Just south of bustling downtown Moab there is a quiet spot where you can sip a glass of wine while looking out at the vineyards where the grapes are grown, meet the farmer who harvested the fruit, and get acquainted with the wine-making process.

Spanish Valley Vineyards and Winery, at 4710 Zimmerman Lane, is owned by Jared and Jessie Richards. Grapes were first cultivated here more than 40 years ago as part of a study to determine if wine could be a viable cash crop after Moab’s uranium bust. It was discovered that white varietals especially thrive in Moab’s hot, desert climate, said Jared Richards.

There’s an outside, shaded patio, as well as a new wine garden around the corner where you’ll find a fire pit, cooling misters, a bar, shady trees, table and chairs, and views to the west, and of the vineyards. There’s also an indoor tasting room with air-conditioning and seating for up to eight people.

At Spanish Valley Vineyards you can enjoy a chilled Riesling or Gewurztraminer, as well as red varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, or Syrah. The winery also makes a fruit wine made from tart cherries grown in Payson, Utah – which, on a hot day Richards recommends serving chilled, mixed with a spritzer or club soda for a delicious, refreshing drink.

The owners added a lawn and stage area to the property and began hosting weddings in 2022.

There are additionally two Airbnb lodges at the site where wedding guests – or anyone else visiting Moab can rent for the night. The property is also available for other private events, including dinners.

“We have guests coming back for the fourth time, this year,” Richards said.

There’s an adult treehouse - or observation deck – plus, a kids’ area with swings where children can play outside of the wine-tasting area.

Tastings at the winery take place seven days a week, from noon to 6 p.m. Reservations are not required. However, because staff might be outside working in the vineyards, guests are asked to text the winery to let them know you’re coming – to ensure someone will be in the tasting room to greet you. The number is 435-634-1010.

Tours of the property – the vineyard, wine storage area, and manufacturing area – are offered so visitors can get a taste of the winemaking process. The $50 tour ends on the patio with tastings of four to six different wines, and includes a souvenir wineglass. Wine tastings alone are $15.

Visitors may also purchase bottles or cases of wine to take home. Though liquor stores in Utah are closed on Sunday, Spanish Valley Vineyards manufactures its wine onsite, thus, customers can buy directly from them, including on Sundays.

For more information visit moabwinery.com