre-fixe when ordering your food. By doing so, you will experience an amuse bouche, appetizer, intermezzo, an entrée, and dessert. You also have the opportunity to engage in wine pairings for each course. While you can’t go wrong with your selection, I was over the moon with the following dishes: The Polpo — charred octopus, lemon ceci, arugula & fennel insalata, Calabrian Chile butter; Scallops with crispy rice, soubise, spring onion vin, mushroom confit and charred peppers; and the Cioccolato – chocolate sticky toffee cake with salted caramel gelato and toffee drizzle.

Sel

Sel is chic and lively in an intimate setting. The exotic background music is lovely, and the enchanting servers make you feel like a part of their family. Each table has tablecloths and an elegant flower, and the bar is complete with eight sleek stools. The quaint patio, surrounded by greenery, has misters and soft lighting to elevate your dining experience. 

Owned and operated by husband and wife, Chef Branden and May Levine emphasize perfection in their food, service, and ambiance. The chef uses techniques from all over the world, incorporating spices and other methods to create his style of American cuisine. His brilliant palate and gift for making flavors burst from the purest ingredients is reminiscent of James Beard. And the outstanding wine list will give you further reason to indulge — I enjoyed a lovely glass of Domaine Charles Ardoin from Burgundy, France. If it’s a cocktail you prefer, the ever-so-personable bartender, Fernando, designed a phenomenal program with incredibly enticing drinks.

Go with the five-course Chef’s Tasting; however, you can order a la carte. Although the menu will change, the courses I chose were simply divine. The amuse-bouche was a cantaloupe soup with feta and chili flakes, which was a sensational beginning, followed by a lobster salad with black truffle braised fennel aioli. The second course was black tiger prawns with wild three-corner leek kimchi, and the third was a Hawaiian tuna crudo with puffed wild rice and braised oxtail. My entrée was the braised lamb ravioli with black truffle ricotta and toasted pine nuts. Finally, their award-winning dessert, the strawberry-marzipan shortcake with vanilla bean gelato, was an absolute treat. 

Where to Stay

Now that you know where to wine and dine for a weekend in Old Town Scottsdale, you will want a fabulous place to wind down your evenings. The following two recommendations are in the heart of Old Town and are within walking distance of all the wineries, restaurants, shopping, walking trails, and the waterfront. Both of the below mentioned are superior accommodations with first-rate service that goes above and beyond to ensure an incredible stay.

Bespoke Inn

 

The regal penthouse and two-story trendy loft are the epitome of luxury, with their décor, dining areas, and full kitchens. Each suite offers the utmost comfort, including plush bedding, living space, kitchenettes, and side patios. Whether you are alone, with a spouse or in a group there is a beautiful spot for you to rest, cook, swim or envelope yourself in feeling like royalty at the Bespoke Inn.

The Inn is nestled directly next to Virtu Honest Craft, which makes it the perfect choice for dinner and drinks. And going above and beyond, the Inn can arrange for an in-suite private chef to add to your occasion.

Hotel Valley Ho

Originally opened in 1956, the iconic hotel has been a beloved destination for both locals and visitors for decades. With its retro design, vibrant color palette, and mid-century modern flair, Hotel Valley Ho is not just a hotel, but a living piece of history. Stepping into their doors, you become part of a legacy that spans generations.

Hotel guests are welcomed by a cozy lobby adorned with a striking fireplace and vintage furnishings. The guest rooms, each with a unique charm, boast bright pops of color, sleek furniture, and a range of modern amenities. Whether you opt for a stylish hotel room or a contemporary tower suite with a full kitchen, spacious patio, and living area, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable one of a kind stay.

The hotel’s amenities are truly top rate to include the property’s OH leisurely lap pool, and the OHASIS pool with cabanas for guests to relax with refreshing drinks and order food poolside. ZuZu restaurant and bar is open for brunch and dinner, serving a wide array of delectable appetizers, sandwiches, and salads. The spa and fitness center are state-of-the-art, complete with peloton bikes and treadmills. Hotel Valley Ho is dedicated to providing a pampering and indulgent experience for guests, making it a premier place to stay and host weddings and events.