Windmill Winery, Florence, AZ

By Robin 

Some time ago we learned about an app called Harvest Hosts. If you have a self-contained RV (e.g. your own water/electricity/bathroom) and pay a $79 annual fee, you can stay for free overnight at participating farms, wineries and museums around the U.S. You call ahead to let them know you are coming. In return for your free stay, the expectation is that you’ll sample their wares and make a purchase or two.

We used this app and located Windmill Winery in Florence, AZ, which was a perfect stopping point for an overnight on the way to our next destination.

An enormous state prison complex seems to be the primary employer in Florence. Otherwise it’s a quiet, dry, dusty, desert town. The winery, on the extreme edge of town, seems to have a lock on the nicest local event destination. It centers around a pond, an enormous beautiful barn for events, and an outdoor bar area, with walking paths around the perimeter. Lush greenery, grass, trees and animals (donkeys, small horses, ducks, geese) add to the character. Hosting weddings and other events seems to be their main occupation. Unfortunately, the wine seems to be an afterthought.

We parked in the RV lot and found one other Harvest Hosts visiting trailer there. They were a pleasant, chatty couple from Nebraska with an adorable mini-Aussie named Stevie. (We remember all the dogs and cats we meet on our travels, but rarely do we remember the people.😬)

We did a wine tasting (very average…overly sweet wines) in their outdoor tasting area (very lovely). 

It turned out to be a pleasant, safe place to stay the night. We don’t recommend the wine, but do recommend the overnight accommodation.

Grimace as I tried to down this red. And I’m no wine snob.

This made us laugh.