When most people think of American wine, they think of California. Those in the know have come to respect Oregon and Washington for their lovely, volcanic vintages. But the truth is, the United States has a burgeoning wine culture that is as versatile and regional as the stunning microbrewery revolution. The mountainous regions of Arizona make for some really wonderful grapes. While the delicate Pinot Noir grape can't survive the desert heat, more robust vines like Grenache and Sangiovese thrive in the rich soil, dry climate and year-round heat. A trip to the Wild West Wine Company in Tlaquepaque, Sedona is a great way to get to know some of the best wines in Arizona. Here are some of the standout bottles.

Pillsbury Chardonnay 2009

One of the most exciting vineyards in Arizona is the Pillsbury Wine Company in Cottonwood. Their high-proof (27) chardonnay is quite an accomplishment. It's clean, crisp and not too sweet. In other words, it's exactly what a chardonnay needs to be. Frankly, it's one of the finest chardonnays I've ever tasted and I think it's a serious argument in favor of that much-maligned grape. Served in hot weather with fresh fruit, fluffy bread or cold soup, Pillsbury Chardonnay is a superstar.

Callaghan Back Lot 2008

I'll admit, my snobbish tendencies got the best of me at first when approaching the Back Lot blend. As with scotch, I'm suspicious of blended wine. What put Back Lot above its blended contemporaries is the willingness of Callaghan to reveal which grapes are being mixed (a lot of blending vineyards are reluctant to let customers under the hood). Back Lot 2008 is the most pleasant surprise at Wild West Wine. It earns its complexity without losing a distinct character. A middle-dry with traditional blackberry notes, it's a good standby and, in my opinion, the most amiable introduction to Arizona wine.

Kokopelli White Merlot

It's strawberry fields forever at Kokopelli Winery in Bonita Springs. The white merlot is all fraises, but in a good way. It's far from cloying and it aims for smooth rather than the seemingly compulsory bubbly body of especially fruity wines. Kokopelli White Merlot has a confidant flavor, so I don't recommend it as a pairing for anything other than the lightest of desserts, but chilled on its own or as the foundation of a spritzer, it's a new definition of blush.

If you're ever in the Sedona area, make sure to drop by the Wild West WIne Company for a generous flight and some fresh eats.