When you think about southwestern Utah, viticulture is certainly not the first thing to come to mind–the area is a known mecca for outdoor enthusiasts–but there’s a burgeoning wine region that’s ripe for visitors to explore. Visitors to the Utah Wine Trail can expect to try several different varietals and have unique experiences at the handful of wineries in the area, but they will also find other activities to do amid an ethereal natural backdrop that looks like it popped off the pages of a Dr. Seuss book.

Unlike other American wine regions in the west that started with the arrival of Spanish missionaries, wine production in Utah for public (non-secular) use is a fairly recent venture. When members of the Church of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) settled in the area in the 1840s, wine grapes, along with corn, tobacco, and cotton, were among their staple crops.

Southwestern Utah shares its latitude with wine-producing regions in California, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Greece and has an altitude of 4,500 feet above sea level–the highest of any wine region along the 37th parallel. It has an arid climate, volcanic soil, and hot days coupled with cool nights – the ideal combination of stress for vines to produce flavor-packed grapes.

While early LDS church members imported vines from Europe’s best vintners with the intention of producing wine to sell (in 1875, Utah had 544 acres of grapevines and each acre produced 6.260 bushels of grapes or 1,500 gallons of wine per acre). The wine was used for religious and recreational purposes by church members, but was also a source of revenue for the community, who sold it to miners, prospectors, and trappers living in the area. By the turn of the century, though, cheaper wine produced in California resulted in declining profits, around the same time the temperance movement was picking up steam across the country. Even after National Prohibition was repealed in 1933, Utah’s state government still held on to its strict anti-alcohol laws through the 1990s. For that reason, the community of growers and winemakers across the state is a new one and there are currently no official American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), though the state is moving toward having one in place.

Interstate 15, which starts in Southern California and wanders through Nevada, through Utah, and into Idaho, goes directly through the town of St. George, where St. George Regional Airport is the area’s aviation hub. All Utah Wine Trail wineries are accessible near I-15 or on a road connected to it. Though the Utah Wine Trail in southeastern Utah currently only has five wineries, there are a lot of other diversions – not to mention breathtaking views of the natural landscape.

WHERE TO SIP: UTAH WINERIES

The Utah Wine Trail offers a gift for those who get a Trail Pass and have it stamped at each winery they visit. (Ask your wine steward for a free Trail Pass when you stop into your first Utah winery. They will give you a pass and give it the first punch.) The five wineries along the Utah Wine Trail are all accessible off of Interstate 15. Fifteen miles north of St. George, Chanela Vineyards is the highest-altitude winery in Utah. White varietals include Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Semillión, while red options include Petite Sirah, Tempranillo, Malbec, Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir and Petit Verdot. Their tasting room is by appointment only.

Right in the heart of Cedar City, I/G Winery has been instrumental in helping to create the Utah Wine Trail and start the Utah Wine Festival. It sources its grapes from several western states, bottling single varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante, Tempranillo, Riesling, Viognier, and Roussanne, and their signature red and white blends. No reservations are needed at their tasting room, which offers wines by the glass, flight, or bottle, and they offer a barrel-tasting or vineyard-tasting experience by appointment. I/G also has beer and cocktails and a small food menu.

Thirty miles from St. George at Angell Springs, Zion Vineyards has a brand-new tasting room in which to sample their award-winning wines. Their varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Primitivo, Zinfandel, and Petit Sirah, though Syrah, Tempranillo, Malbec Rose, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, and Grenache Blanc; the tasting room is open Monday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Founded in 2014, Bold & Delaney is in the Dammeron Valley. They grow 11 varietals such as Petite Syrah, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Tempranillo, Verdejo, and Sauvignon Blanc. In addition to breathtaking views, they offer not only tastings and tours, but activities like yoga (and sip) in the vineyard. They offer tastings and tours by appointment Tuesdays through Saturdays by appointment from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

About an hour southeast of St. George, Water Canyon Winery is situated in the town of Hildale (aka Colorado City) which straddles Utah and Arizona. The winery is the only producer of natural wines in Utah and their wines, which are made using organic grapes and naturally occurring yeasts, have won numerous awards at the Utah Wine Festival. Their varietals include Barbera, Sangiovese, and Tempranillo. Tastings are by appointment only at their hip and eccentric tasting room.

Where to Stay in Utah Wine Country

Southwestern Utah offers plenty of things to do and see within close proximity, so whether you prefer a glamping or a high-end resort, there are options. For those looking to be surrounded by the area’s natural beauty, Under Canvas Zion and their Bryce Canyon location both offer luxe-meets-rustic glamping tents that are in certified International Dark-Sky territory. Each pet-friendly tent has an en suite bathroom and there is a communal fire pit.

If you want to have a get-away-from-it-all camp-type experience, Holmstead Ranch offers cabin lodging on a lake with amenities like pickleball, a playground, and paddle boarding. Red Mountain Resort, on 55 acres of stunning desert gardens with access to Snow Canyon State Park behind it with a spa, numerous activity options, pools, and a restaurant. The area’s most family-friendly resort is Arcadia, which is a community of villas. As if swimming pools with all the bells and whistles isn’t enough, they have daily activities like crafts, bingo, and s’mores-making.

Things To Do

The short stint to Zion National Park is worth the drive–you can hike, cycle, canyoneer, rock climb or even e-bike the park’s trails and take in its beautiful scenery and wildlife. Closer to St. George and the wineries, Red Cliff Recreation Area features several family-friendly hikes that go through slot canyons, sandstone cliffs, and streams, plus it has dinosaur tracks and indigenous dwellings. The Greater Zion region is also filled with history–there are many historic monuments like Ancestor Square and the St. George Historic Downtown. St. George is also home to many boutiques and art galleries.

Where to Eat

In Springdale, just outside of Zion National Park, Camp Outpost Co. is a great place to get a hearty breakfast sandwich to start your day or to refuel after a hike. In St. George’s downtown, George’s Corner offers a menu of American classics. For a speedy but flavorful bite, try Viva Chicken, specializing in Peruvian dishes including rotisserie chicken. A unique twist on the soda fountain, Swig combines fountain drinks with add-ins like coconut cream and fruit puree.