Several years after the passing of Senator John McCain, his son, Jim McCain, purchased a vineyard in Cornville, Arizona, as a tribute to his father’s legacy and love for nature. Having lived with his father in the nearby town of Page Springs during his final years, Jim described their shared moments walking through the land and talking among the plants and vines. This close connection with nature was a significant part of John McCain’s final days and inspired Jim’s decision to stay rooted in the area through viticulture.
Vineyard for Sale as Verde Valley Real Estate Booms in Post-Pandemic Shift
Jim McCain is now selling the 4-acre vineyard property, which includes a Tuscan-style home, for $2.2 million. He is moving out of the area due to a job promotion at a beverage wholesaler. Located in the Verde Valley, a region known for its fertile land and wine-growing potential, the property sits at around 3,000 feet above sea level—ideal for grape cultivation. This elevation, combined with cool nights and sunny days, has helped establish the area as Arizona’s emerging wine country.
Jim McCain Lists Arizona Vineyard Honoring His Father as Verde Valley Wine Region BoomsReal estate agents have noted a growing demand for properties in the Verde Valley, especially after the pandemic encouraged remote work and a desire for a healthier, land-connected lifestyle. Luxury listings are increasing, with properties ranging from $1.3 million to over $6 million, some spanning dozens of acres. The typical price for a quality home on a smaller lot is around $650,000. Homes with privacy, amenities, and new construction are especially popular among buyers looking to escape urban life.
A Welcoming Community, Famous Neighbors, and Wine Culture Amid Stunning Natural Beauty
Jim McCain highlighted the welcoming nature of the local community in Cornville and Page Springs. Despite moving from urban Phoenix, his family was warmly embraced by neighbors who offered homemade goods and friendship. Real estate agent Angela Phillips noted that many who settle in these towns seek a quieter life, often relocating from nearby Sedona, which experienced a population surge during the pandemic.
The Verde Valley is home to several notable residents, including Maynard James Keenan, the lead singer of Tool, who owns Merkin Vineyards and Caduceus Cellars. Keenan is also building a hospitality complex centered around wine tourism. The valley continues to attract vintners and entrepreneurs, boosting its reputation as a destination for high-quality, locally produced wine and sustainable living.
The region’s natural beauty, framed by Sedona’s red rocks and rivers like Oak Creek, offers a variety of outdoor activities such as kayaking, mountain climbing, and wildlife watching. Jim McCain described the wine-making process as both therapeutic and rewarding. The Verde Valley produces a diverse range of wines—from bold reds like Merlot to unique varieties like ice wine—with Javelina Leap among the standout local wineries. This blend of scenic living and wine culture makes the area both a peaceful retreat and a budding wine destination.
