Summary
Discover Greater Zion’s Unique Landscapes
In southwest Utah, Greater Zion’s otherworldly landscapes are mesmerizing: rocky canyons contrast against blue sky, cotton-candy stripes swirl across rock formations, and skeletons of burnt trees dot the lava rock landscape. The region claims Zion National Park, four state parks, 300 miles of hiking and biking trails, and the northernmost stand of Joshua Trees in Joshua Tree Natural National Landmark. However, it’s not just a road trip destination with gobsmacking scenery; it also has a little-known wine trail.
Revival of Utah’s Wine Culture
Utah once had a flourishing wine scene, but state temperance laws and conservative religious beliefs made drinking taboo during the 20th century. Today, many of those laws have been repealed, and Utah’s wine culture is making a significant comeback. Winemakers have discovered southern Utah’s unique climate—sharing a latitude with regions in southern Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece, at an altitude of 4,500 feet. This climate features hot days, cool nights, and volcanic soil, making it highly conducive for wine production.
There are five wineries that are in close proximity to each other and within an hour of Zion National Park. Stopping at their tasting rooms is a perfect addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s road trip; you can get a Trail Pass and visit them all.
Top Wineries in the Greater Zion Area
Bold & Delaney Winery
Bold & Delaney, established in 2014, grows 11 varietals including petite syrah, pinot noir, grenache, tempranillo, and sauvignon blanc. Tastings and winery tours are available Tuesday through Saturday by appointment from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tasting prices start at $20 per person, and the winery also offers delightful charcuterie boards.
Chanela Vineyards
Located 15 miles north of St. George, Chanela is the highest-altitude winery in the state, named after the owner’s three daughters. They cultivate a dozen varietals including chardonnay, pinot grigio, malbec, tempranillo, and petit verdot. Their tasting room is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. by appointment only.
I/G Winery
Started in a converted cottage in 2012, I/G Winery played a key role in creating the Utah Wine Trail and initiating the Utah Wine Festival. Using grapes from Washington, Oregon, California, and Utah, I/G offers a variety of wines including cabernet sauvignon, alicante, tempranillo, riesling, viognier, and roussanne. Their tasting room is open during normal business hours (12 p.m. to 9 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday, and 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday) with no reservation necessary. Wines are available by the glass, bottle, or flight, complemented with small bites. A barrel-tasting experience can be arranged by appointment.
Water Canyon Winery
Located on the border of Utah and Arizona, Water Canyon is known for its natural wines made from organic grapes without sulfites, preservatives, or added yeasts. They have gained numerous awards at the Utah Wine Festival for their varietals including barbera, sangiovese, and tempranillo. Tastings are by appointment only, Wednesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., in their eclectic tasting area.
Zion Vineyards
Just 15 minutes from St. George in Leeds, Zion Vineyards produces wines using grenache blanc, petit syrah, cabernet sauvignon, and carignan. They are in the process of unveiling their new tasting room, where events such as barrel tastings will be offered. Reservations are recommended.
Where to Stay in the Greater Zion Area
Cable Mountain Lodge
Part of the appeal of Cable Mountain Lodge in Springdale is its proximity to Zion National Park—the park entrance is literally across a footbridge. Guests can enjoy the pool and hot tub, available until 11 p.m., along with exclusive access to on-property grills and picnic spots along the Virgin River. The lodge also features an on-site spa, grocery store, souvenir shop, brew pub, and coffee shop.
Red Mountain Resort
Situated in the hills outside of St. George, Red Mountain Resort serves as a wellness retreat on 55 acres of desert gardens that border Snow Canyon State Park. This resort offers fitness classes, off-site adventures (including some led by spiritual guides), along with indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, and a full-service restaurant.
Open Sky Zion
Tucked into the rocks, Open Sky Zion presents luxe safari-style tents for an exceptional glamping experience. Each tent includes a full en suite bathroom with a shower and soaking tub, alongside an outdoor shower, fire pit, and seating area, providing an International Dark-Sky Association–designated view of the stars.
Best Times to Visit
The ideal time to visit southern Utah is during the months of March to April or September to October. While summer is the area’s peak season, the shoulder months offer cooler temperatures (daytime temperatures range from the 50s to the 70s) and are less crowded, compared to sweltering 90s in summer and chilly 30s in winter. Moreover, seasonal businesses that close during the winter are still operational in spring and fall.
How to Reach the Wineries
Leaving Springdale, consider stopping for a meal at Camp Outpost Co. before you set out. Take Utah State Route 9 to Hurricane, where you will either continue on State Highway 59 to Hildale/Colorado City (approximately a 30-minute drive) or proceed on State Route 9 to St. George. The area features one winery in St. George, two more to the north along Interstate 15 in Leeds and Cedar City, and one located west in Dammeron Valley. The closest airport for arrivals is St. George Regional Airport (SGU), which hosts flights from major hubs like Denver, Dallas-Fort Worth, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City.
