The is no shortage of fine wine, beer, and spirits in Sedona, be it in stores, restaurants, or lounges. Oak Creek Brewery is a legend for its superb brews; Sedona’s stores offer a selection of quality wines and spirits found only in large cities; and a few fine restaurants have wine lists that would impress even The Wine Spectator. Be prepared.

Basha’s - Liquor Department West Sedona – Basha’s Plaza
89A at Coffeepot Drive
928.282.5351

The wine selection at Basha’s is arguably the most thorough and varied outside of Phoenix or Tucson. I have serious wine connoisseur friends who rave about Basha’s selction. The department manager is knowledgeable and friendly. He posts ratings from The Wine Spectator along the aisles and does his best to keep abreast of wines high in demand as well as customers’ personal favorites. He even carries Austrian Blaufrankisch! The boutique Tequila, Vodka, and single malt Whiskey selection is outstanding. Sometimes I get lost here. You too might get "Lost in Winespace" reading labels and loading your cart with the excellent quality at reasonable prices. If not, feel free to join me in the Tequila aisle.

C-Market
Uptown
285 N. Hwy 89A
928.282.4014

The C is another landmark in Uptown that serves locals and as well as visitors. The locals have an edge, though, because they know that behind its simple exterior resides one of the best selections of imported beers and reasonably-priced wines in town. Once upon a time it was also a gas station, the only one in Uptown, and served as a last stop for Oak Creek Canyon bound vacationers and Flagstaff-bound travelers alike. Not to mention that almost every local Jeep company had an account here you would hardly ever see a time when there was’nt a few Jeeps filling up at the pumps. A scene I remember with relish. I love the smell of diesel in the morning...

Safeway
West Sedona – Safeway Plaza
928.282.0118

Sedona Liquors
122 Hwy 179
282.7997

A true Sedona landmark, Sedona Liquors even predates Tlaquepaque. Once owned in the late 1960’s by Magnus Von Braun, brother of NASA rocket scientist Werner Von Braun, Sedona Liquors has an eclectic wine collection of rare vintages and hard-to-find domestic and European varietals. Their distilled spirits section is handsomely stocked with high-quality bottles from all over the globe.

Top Shelf Liquors
West Sedona
1730 W. Hwy 89A
928.282.4476

Top Shelf is long-standing establishment that has a busy drive-up window serving many Sedona residents. My friend Peter operates his place with cool patience and a pleasant customer service attitude. I get my Austrian Underberg bitters here and what can I say, Underberg has helped me dodge a bullet more than once.

Oak Creek Brewing Company
West Sedona
Go north on Coffeepot Drive two blocks to Yavapai Drive, turn West and go one block.
2050 Yavapai Drive
928.204.1300
www.oakcreekbrew.com

The place for local color, live music, and dance! Sit inside next to the brewing tanks or go outside to a cosmic outdoor beer garden complete with shade cloth ramada, waterfall, darts, and fire pit. And the beer! I personally guarantee you’ll agree that it is some of the best in the U.S. Owner Fred Kraus spent over 10 years in Germany studying and ultimately mastering the art of brewing. He holds the German Purity Law certificate required of any brew master working in the European tradition. The Brewery features an amazing variety of local bands, spotlight musicians, and a Wednesday night drum circle from 7-10 pm that will knock your socks off. Picture this: twenty drummers, ten dancers, and dozens of happy campers enjoying the deep trance vibes with a pint of chill beer… Enjoy fine music and outstanding brew while you party with the locals in this delightfully relaxed atmosphere.

The Art of Wine
Uptown
The Shops at Pinon Pointe
101 N. Hwy 89A, Suite B-9
928.203.9463 – 877.903.WINE
www.artowine.com

A new addition to the wine and gallery scene of Sedona in one mellow venue. Top features are the acerbic, alcohol-related art of Michael Godard (most amazing by the way) decorating a tasting room that serves fine Arizona wines. I know “fine Arizona wines” may seem like a contradiction, however if you enjoy wine you’ll soon discover otherwise. The Sedona region’s Echo Canyon Wines alone could easily change your mind. This place has potential. More small, cozy venues of this quality could transform Uptown into a mirror of European gastronomic sensibility. Delightful.

Jerome Winery
403 Clark Avenue
Jerome, AZ 86331
928.639.9067
http://jeromewinery.com

Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery
1555 Page Springs Road
Cornville, AZ 86325
www.oakcreekvineyards.net

Page Springs Cellars
1500 North Page Springs Road
Cornville, AZ 86325
928.639.3004
http://pagespringscellars.com

The Wine Basket at Hillside
Hillside Plaza
928.203.9411

Wine by the glass, world-class wines for sale, gourmet Mediterranean delicacies, espresso bar, and fine cigars.
A nice place to take your sweetie or talk business with the partner while enjoying sensory palate sensations.

Winestyles
2675 W. Highway 89A, Suite D-202
928.451.2909
www.winestyles.net