1. Discovering Arizona’s Wine Regions
2. Visit Sonoita Vineyards, Ltd.
3. Explore Village of Elgin Winery
4. Experience Callaghan Vineyards
When considering the great wine grape growing regions of the world, Arizona probably doesn’t make the top ten. However, you might be surprised to know that there are several varieties of wine grapes that thrive in Arizona’s climate, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sangiovese.
Vineyards were first planted in Arizona during the 17th century by Franciscan missionaries. Arizona boasts three unique growing regions, which are home to numerous wine tasting rooms. The oldest region is located in the Sonoita/Elgin area in Southern Arizona, recognized as a federally-designated American Viticultural Area (AVA).
The second and largest growing region, located in the southeast near Willcox, is farther off the beaten path. Nevertheless, many tasting rooms in Southern and Northern Arizona offer wines crafted from grapes grown in Willcox. Lastly, the Verde Valley in the north-central part of the state is the newest wine region, ripe for exploration.
On this journey, we decided to visit three wineries in and around Elgin, Arizona. Be sure to bring a designated driver to fully enjoy the experience!
Sonoita Vineyards, Ltd.
Our first stop was Sonoita Vineyards, Ltd., situated in Elgin, about 50 miles from Tucson. This vineyard was established in 1983 by Dr. Gordon Dutt, often recognized as the father of Arizona viticulture. Interestingly, the soil here is described as nearly identical to that of Burgundy, France. Sonoita Vineyards have produced multiple award-winning wines, particularly renowned for their Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wine tasting is available daily at Sonoita Vineyards, except on holidays. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to savor alongside their wines on the patio or enjoy stunning views of the vineyard and surrounding mountains from the balcony.
Moreover, Sonoita Vineyards allows guests to bring their own glass, offering a discount on the tasting charge. During my visit, a selection of wines was predetermined, providing an exciting mix of whites and reds.
Village of Elgin Winery
Next, we made our way to Village of Elgin Winery, located in Elgin, approximately 55 miles from Tucson and about 5 miles from Sonoita. The vineyard specializes in classic Claret varietals and Syrahs. Elgin Winery employs traditional techniques, making it unique as the only winery that still stomps grapes and exclusively uses wood casks. As a family-owned establishment, their production capacity is limited to 120,000 bottles.
The variety of wines produced includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Colombard, Merlot, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah, all sourced from Sonoita AVA grapes. Notably, since 2017, all wines here are bottled with screw caps.
While the winery’s website may lack extensive details, their Facebook page is regularly updated. The rustic property hosts several festivals throughout the year, enhancing the local wine culture.
Callaghan Vineyards
Our third stop was Callaghan Vineyards, located just a couple of miles east of the Elgin Winery. This vineyard, founded in 1990, sources its wines from two distinct vineyards: the Buena Suerte Vineyard in Elgin and the Dos Cabezas Vineyard near Willcox.
At Callaghan Vineyards, a complimentary wine glass is included with the tasting charge. Guests may bring their own glass for a discount. The tasting room is open Thursday through Sunday, offering a delightful selection of eleven wines to choose from.
Nearby, Patagonia is a charming town perched at over 4,000 feet elevation, nestled between the Santa Rita and Patagonia Mountains. With a population of around 1,000, the town features shops, a nice park, and a couple of local bars.
Importantly, Patagonia is internationally known as a premier bird-watching destination. We took the opportunity to visit the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, managed by The Nature Conservancy.
This area boasts a cottonwood-willow riparian forest, home to over 290 bird species. Guided tours at the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve occur every Saturday morning. If you’re passionate about bird watching, be sure to include Patagonia in your travel plans!
