Wine Lovers' Sedona Getaway at El Portal Sedona Hotel

SEDONA, AZ, April 07, 2011 (Press-News.org) Arizona wines are growing in popularity and taking home more and more awards in national and international competitions. It is a wine growing region that shouldn't be missed. Even for beginning wine enthusiasts, what better place to learn more about wines than in the lush and beautiful Red Rock setting of Sedona and Oak Creek?

A spring trip to Sedona is the perfect way to explore the world of Arizona wines. The weather is perfect, and short drives to local wineries have the added benefit of brilliant spring flowers against the gorgeous red rock views. Stay at luxurious El Portal Sedona Hotel and you'll have the benefit of the staff's personalized recommendations on the surrounding areas most outstanding wines, and the area's most exceptional concierge services for any of your interests.

Start your oenophile's getaway with an afternoon check-in at boutique hotel El Portal, and a quick trip into town to visit Sedona Wineworks and The Art of Wine. This wine shop and tasting room features Arizona wines and wine-inspired original artwork, and is open for tasting seven days a week. After browsing and sampling some unique wines, head to Tlaquepaque Village and relax over dinner at Rene's or El Rincon, both just steps away from El Portal. After a great meal, make yourself at home back at El Portal boutique hotel with a glass of wine around our campfire.

Javelina Leap Vineyard and Winery in nearby Cornville offers tastings daily from 11am to 5 pm, and educational barrel cellar tours on Saturdays. Owners Rod and Cynthia Snapp make select handcrafted wines at this ten acre estate vineyard, most of which are released in November. Taste their "Zinthia" zinfandel or the award winning Estate Barbera.

Cornville is also home to Page Springs Cellars, a family owned winery and vineyard overlooking Oak Creek. The tasting room is open from 11am to 6pm daily, and picnic baskets are available to enjoy while watching wildlife by the creek. Page Springs Cellars specializes in Rhone style wines for all palates.

Just south of Sedona in Cottonwood, you'll find Alcantara Vineyards, with 13,000 vines and 12 varietals in a spectacular Arizona setting overlooking the cliffs of the Verde River. Enjoy a relaxing and informative experience in the tasting room from 11am to 5pm daily, or delve deeper into winemaking education with a vineyard or winery tour.

Back at El Portal Sedona Hotel, arrange to take some of your Arizona wine on a sunset jeep tour or picnic to fully enjoy the gorgeous Sedona landscape. El Portal offers unique concierge services, the staff will make all of the arrangements for you, so all you have to do is relax. Of course, you may want to enjoy your wine in the comfort of your suite or private patio at the hotel. All of the suites in the well appointed hotel are detailed with turn of the century Southwestern design, featuring all modern amenities such as fireplaces, whirlpools, entertainment center with DVD player and more. The hotel was designed to make guests feel at home throughout the property, with comfortable and beautifully designed public spaces. For more information on Sedona wine tours and El Portal Sedona Hotel visit http://www.ElPortalSedona.com.

El Portal Sedona Hotel is a luxury inn where guests can enjoy Sedona and area in historic yet luxurious surroundings. Each guest suite includes a private entrance, patio, fireplace, whirlpool bath, entertainment center with DVD and WiFi; featherweight cashmere blankets, luxury Egyptian cotton sheets, bath towels, premium down pillows and comforters for the ultimate in restful comfort. At this boutique hotel quintessential service is considered an integral part of the serenity of the Southwest experience. There are so many ways to explore Sedona and the surrounding countryside. El Portal is a pet friendly bed and breakfast with fenced-in pet patios