28 February 2019 SONOITA AND NEARBY ELGIN ARE blink-and-you-miss-it places with official census-logged populations of less than 1,000 residents. But if you take the time to explore southern Arizona's wine country, you'll fall in love with the laid-back vibes and gorgeous, mountains and grasslands. Sonoita is located 161 miles south of Phoenix, about 50 miles south of Tucson, and a little over an hour southwest of the wine-growing region of Wilcox. Sonoita's roots in wine date back to the 16th century. It also happens to be the first region in Arizona to have earned the American Viticultural Area (AVA) designation. It was illegal to grow grapes for wine in the Copper State between 1915 and the 1980s, and there have been a lot of roadblocks since. One of those is climate. In Sonoita, the vineyards are perched at heights ranging from 3,800ft. to 6,000ft. The hot, dry climate is brutal to vines and winemakers say it's very easy to kill vines in this area if growers are not careful and diligent. The growing conditions are important when creating any wine, anywhere in the world. Not only do we have a very unique climate, but we have unique soil, one that scientists and wine growers from around the world get excited about it. In fact, expert vintners compare the soil in Sonoita to France's Burgundy region. Soil scientist Dr. Gordon Dutt is the grandfather of Arizona wine and saw Sonoita for the lush growing region it is. After testing soils from all over the state, he planted his first vines in the Sonoita soil in the early 1970s. Dutt thought that the soil and the arid climate would make the best wines possible — and he was right. Dutt's first commercial vineyard, Sonoita Vineyards, now grows fantastic Merlots, Cabernet Sauvignons, Syrahs, Petite Sirah, and Sangiovese, among others. In Sonoita, you could easily spend a weekend on a tasting tour of local wineries along Highways 82 and 83, or along Elgin Rd. Thirteen wineries are spread across Sonoita, beckoning you to come enjoy a glass of wine and take in the beautiful desert landscape. Choose one or tour them all—if tasting rooms are your choice of destination. Though wine tasting may be viewed as an expensive activity, at Callaghan Vineyards the tasting fee for five wines is only five dollars if you bring your own glass. The winery also offers art for sale, so you’ll be able to browse the pieces after you’ve enjoyed some wine. The character of Sonoita is all about relaxation. If you’re looking for a quiet, desert haven, you’ll find it there. Best known for its wineries, there are many ways to explore Sonoita, whether that’s by foot or by horseback. You’ll leave the city with a sense of peace, calm, and belonging. WINERIES IN THE AREA Arizona Hops and Vines Arizona Hops and Vines is a smaller winery featuring a family farm that provides a warm and fun place for both wine enthusiasts and families alike. Visitors can come to this little winery and spend some time sipping wine on the patio, share a story or two, and explore a winery that offers free Cheetos. Arizona Hops and Vines is run by two sisters with the help of their children and friends. Tastings are available from 10 am to 6 pm on Friday and Saturday, and from 10 am to 4 pm on Thursday and Sunday. 3450 Highway 82, Sonoita, AZ 85637 301-237-6556 Dos Cabezas WineWorks High-quality and distinctive fruit is supplied to the winery to produce its wines from two different estate vineyards: the Cimarron Vineyard and the Pronghorn Vineyard. It has had a significant role in the development of the wine scene in Arizona for more than twenty years. The tasting room is open on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:30 am until 4:30 pm. It is located in the Sonoita area’s high desert grasslands. The winery also offers a place for guests Arizona's Wine Country SONOITA AND ELGIN