Wine Tasting
For
wine aficionados, the region has several top-quality vineyards
that are less than an hour’s drive away. We highly recommend sampling
some of our flavorful local wines.
Arizona Vineyards
Arizona Vineyards is a popular roadside attraction in Nogales on the way to Mexico. Located less than one hour from the resort, the wines are unique and have classic Southwestern names such as Rattlesnake Red, Desert Dust and Coyote Red. (520) 287-7972.
Arizona Vineyards
1830 E. Patagonia Hwy., Rt. 82,
Nogales
(520) 287-7972
Directions:
I-19 south to Exit 289 then turn left on E. Ruby Rd. Turn
right on Pendleton Dr. then right on Circulo Montana. Make a
right on Patagonia Lake Rd. and left onto AZ-82.
Callaghan Vineyards
About an hour south of Tucson, the Callaghan Vineyards have been
producing award-winning wines for over fifteen years. Owner Kent
Callaghan aptly named his 17-acre vineyard “Buena Suerte” (or “Good
Luck” in Spanish) and has won many kudos for his fine
wines, including the highly-praised 1996 Fumé Blanc. The winery
is open Friday thru Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (520) 455-5322.
Callaghan Vineyards
336 Elgin Rd.,
Elgin
(520) 455-5322
Directions:
I-10 to Exit 281 then take Route 83 thru Sonoita. Go four miles
to Elgin Rd., then turn left at the “Elgin Wine Country” sign and go three more miles to the vineyard.
Sonoita Vineyards
Another winery near Mr. Callaghan’s establishment is the Sonoita Vineyards.
Co-owner Dr. Gordon Dutt was a soil scientist at the University
of Arizona when he and A. Blake Brophy established their first
experimental vineyard in 1973. They found that the high altitude
(5,000 feet) soil is nearly identical to the soils of Burgundy,
France. The 20-acre vineyard now produces over 10,000 gallons per
year. Their 1986 Cabernet Sauvignon had the distinction of being
served at the White House. The winery is open 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., seven
days a week. (520) 455-5893.
Sonoita Vineyards
H.C. 1, Box 33,
Elgin
(520) 455-5893
Directions:
Follow I-10 to Exit 281 then take Route 83 thru Sonoita. Go four
miles to Elgin Rd. then turn left at the “Elgin Wine Country” sign.
Four miles past the Village of Elgin Vineyards, turn right at
the Sonoita Vineyards sign. Proceed 2.5 miles to the vineyard.
Village of Elgin Winery
The main building of the Village of Elgin Winery was formerly
a bordello, a hotel and a feed store. Their Tombstone Red is
a good hardy wine that goes well with steak. Their number-one
selling white, Karina, is a German-style blend with a hint of
caramel. The winery is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(520) 455-9309.
Village of Elgin Winery
The Elgin Complex,
HC 1, Box 47,
Elgin
(520) 455-9309
Directions:
Follow I-10 to Exit 281 then take Route 83 thru Sonoita. Go four miles to Elgin Rd., then turn left at the “Elgin Wine Country” sign and go four more miles to the vineyard, which is on the right.