Arizona
Arizona Wine Country: Elevating The Art Of Wine Making
Wine Trails USA
As we write our latest Wine Trails USA travelogue, it’s late February and here in the Midwest, it’s the doldrums of winter. Cold, snow, wind and assorted other weather hassles have us thinking of the warmth of one of our favorite areas in the U.S. , sunny southern Arizona .
We first discovered southern Arizona almost 20 years ago, when a corporate job transfer gave me responsibility for an office in Phoenix . Not long after, we took the first of many weekend trips to Tucson , just 1.5 hours south of Phoenix on Interstate 10.
Today, Tucson is a thriving metropolitan area of just under one million. Tucson is renowned for its restaurants, history, Spanish influence, and more. With ample sightseeing opportunities, it’s a perfect destination for a long weekend. If you’re anything like us, one visit won’t be nearly enough. Tucson draws us back again and again and it’s begining to feel like an adopted second home.
After a few visits, we began to explore day trip destinations from Tucson and discovered the subject of this issue of Wine Trails USA – Southern Arizona Wine Country.
Let’s start our exploring with an insider’s view of Tucson -
On our first visit many years ago, we were surprised to discover that metro Tucson is actually a few degrees cooler than Phoenix , a welcome reality if you choose to visit during summer months. Tucson ‘s elevation level is about 2400 feet and you’ll notice the city is nestled between several mountain ranges.
With all the amenities of any major metropolitan area, Tucson is perfect for exploring via car. Being fans of history, our preferred lodging destination is the wonderfully funky Hotel Congress, located in the heart of downtown Tucson . Hotel Congress is just steps away from Tucson ‘s 4th Avenue shopping district, a veritable mix and match of everything from thrift stores to tony boutiques. At the Congress, you find reasonable rates and comfortable amenities. Be sure to enjoy a meal (particularly breakfast) at the hotel’s Cup Cafe, one of many Tucson restaurants featured on the Food Network.
While the good folks at Tucson ‘s Convention and Visitors Bureau can fill you in on all the details, you’ll find Tucson blends a relaxed and casual outdoor style with world class culture and cuisine. It’s a metro area suited to dining, shopping, and sampling.
If you’re an animal lover or a naturalist, be sure to visit the famous Arizona Sonora Desert Museum . Unlike any other “museum” we’ve seen, this world class attraction is a combination garden and zoo. You’ll see hundreds of species of plants and animals in a natural desert setting.
For unique Tucson treasures, the downtown area boasts Old Town Artisans, an old adobe complex occupying an entire city block. Old Town Artisans offers unique independent shops where you can peruse art, jewelry, home furnishings, and fashion.
Nearby, enjoy the well known Fourth Avenue Shopping District, containing about 5 blocks of galleries, eclectic boutiques, and restaurants. Allow yourself a good half day to cover these two shopping and strolling destinations.
One aspect we enjoy and admire about Tucson is their many diverse independent restaurants. We have literally dozens of favorites so it’s tough to narrow it down! See our Tucson Recommendations section for an overview of some of our top choices, from casual pub grub to local Mexican cuisine to fine dining.
Off To Arizona Wine Country:
Our first visit to Arizona Wine Country was a short and enjoyable day trip. Going east/southeast from Tucson on I-10, it’s only an hour away. Exit I-10 about 20 miles east of the city at Exit 281 and proceed south on Arizona Rt. 83. Note the changing topography as you climb more than 2000 feet through your journey.
Traveling south on Rt. 83, you’ll soon enter the charming town of Sonoita , the gateway to wine country. If you arrive around lunch time, we recommend Cafe Sonoita, on scenic Route 82 just a half mile east of the Rt. 83 junction. You’ll choose from a blackboard menu, presented at your table, or the standard menu. We enjoyed a local specialty, the Hatch green chile chicken burrito, and a bowl of homemade soup. You can also enjoy a glass of Arizona wine from Cafe Sonoita’s ample wine list.
Looking at the terrain in the Sonoita area, you’ll begin to understand why wine has been produced here for many years. It’s a perfect blend of medium elevation, rich soil, and low humidity. Owners of the seven wineries in this area will tell you this area is just about perfect for growing grapes.
A Few Of Southern Arizona Wine Country’s Wineries:
Let’s spend a little time at a few of this area’s wineries. As is typical with a wine trail journey, these wineries are clustered together within a few miles. We recommend a late morning stop at one or two, a break for lunch, and then more wine exploring on into the afternoon.
We visited these wineries over the course of two visits, so feel free to mix and match your destinations. There’s no precribed order, as the wineries are scattered about in this pleasant, mostly rural area. No matter which you choose, you’re guaranteed a true taste of Arizona ‘s highly respected wine industry.
Callaghan Vineyards: Open 11 to 3 on Friday through Sunday, Callaghan Vineyards produces premium reds and whites from its own 25 acre vineyard. Styled in Mediterranean and Spanish varieties, owner Kent Callaghan’s wines have received accolades from prominent publications like Wine Spectator and the New York Times, and have been served at the White House on three occasions. Our favorite was Lisa’s White, with its spicy apple aroma and subtle rich taste of pear and grapfruit.
Canelo Hills Vineyard & Winery:Canelo Hills is the product of owners Tim and Joan Mueller, who founded the operation in 2003. The Muellers were delighted to open their new tasting room in September 2007, realizing a long term dream to own and operate their own winery. Located 7.5 miles east of the Rt. 83 and 82 crossroads in the small village of Elgin , Canelo Hills is open for tasting Fridays and Saturdays from 11-4. Tim and Joan are strong supporters of local sustainable products and host an annual Wine and Farm Festival. Current wine offerings include a chardonnay, syrah, cabernet sauvignon, and an especially delicious crisp riesling.
