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(Photo courtesy of Los Milics Vineyards)

Sonoita Named One of the ‘Next Napa Valleys’ by Wine Enthusiast

Spotlight

May 29, 2025
By Matt Sterner

Once a quiet farming region in Northern California, Napa Valley transformed over a few short decades into one of the world’s premier wine destinations—complete with high-end tasting rooms, luxury lodging, and millions of annual visitors.

And the so-called “Napa effect” is spreading.

Wine regions across the U.S. are coming into their own, with maturing vineyards and growing tourist appeal. One of the most promising is the Sonoita area, just south of Tucson.

Wine Enthusiast recently unveiled the “five wine regions vying to become the next Napa,” with Sonoita being one of the next great wine destinations to watch.

“Located less than an hour from Tucson, Sonoita is the state’s oldest AVA and has some of the highest vineyards in the country. An elevation of 5,000 feet brings cooler temperatures that provide a welcome respite for both vines and people. With state parks, lakes, grasslands, and epic mountain views, it’s hardly surprising that tourism here has skyrocketed alongside a booming wine scene.”

Tucson Foodie Sonoita-Elgin Wine Passport

The shout-out from Wine Enthusiast couldn’t have come at a better time, too. We, Tucson Foodie, just announced/unveiled the brand-new Tucson Foodie Sonoita-Elgin Wine Passport.

We’ve created this passport as your personal invitation to discover the unique flavors and breathtaking landscapes offered by Sonoita/ Elgin’s talented winemakers.

Here’s a peek at what the Passport offers:
  • Flying Kite Vineyard: Enjoy a complimentary tasting with the purchase of a bottle of their wine
  • Charron Vineyards: Receive three $15 vouchers to use throughout the year
  • The Meading Room: Buy-one-get-one-free tasting, plus 50% off a bottle of their unique mead
  • Deep Sky Vineyard: Free tasting when you purchase a bottle of their stellar wine
  • Twisted Union Wine Company:
    • Half-price tasting flights (featuring five wines) throughout the month.
    • Unlock a special 25% discount on Airbnb bookings for Tucson Foodie Members.
  • Queen of Cups: Enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free tasting three times per year
  • Los Milics Vineyards: A complimentary glass of their award-winning wine
  • Arizona Winery Tours: $20 off a tour

That’s over $150 in value, all for a one-time purchase of just $45!

How to Get Your Passport

There are fewer than 100 passports available at this special launch rate. Don’t wait!

To purchase your passport:

  1. Download the Tucson Foodie app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
  2. Register and unlock the Sonoita-Elgin Wine Passport under the Join section of the app.
  3. Enjoy!

As we continue to add more wineries and exclusive perks, the value will only grow. We’re looking to schedule some Tucson Foodie field trips to Sonoita this summer, so keep your eyes peeled!

For more information about the other regions in position to be the “next Napa,” visit wineenthusiast.com.

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Article By

At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.

He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.

If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.

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