Art of Merlot

Quick Verdict

Art of Merlot sits on East Main Street in Scottsdale's Old Town corridor, and if you're visiting for the first time without much data to go on, that address alone tells you something useful: this is a walkable, accessible stop in one of Scottsdale's most bar-dense stretches. Booking is easy, competition is high, and what you spend here will likely be the deciding factor in whether you stay or move on down the block.

What to Expect

The name signals a wine-forward identity, which in a market like Old Town Scottsdale — where most bars lean toward craft beer, frozen drinks, or volume-driven cocktail menus — is a deliberate positioning choice. For a first-timer, that means you should arrive expecting a slower, more considered pace than the surrounding bars. If you're after something louder and more social, Bad Jimmy's Scottsdale or T T Roadhouse will serve you better. If wine is genuinely your format, Art of Merlot earns consideration.

On the food question: the editorial angle matters here. Bar food at wine-focused venues in this price tier tends to fall into two camps, serious small plates designed to complement the wine list, or perfunctory snacks that exist to keep a liquor license. Without confirmed menu data, it would be dishonest to tell you which camp Art of Merlot falls into. What the wine-bar format suggests, at minimum, is that food is on the menu and worth asking about when you arrive. If you're comparing against a full-kitchen option nearby, Sasaki Sushi & Bar offers a more food-forward experience for groups where eating is the priority.

For broader context on what Scottsdale's bar scene offers at different price points and formats, see our full Scottsdale bars guide. If you're building a full day around Old Town, our Scottsdale restaurants guide and Scottsdale experiences guide are worth a look before you commit to an itinerary.

How It Sits in the Market

Wine bars in Old Town Scottsdale occupy a specific niche: they attract visitors who want to slow down without leaving the main drag. Art of Merlot's East Main Street address puts it within walking distance of higher-volume alternatives like AZ88 and the quieter, cafe-adjacent tone of Arcadia Farms Cafe. If you want to understand the full range of what this part of Scottsdale offers before booking, Alo Cafe and 7133 E Stetson Dr are two more nearby options worth checking against your preferences.

For wine-bar experiences with more depth outside Arizona, Bar Leather Apron in Honolulu, Jewel of the South in New Orleans, and Julep in Houston set a useful benchmark for what a serious drinks program looks like at this kind of venue. Use them as a calibration point when deciding how much to expect from Art of Merlot.

Know Before You Go

• Address: 7036 E Main St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
• Booking difficulty: Easy, walk-ins are likely feasible given the venue's positioning
• Format: Wine-forward bar; expect a slower pace than surrounding Old Town venues
• Food: Confirm on arrival, the wine-bar format suggests bar food is available, but menu specifics
• Nearby alternatives: Browse the full Scottsdale bars guide before committing
• Also worth checking: Scottsdale wineries guide and Scottsdale hotels guide if you're planning a longer stay