Dos Cabezas Wineworks: Dos Cabezas is a relatively new arrival to the Sonoita-Elgin wine country, but not a newcomer to the Arizona wine scene. They’ve been producing wines since 1995, and recently moved the winery to this area from a location in the southeastern part of the state. Dos Cabezas was very proud to win two Governers Choice Awards in December 2007 for Arizona ‘s best red and white wine. Their Viogner took honors for the whites category, while their El Norte took home the award for reds. Located on Rt. 82, their tasting room is open Fridays through Sundays from 10:30-4:30 . Make a point to try the deep, complex El Norte … we loved it!
Rancho Rossa Vineyards: Rancho Rossa is one of Arizona ‘s largest family owned wineries, producing over 1200 cases per year entirely from their own fruit. Located about 6 miles southeast of Sonoita, they’re open for tasting Friday-Sunday from 10:30 to 3:30 . We enjoyed their Case Cuvee, a rich Chardonnay blend, as well as their Grenache, a red that’s fermented in French Oak.
Village of Elgin Winery : Village of Elgin Winery is one of the area’s original wineries. Established here more than a quarter century ago, Village of Elgin is well known for hosting two annual wine festivals, taking place in April and September. Offering a full and unique selection of reds and whites, Village of Elgin ‘s wines will please any wine lover’s palate. We couldn’t pick just one as a favorite and were intrigued by unique offerings like their Blanc de Merlot (a white merlot) and the Sonoita Valley Tierra Dulce, a sweet red similar to a port. Village of Elgin ‘s Tombstone Red, a red and white blend, is very popular as well and widely available in retail outlets.
Kief Joshua Vineyards: Kief-Joshua is another newcomer to the wine scene here and is located in the cluster of wineries known as “Winery Row”, very close to many of the wineries listed above. Views from the tasting room are spectacular, overlooking scenic grasslands with mountains in the distance. Owner Kief Joshua Manning has been making wine since he was a teenager, and offers a small but impressive list of whites and reds. Try the refreshingly citrusy Viognier, and don’t miss the intense dark cherry flavor of their Cabernet Sauvingnon. We also bought a green chile dip mix in their gift shop which was one of the best dips we’ve had in years!
Sonoita Vineyards: Our last stop on this Wine Trail adventure is Sonoita Vineyards, the largest winery in this area and open since 1983. Their Arizona Sunset fruity rose wine was the first Arizona wine we tried many years ago. For a change of pace, try their Sonora Rossa. It’s a spicy light red wine that’s best served slightly chilled, perfect with Italian food.
If you’re ready to spend a bit more time in this area, consider an overnight stay at one of the area’s lodging options. You can find all the information at the Sonoita-Elgin Chamber of Commerce website at www.sonoitaelginchamber.org . Another option to extend your trip are the nearby historic towns of Tombstone and Bisbee. See our Recommendations section for more details.
TUCSON RECOMMENDATIONS:
Hotel Congress and Cup Cafe: www.hotelcongress.com Historic hotel and on site restaurant in the heart of downtown Tucson .
Arizona Sonora Desert Museum : www.desertmuseum.org . Wild animals and gardens in a unique setting. A must see.
Old Town Artisans: www.oldtownartisans.com . Shopping area located downtown with an emphasis on local/regional art and handcrafted jewelry and decorative accent pieces.
Fourth Avenue Shopping District: www.fourthavenue.org . Tucson ‘s urban shopping, dining, art, and nightlife destination.
Downtown Tucson Information: www.downtowntucson.org . The latest info on downtown Tucson .
Frog and Firkin: www.frogandfirkin.com . Great outdoor patio overlooking bustling university scene. Hand prepared pizzas, fresh salads, burgers, appetizers. All sorts of interesting Arizona beer on tap.
Elle Wine Country Restaurant: www.ellerestaurant.com . Approachable gourmet fare, great wine list, excellent happy hour specials. Try the steamed mussels.
Kingfisher Bar and Grill: www.kingfisherbarandgrill.com . Tucson ‘s destination for seafood with a Cajun twist. Great place to escape the heat during happy hour. Winner of a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.
Cafe Poca Cosa: www.cafepocacosainc.com . Cuisine from all across Mexico , menu changes daily. Recommended by the Food Network.
ARIZONA WINE COUNTRY RECOMMENDATIONS:
Cafe Sonoita: www.cafesonoita.com . Casual and approachable gourmet with an outstanding wine list and rotating menu.
Sonoita-Elgin Chamber of Commerce: www.sonoitaelginchamber.org . Complete listing of stores, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, etc. in the Arizona Wine Country area.
Sonoita Realty: www.sonoitarealty.com Full service realty services in Sonoita area.
Xanadu Ranch Getaway: www.xanaduranchgetaway.com Reasonably priced, pet friendly lodging close to the wineries.
Historic Tombstone : www.tombstone.org . Old West town with numerous attractions for all ages. “The Town Too Tough To Die”
Historic Bisbee: www.discoverbisbee.com . Highly recommended for an overnight stay, particularly at the Copper Queen Hotel. Shopping and dining opportunities abound. Arizona Wine Country, Tombstone , and Bisbee is a perfect long weekend destination from Tucson or Phoenix .
Special thanks to Leslie Kramer of the Sonoita Elgin Chamber of Commerce for her knowledge and assistance!
For more information on Arizona wines, visit the Arizona Wine Growers site, which is an excellent one stop destination for events and the latest developments of Arizona wineries.
