Foodie 15: Best Spots to Sip Wine in Sonoita-Elgin Wine Country

The outdoor space at Autumn Sage boasts a classic gazebo and dock overlying a fishing pond which makes the perfect backdrop for any and all photos. Oh, and it’s hard to ignore the majestic mountain ranges in every direction with rolling hills that turn green during monsoon. There are even autumn sage plants sprinkled throughout the property.

It should suffice to say that Callaghan Vineyards has been honored by having its wine served at the White House four times, but it should also be noted that they’re a foundational winery for Sonoita, they’re incredibly dog-friendly, and they have a beautiful property worth checking out.

Charron Vineyards is a great way to start or end your wine trip because they’re basically the halfway point between Tucson and Sonoita/Elgin (it’s a 25ish-min drive from downtown Tucson) and are usually open an hour or two later than the other wineries. Hang out on their patio and enjoy stunning views of the Santa Rita mountains and their vines.

A working Elgin vineyard that doubles as a wedding venue. Pack a picnic for the wraparound patio (there is plenty of indoor seating too) and play a round of bocce on the court.

Dos Cabezas WineWorks has been growing grapes and producing wine in southern Arizona since 1995, and it shows. The winery draws distinctive, high-quality fruit from its two estate vineyards, Pronghorn Vineyard in Sonoita and Cimarron Vineyard in the Kansas Settlement. The sparkling Rosé is a standout worth trying for yourself.

Though a bit off the beaten path, Lightning Ridge certainly merits a visit the next time you’re in the area. Their estate wines are made from classic Italian varietals based on the family’s heritage. Sample wines such as Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Montepulciano, Primitivo, Malvasia, and Muscat Canelli.

An off-grid Sonoita winery and tasting room pouring exceptional wines made by James Callahan, with breathtaking views and great food from its kitchen. Dogs are still welcome on the grounds, just not inside the tasting room.

What do Sonoita Vineyards and Bob Ross’ Joy of Painting have in common? They both debuted in 1983. That’s right, Sonoita Vineyards is the oldest commercial vineyard and winery in Arizona. With all that experience, it’s no wonder they know how to throw some awesome parties such as their Harvest Fest, stargazing parties, new release festivals, Halloween wine, chocolate pairing, and more.

Sunset Ride Wine opened in March 2022 and is already successfully embedding itself into the wine community. They feature their own horses on their label, too. Be sure to check them out because they’re one of the first stops on your way into Sonoita (coming from Tucson). Bring your pups in, too.

Vino Stache is open for tastings from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturdays or by appointment only on other days. What’s cool about making an appointment is that you get to spend some time with the winemaker herself, Brooke Ide. What’s even cooler is that each year Vino Stache Winery selects a local Arizona-based charity to give back a dollar per bottle sold. Drink good wine and do good!

An estate vineyard at 5,000 feet in Sonoita, Arizona's first federally designated wine-growing region, pouring Spanish and French varietals from Tempranillo to Tannat. Beyond the wine list, the Glühwein and sangria are good enough to come for on their own. There is something for everyone at Wilhelm Family Vineyards.