Noteworthy Wineries around the Valley

wine glass photoMany of us enjoy to relax and unwind with a glass of wine and good company. You may not realize it, but Scottsdale is also a hub for wine, with the Senoita, Wilcox and Verde Valleys in our backyard. Dating back to the 1970’s, the areas local vineyards have made a name for themselves as a wine destination, with local tours offered throughout the year.

Check out these well-known Arizona vineyards for the best wine the state has to offer.

Granite Creek Vineyards

Nestled in the Chino Valley, Granite Creek Vineyards is family owned and operated, and was the first winery in Arizona to be certified as organic. This is a big accomplishment, as it required 100 percent of the grapes to come from an organically certified vineyard that is tested and audited. While the vineyard is a bit isolated, it’s location and weather is perfect for producing grapes.

Arizona Stronghold Vineyards

Started in 2007, Arizona Stronghold Vineyard has helped put Arizona wines on the map, winning numerous awards and recognition at tasting competitions. The vineyard, located in Graham County, boasts several wines on a seasonal basis, with their tasting room offering a quirky but fun environment.

Charron Vineyards and Winery

Located just 30 minutes from downtown Tucson, Charron Vineyards is a bit more of a drive, but is a great option for a weekend getaway. Situated in the foothills of the Stan Rita Mountains, it offers some of the oldest vines in Arizona. It’s most known for its White Merlot, which has sold out every year since it won the 2000 Governor’s Choice Award.

Windmill Winery

Built on the foundation of an old brickyard, Windmill Winery is a gorgeous nursery, turned vineyard. Founded in 2001, the quaint winery offers a shabby chic feel with a handful of wines for visitors to try in their local tasting room. And it’s just over an hour away from Scottsdale!

Su Vino Winery

While not an actual vineyard, Su Vino Winery is one of the most well-known tasting rooms, located in Scottsdale’s Arts District. The main Su Vino Winery is in Texas, but the Scottsdale location is its second storefront. With dozens of wines by the glass, including some on tap, Su Vino is a great local option if you’re not in the mood to drive to the winery.

There are many more wonderful wine bars in the valley including the Cave Creek and Carefree area. Many offer happy hour and other weekday specials.  Click here to learn about Scottsdale Homes & Neighborhoods.

Fantastic Scottsdale Luxury Communities

McDowell Mountain photoWhat better place is there to retreat from the commotion of city life other than in the calmness of a cool Southwest summer night and the serenity of watching the sunset over the desert night-sky? Beautifully decorated by the colors of the desert, Scottsdale provides a unique serene environment for true relaxation. Deep in the shadow of the McDowell Mountains, lie several beautiful golf courses, luxurious resorts, and fine dining against the beautiful backdrop of the Sonora desert. Scottsdale is popular for its many elegantly planned communities within which are hosted breathtakingly beautiful luxury properties up for sale.  Here are some of our favorite:

One of such communities is the DC Ranch. Providing several beautifully designed Spanish styled luxury homes, with a spectacular environment located on the hillsides overlooking the valley of the sun.  DC Ranch has beautifully maintained grounds with many walking and biking trails.

click here to view homes for sale in DC Ranch. 

Ancala is a north Scottsdale community spanning over 850 acres of land in the Sonoran desert. It is a luxurious residential area providing spectacular scenery of the McDowell and Camelback mountains, amazing amenities and beautiful prestigious luxury homes. It is located south east of Loop 101 and is conveniently located to the best of what Scottsdale has to offer.

click here to view homes for sale in Ancala.

Grayhawk is another beautiful north Scottsdale community with close to 3800 homes all located in a beautiful and serene environment with an amazing views of the Pinnacle peak and the McDowell Mountains.  Grayhawk has beautiful golf grounds, excellent schools and offers quick access to many popular amenities in Scottsdale and North Phoenix.

click here to view homes for sale in Grayhawk

Tatum Highlands Open House Sunday 3/25/18 from 1-4pm

We will be holding an Open House this weekend on Sunday 3/25/18 from 1-4pm in the Desert Ridge/Cave Creek area Tatum Highlands neighborhood at 4016 E Prickly Pear Trail, Phoenix, AZ 85050. Call us at 480-754-9477 or 480-754-9077 if you would like more information. This immaculate, updated home has 4 bedrooms and 4 baths, with 2 master suites, and has a pool. We hope to see you there.

