Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. is charting a different path in the heart of Arizona’s craft beer scene — one that prioritizes sustainability, local partnerships, and environmental stewardship over rapid expansion.

Jonathan Buford, co-founder of  Arizona Wilderness, credits the company’s origins to a transformative moment in 2009.

“The inspiration came during a backpacking trip,” Buford recalls. “When I crossed that wilderness designation line, there was this invisible sanctity. It’s amazing to think that it’s wilderness that is the American Dream. We’re the only place on Earth with wilderness designation.”

This reverence for Arizona’s natural landscape shapes  Arizona Wilderness approach to sustainability. In 2017, the brewery partnered with The Nature Conservancy to identify water-conservative crops for their brewing process. By switching from traditional crops to barley, which relies on natural rainfall, the program saves about 120 million gallons of water annually in the Verde River basin.

Arizona Wilderness extends its commitment to sustainability beyond water conservation. The brewery has implemented a comprehensive composting program that eliminates landfill waste from its kitchen operations. The composted material returns to partner farms, where it nurtures crops that eventually make their way back to the brewery’s kitchen — creating a closed-loop system that benefits both the environment and local agriculture.

The brewery’s mission and atmosphere cultivate a loyal customer base, including people like Hannah Hanley, who shared her experience at  Arizona Wilderness.

“I love coming to Wilderness because the atmosphere is very inviting,” Hanley said. “I appreciate the sustainability component, and when I found out about the mission, I knew this would be a regular stop for me.”

Hanley added that supporting local businesses and voting with your dollar are crucial.

Local sourcing stands as another cornerstone of the brewery’s sustainability efforts. The brewery prioritizes Arizona-grown ingredients whenever possible. Although this commitment often results in higher costs, Buford believes that investing in local agriculture is vital for building a more sustainable food system.

“When we look at locality, it’s not just about distance,” Buford explains. “It’s about supporting farms with good labor practices, fair wages, and environmental stewardship. That’s what makes it truly sustainable.”

Despite economic headwinds and rising costs, Arizona Wilderness remains committed to its sustainability mission. The company is expanding to a new, more efficient location on 14th Street and McDowell Road, scheduled to open later this year. The new facility will feature systems designed to reduce its carbon footprint while maintaining its sustainable practices.

Looking ahead,  Arizona Wilderness has set ambitious goals, including a 10-year plan to eliminate plastics from its operations. However, Buford maintains a pragmatic approach to these challenges. “We are not a sustainable company, but we practice sustainable efforts,” he notes. “We’re always trying to get better.”

The brewery’s efforts have earned attention beyond Arizona’s borders.  Arizona Wilderness will appear in the upcoming documentary Beer Saves the World, which will highlight its innovative approaches to sustainability in craft brewing.

As the craft beer industry faces economic pressures and shifting consumer preferences,  Arizona Wilderness proves that success and sustainability can go hand in hand. Its approach suggests that the future of craft brewing may not be measured in barrels produced, but in gallons of water saved and communities strengthened.