Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery & Trattoria

That presence was amplified recently when Keenan and his partners opened Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery & Trattoria in Cottonwood. It replaced Merkin Vineyards Osteria, which Keenan opened on Main Street in Old Town Cottonwood eight years ago. Today, that space is occupied by another Merkin venture, Four8 Fried Chicken. 

“Maynard wanted to create a place where people could come to enjoy a meal paired with his wines,” says culinary director Brett Vibber, formerly of The Table in Oak Creek Canyon and Cartwright’s Modern Cuisine in Carefree. “The Hilltop not only is the home to the trattoria, but it also brought together the vineyard, winemaking and restaurant all on the same property.”

Vibber adds that the new space features a greenhouse growing produce that comes right in the back door of the kitchen. “It’s a true farm-to-table experience for food and vine-to-glass experience for the wine,” he says. 

The expansive space — including a 9,500-square-foot production facility and a 6,600-square-foot restaurant helmed by chef Chris Smith — offers 270-degree views of the Verde Valley. The menu, which changes regularly, is loaded with pizzas, pastas and, of course, wine. But don’t think for a second you should overlook the lasagna cupcakes. Constructed with homemade duck egg pasta and fresh ingredients, they come in varieties such as chicken relleno, which features roasted chicken, poblano peppers, onions, béchamel, ricotta, pecorino and Parmesan. Another type has house-made Bolognese, basil and mozzarella, and there’s a veggie version, too.

“The Hilltop is a true destination experience,” Vibber says. “You can see where the wine is made and aged. You can see the greenhouse and the farmers working to bring fresh produce into the restaurant all day long. We have the best patio in the Verde Valley, overlooking the vines as well as the red rocks to the north. Guests can purchase their favorite wines to take home with them.” 

And for those who want a more intimate experience, the trattoria offers the Ventura Room at the winemaking facility. Available only by reservation, the experience includes hand-picked Caduceus Cellars wines that aren’t available anywhere else, a multi-course meal and a guided tour of the winery, vineyard and barrel room.

The trattoria is open daily, and reservations are recommended for parties of eight or more.