If you would like to see homes in other Scottsdale neighborhoods such as Grayhawk, McDowell Mountain Ranch, DC Ranch, Gainey Ranch, McCormick Ranch, Desert Mountain, Troon, Sonoran Hills, Desert Ridge, Terravita, etc, let us know. We will send you listings for homes in your area of interest, and schedule showings for access to any homes that you would like to see.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Fountain Hills

Located just Northeast of Scottsdale, the community of Fountain Hills is a unique and interesting town that offers outdoor recreation, a thriving art community and dozens of local events that unit the residents.

Home of the fourth largest fountain in the world, Fountain Hills features a spectacular 560-foot fountain in the center of town. Serving as the focal point for the community, it’s a point of pride for residents. Taller than the Washington monument and the Great Pyramids, the fountain was built in 1970 and sprays for 15 minutes every hour between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Fountain Hills downtown photoThe thriving downtown area offers family-friendly entertainment, while catering to an art-cantered adult community. The downtown area offers a sprinkler splash pad for children to run through during the hot summer months, and a robust Farmer’s Market and Art Walk. The Fountain Hills artist’s gallery is owned and operated by 30 local artists that create and sell their work in the heart of the Fountain Hills. If you’re looking for a history of Fountain Hills, stop by the River of Time museum that offers historical background on the area.

Fountain Hills also offers over 50 miles of biking and hiking trails, including outdoor Jeep tours, kayaking, golf courses for outdoor activity year-round. Notable hiking trails including the Tonto National Forrest, McDowell Mountain Preserve, and Saguaro Lake – located 20 minutes away from Fountain Hills.

And you can’t forget the annual fairs! The Fountain Hills Great Fair takes place every February, bringing over 500 artisans and craftsman to the small community with free admission. It also includes musicians and restaurants from all over the world.

If you’re looking for a lively option, don’t forget about Fort McDowell Casino, offering a variety of dining and cocktail options, all surrounded by the environment of fun card games and slot machines. It’s the state’s largest card room! The casino also offers live music and shows on a weekly basis.

Located just 25 minutes from the airport, Fountain Hills is a great option for those wanting a more serene living option that gives the convenience of being close to Phoenix. Surrounded with expansive mountain views and natural desert landscape, Fountain Hills offers family-friendly fun with a unique artist community and thriving downtown environment, all within a short drive to the bustling city of Phoenix.

Click here to learn more about Fountain Hills and view homes for sale.

Phoenix/Scottsdale Real Estate Market March Update – February 2018 Stats

Here is the Phoenix/Scottsdale area Monthly Real Estate Market Report for March 2018, which shows 7,046 homes sold in the month of February compared to 6,532 homes in February 2017. This is a 7.3% increase for the number homes sold year over year. And the average sale price is up 7.2% year over year, while the amount of listed homes is down by 12.9% to 17,319 from 19,869 in February 2017. Inventory of listed homes is still well below last year at this time, and demand continues to remain strong going into Spring. The average days on market is down 8.7% from February 2017 to 74 days. (Click on the link below or the image to view the full Market Report)

Click here to see the full February 2018 Market Report & Statistics

Give us a call or text us at 480-754-9477 or 480-754-9077 if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home this Spring, as the strong market continues to be good for both buyers and sellers, or if you have questions about this information. And don’t forget to explore our website AzDreamHomesScottsdale.com to see Scottsdale area homes and helpful articles.

 

Great Staycation Resorts for Locals

Montelucia Resort Spa photoWhen summer hits, the rush to hit the road and go for a nice vacation trip begins. Before you know it, what was meant to be a nice time to relax might begin with a big headache with all the stressful traveling plans you have to make and the hassles of airport transportation, airline tickets, booking a rental car, and time wasted at congested airports. So instead of hitting the road the next time you want to go on vacation why not have an awesome time right in your own backyard.

