Join a 2,000-Year-Old Tradition with Verde Grown
Often called the breadbasket of Northern Central Arizona, the Verde Valley is a historic area that has fed the people of Arizona for more than 2,000 years. Lush with fertile land that creates the perfect opportunity for farms, wineries, and ranches, the town of Camp Verde and Local First Arizona have partnered together to launch a regional agricultural brand called ‘Verde Grown’. Verde Grown is a celebration of the hard-working communities that have stayed connected to their agricultural roots and who act as stewards of the Verde River. Support of Verde Grown producers and products strengthens the resiliency, sustainability, and economic vitality of the Verde Valley region and Central Arizona.
Connected to our Roots
Over 2,000 years ago, the Hohokam transformed the Verde Valley through networks of irrigation canals; this legacy is continued today through farm-to-table relationships between local farms and restaurants. Considering how young the state of Arizona is, this legacy is remarkable. When you visit Verde Valley, you truly feel connected to the land and the traditions that have made it what it is today; and you can taste that difference in its food and produce. The ranchers, farmers, and food and wine producers who live and operate in Verde Valley have a connection to the literal and figurative roots of the land and the purpose of Verde Grown is to help all Arizonans experience that connection through food.
Proudly Grown in the Verde Valley
The Verde Grown label represents food producers from the cities and towns of Clarkdale, Cottonwood, Camp Verde, Cornville, and other nearby communities. When visiting, you’ll find no shortage of options for where to find Verde Grown products. Grab some family and friends and have a small wine tasting party at Clear Creek Winery or Heart Wood Cellars. These wineries have beautiful views, relaxing atmospheres and delicious 100% estate-grown Arizona wines. You can even take a class on bottling your own wine at Southwest Wine Center. Beyond the beverages, the open spaces of the Verde Valley offer rich land for farming and ranching. If something more hearty is what you seek, pick up a mouthwatering cut of beef at Tres Brisas Beef or grab some produce at farms like Hauser and Hauser Farms and Fasteen Farms. Farmers markets round out the food scene in Verde Valley. Looking for more delicious local food near you? Check out the Good Food Finder. You’ll find directories to local food and farms as well as tips and tricks to your own backyard growing! It’s a great way to connect to the local food scene.
If you need another reason to visit Verde Valley, the annual Pecan and Wine Festival is coming up on April 17th and 18th! This is the 20th year of this popular festival and you can be assured it will be COVID safe. Come enjoy live music and Verde wine, taste the entries in the pecan pie contest, fill up at food trucks, check out local vendors and artisans, and stop by the Verde Grown booth!
Saturday hours are 11 am to 7 pm and Sunday 11 am to 4 pm.
Are you a Verde Valley food producer? Join the movement and register as a Verde Grown Vendor!
Verde Grown is powered by the hard-working growers, makers, and food advocates that remain tethered to its early roots and who want to celebrate the region’s pride in agriculture with all Arizonans. Make your way to Verde Valley this spring and enjoy all the goodness it has to offer!