Off the Beaten Path: Exploring Arizona Wine in the Sonoita AVA

Nestled between the Santa Rita, Huachuca, and Whetstone Mountains, the Sonoita American Viticultural Area (AVA) offers an unexpected twist on desert winemaking—an elevated basin where wind-swept grasslands meet volcanic soils and a wine culture rooted in grit, experimentation, and heart.

Where Sky Islands Meet the Vine

At 4,500 to 5,200 feet above sea level, Sonoita is one of the highest elevation AVAs in the U.S., making it a unicorn in the wine world. The diurnal shift here—warm days and cool nights—creates acid-retaining, flavor-packed grapes. Combine that with loamy, mineral-rich soils from ancient volcanic activity and you get wines with edge, depth, and story.

Your journey into Arizona’s wine frontier begins where two-lane roads stretch into rolling hills, and tasting rooms are often run by the winemakers themselves—many of whom traded in city life for dirt under their nails and wine in their veins.

First Stop: Dos Cabezas WineWorks – Sonoita, AZ

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Founded in 1995 and now run by Todd and Kelly Bostock, Dos Cabezas is a cornerstone of the region’s reputation. They grow estate fruit and source from other standout vineyards across Arizona, crafting expressive, food-friendly blends that showcase the state’s diversity.

🍷 Sip This:

• Pink: a rosé blend that somehow balances tension, minerality, and joy in every glass

• Águileón: bold, Rhône-style red blend with layers of spice and desert soul

💡 Pro Tip: Todd’s a James Beard semifinalist and innovator—don’t skip the vineyard tours or curated tastings if you’re lucky enough to snag a reservation.

Second Stop: Callaghan Vineyards – Elgin, AZ

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Established in 1990, Callaghan Vineyards helped put Arizona wine on the map—literally. Kent Callaghan’s wines have been poured at the White House, and he remains a pioneer in elevating Arizona blends using Spanish and Rhône varietals.

🍇 To Try:

• Padres: Tempranillo-heavy red blend aged in new oak

• Lisa’s: a bold Mourvèdre-led blend named after Kent’s wife

💡 Insider Tip: Kent’s winemaking is rooted in patience—many of his wines age beautifully. Grab a current release and one to lay down.

Third Stop: Rune Wines – Sonoita, AZ

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The only off-grid, solar-powered winery in Arizona, Rune delivers panoramic views, trailhead vibes, and natural, low-intervention wines. Think laid-back yet serious about sustainability, creativity, and place.

🍷 Recommended Pours:

• Grenache Rosé: crisp, refreshing, built for the high desert

• Syrah or Petite Sirah: dark, smoky, expressive of the volcanic soil

💡 Pro Tip: No reservations, no frills—just open-air tastings under a canopy and some of the best desert sunsets around.

Bonus Stop: The Meading Room – Sonoita, AZ

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Not wine, but worth the detour. This meadery crafts honey wines infused with fruits, spices, and botanicals. It's a refreshing intermission in your grape-driven journey—and an insight into Arizona’s growing artisan fermentation scene.

Why You Should Detour to Sonoita

Arizona wine often gets overshadowed by California and Oregon, but Sonoita flips the narrative. Here, high elevation and extreme weather give rise to wines with verve. The people behind the bottles? Passionate misfits, scientists, artists, and risk-takers—more Austin than Napa.

So next time you're craving wine with altitude and attitude, take the long road to Southern Arizona. Sonoita is ready to welcome you—with a glass in hand and a story in every sip.