The Valley is home to several vacation wonders that will simply blow you away. With their luxurious spas and pools, secluded romantic gardens, exclusive golf courses and exquisite dining, all you need for a wonderful vacation is right here at home. Here are some of the best deals you can go for:

  1. The Boulders Resort and Spa: beautifully perched at the foot of the black mountain the boulder promises a peaceful vacation at very low summer rates. From luxurious casita accommodations to the legendary 33,000-square-foot Waldorf Astoria Spa, four swimming pools, a world-class golf course and scintillating dishes at the newly designed restaurants. This peaceful paradise offers summer amenities and programs specially designed to give you a blissful getaway.
  1. Sheraton Grand: a truly traditional resort proudly showcasing the culture, art, and legends of the Pima and Maricopa Tribes. This award-winning holiday getaway at Wild Horse Pass is located on the Gila River Indian Community near Chandler, Arizona. The guest rooms all have a cultural theme. It also has two golf courses at Whirlwind Golf Club, and you can get a well-deserved relaxation and transformation at the Aji Spa. The wild horses, for which the location is named after, can be seen from the patio at the Kai Restaurant while enjoying an amazing dining experience here.
  1. The Hermosa Inn: A trip to the Hermosa Inn is literarily a visit to Paradise. This luxury, the hotel is located in a residential area in one of Phoenix most exclusive neighborhoods, Paradise Valley.  The resort boasts of enchanting new deluxe casitas and newly-renovated guest casitas. With a true Southwest experience provided by an Arizona-themed decoration, garden settings, and private patios. The Inn Is also popular for its superior cuisine and excellent wine list
  1. Tempe Mission Palms: talk about finding the right spot, this hotel is located at just the right place with more than 100 restaurants, bars, and shops within a fairly walkable distance from it. Located in the Mill Avenue District Downtown Tempe, the hotel also has a metro train station in its vicinity, allowing you to quickly take a trip by train to explore neighboring towns if you so desire.
  1. Royal Palms Resort and Spa: located in Phoenix Arizona, make your staycation a romantic gateway at the Royal Palms. Situated on a nine-acres plot at the base of Camelback Mountain, the resort is built on the original Spanish Revival villa of Delos and Florence Cooke, and is home to a very large collection of Mediterranean art and exotic flora giving it a unique romantic feel. It is well-suited for honeymooners and longtime loves looking for a truly romantic holiday get-away.
  1. Arizona Biltmore: located in central Phoenix, “the jewel of the desert” as it is fondly called provides for your holiday enjoyment luxurious gardens, dining, and accommodations, Tennis and golf course, and everything else you need to pamper yourself on your vacation. It has a three in one paradise pool, and a 92-foot waterslide, providing unlimited poolside amusement. the pool also has a spacious and comfortable indoor sitting area with HDTV and full bath, a private patio area with chaise lounges and table and chairs, and offers special food and beverage service.

Click here to learn about Scottsdsdale and surrounding areas’s neighborhoods.

Tatum Highlands Open House Sunday 3/11/18 from 1-4pm

We will be holding an Open House this weekend on Sunday 3/11/18 from 1-4pm in the Desert Ridge/Cave Creek area Tatum Highlands neighborhood at 4016 E Prickly Pear Trail, Phoenix, AZ 85050. Call us at 480-754-9477 or 480-754-9077 if you would like more information. This immaculate, updated home has 4 bedrooms and 4 baths, with 2 master suites, and has a pool. We hope to see you there.

If you would like to see homes in other Scottsdale neighborhoods such as Grayhawk, McDowell Mountain Ranch, DC Ranch, Gainey Ranch, McCormick Ranch, Desert Mountain, Troon, Sonoran Hills, Desert Ridge, Terravita, etc, let us know. We will send you listings for homes in your area of interest, and schedule showings for access to any homes that you would like to see.