Eco Buzz Tours brings a fresh kind of buzz to southern Arizona’s wine country. The new Tucson-based company offers small-group wine and beer tours in a retro-modern 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, an all-electric homage to the classic VW microbus.
They reached out to offer the Tucson Foodie team a day of in their van, so we took the opportunity as a fun way to learn about their business while gathering some new photos and video in Southern Arizona wine country to help with the Sonoita-Elgin Wine Passport to encourage locals to explore the area’s tasting rooms.
We arranged for them to pick us up at the MSA Annex, then I hopped into the front seat, activated the massage chair, and chatted with Kendrick about the history of his business.
Inspiration Behind the Tours
Co-owners Kendrick and Barbara Mayer launched Eco Buzz Tours as a passion project.
“Barbara was the spark,” Kendrick said. “We were shopping for our first EV when she saw the new VW Buzz and said, ‘I have an idea…’ The moment she suggested wine tours to Sonoita in such an iconic, now electric, vehicle, it just clicked. It felt fun, fresh, and responsible all at once”
For Kendrick, who grew up driving Volkswagens, the choice felt natural.
“When I saw how much joy and attention the Buzz created everywhere it went, I knew it was perfect,” he said. “A vehicle that makes people smile, is eco-friendly, and is literally called the ‘Buzz’? It was meant to be.”
The electric van adds both novelty and sustainability to the journey.
“People light up when they realize the van is all-electric,” Kendrick said. “For many, it’s their first EV ride, and it’s a really positive introduction. The retro look gives it nostalgia, and the electric part gives it hope for the future. I like showing that sustainability can be fun and practical at the same time.”
A Boutique and Personal Experience
Eco Buzz Tours keeps groups small with no more than six guests.
“It’s boutique and personal. With just six guests max, it feels like you’re out with friends, not strangers on a big bus,” Kendrick said.
Tours are flexible, with riders choosing wineries or relying on Kendrick’s suggestions.
“It’s their day, not mine,” he said. “I pick people up where it’s convenient — home, hotel, Airbnb — and build the tour around their preferences. If they want to linger longer at one stop, that’s fine. If someone wants to skip a tasting, that’s fine too.”
Appeal to Tucson Locals
Many Tucsonans are discovering Sonoita’s wine country for the first time, while others know the region well but want a stress-free experience.
“Locals fall into two camps,” Kendrick said. “Some have never been to Sonoita and are blown away by the wine and the landscape so close to Tucson. Others know and love it, but hate arguing over who’ll be the designated driver. Eco Buzz lets them all enjoy the day stress-free — they can truly ‘enjoy the Buzz’ without worry.”
Strong Local Ties
The company has built genuine relationships with winemakers and brewers in the region.
“From day one I was welcomed warmly,” Kendrick said. “The wineries and breweries love the concept, they love the van, and the attitude out there is really about helping each other succeed. I wouldn’t call them formal partnerships as much as genuine working relationships. It’s a community, and it feels great to be part of it.”
Looking Ahead
While the Sonoita and Elgin trips remain the main draw, Kendrick sees room for expansion.
“We’re new, so nothing’s off the table,” he said. “If our guests wanted a taco tour, we’d consider it. For now, we’re adding local wine shop and brewery tours in Tucson — shorter outings where friends can visit three spots in an afternoon, then wrap up at home or a great local restaurant. It’s a nice complement to the full-day Sonoita trips.”
Looking forward, Kendrick envisions Eco Buzz as part of Tucson’s broader food and drink culture.
“My hope is that Eco Buzz becomes part of Tucson’s incredible food and drink culture,” he said. “Not replacing what’s already here, but adding to it by making it more accessible in a fun, responsible way. The van radiates happy vibes, and if we can spread a little more joy while supporting local wineries, breweries, and restaurants, that’s success to me.”
For more information, visit ecobuzztours.com.
Our Day Itinerary
If you’re curious how exactly we spent our day with Eco Buzz, here were the stops:
- Dos Cabeza WineWorks: tried some fresh wine grapes, checked out the fermentation room, had a glass of wine, ordered some Pronghorn Pizza to take to…
- Rune Wines: ate our pizza while having wine and vibing with the natural views.
- Los Milics Vineyards: shared a burger and fries, pickled veggies, Basque cheesecake, and wine.
- Callaghan Vineyards: wine tasting in the open patio.
- The Steak Out Restaurant & Saloon: a shot of whiskey for dessert.
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Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
