Register  
: Home  
Sonoita is Unique Minimize

Arizona's First and Only AVA

  An American Viticultural Area (or AVA) is identified by its distinctive growing conditions such as climate, soil and elevation.  Sonoita is one of those unique areas.  Our red soils, abundant sunny days and cool evenings make us a competitive world class wine growing region.  Approximately 80 of the registered 200 AVA reside outside California.  In 1983, Dr. Gordon Dutt (founder and co-owner of Sonoita Vineyards) was instrumental in registering Sonoita and today claim Arizona's first and only AVA.  So the next time you're enjoying a bottle of wine and 'SONOITA' is identified on the label, rest assured that at least 85% of all grapes processed for that wine was grown in the Sonoita AVA.
Visit Sonoita Wineries Minimize

Eight Wineries and Growing

   Sonoita is home to eight active wineries and two more breaking ground in the next twelve months.  Sonoita Vineyards (pictured right) opened in 1983 and was the original founding winery soon followed by Callaghan Vineyards and Village of Elgin Winery, both established in Sonoita for over 15 years.  These three wineries were the cornerstone to the development and growth of the area.  Today five additional wineries, ranging from fourteen years old to one year old, have joined the wine-making ranks and increased the Sonoita wine tour to eight.  Make sure you visit individual websites for hours and tasting room information.
  We encourage you to spend some time in the Sonoita area.  Don't miss out on our relaxing culture, delicious restaurants and cozy lodging.  You may like it so much, you wont want to leave! 

April 12, 2009  
Wineries Minimize
Restaurants Minimize
Lodging Minimize
Getting Here Minimize

Driving To Sonoita

     Driving to Sonoita can be a very memorable experience.  The Sonoita/Elgin area is one of the most beautiful areas of Southern Arizona.  The rolling grassland hills, scattered with mesquite, oak and cottonwood trees atop a desert plateau, provides breathtaking contrasts to the Sonoran desert landscape of Tucson and Phoenix.   You'll find the designated 'Scenic' drive on Highway 83 south of I-10 to be relaxing and eye-catching.  Sonoita is a very popular location for bicyclists, motorcyclists and leisure drivers needing a weekend getaway.  Sonoita offers numerous Bed & Breakfasts and several great restaurants if you wish to spend a day or two.  Come to Sonoita and take part in the Mountain Empire culture and enjoy our hospitality.  We're just 45 minutes south of Tucson.  You'll love it and you'll come back!!
Our Survey Minimize
To better serve you, please take a few seconds to show how you found us.
Submit Survey 
Public Ads Minimize
Copyright 2009   |  Privacy Statement  |  Terms Of Use