Southern Arizona is Home Excellent Vineyards

By: Heidi Baldwin There are countless reasons that homes, land and real estate in Tucson, including the outlying foothills, are so highly sought after by many individuals, couples and families of all ages. Along with outstanding real estate values, there’s plenty to see and do. What do we mean?

Well, in addition to great schools, a wealth of cultural opportunities, gorgeous golf courses, year-round perfect weather and more, there are also a number of fabulous wineries all within a pleasant day-trip of Tucson, Marana, the Oro Valley and the Catalina Foothills. Specifically, experts say the climate and soil conditions in the southern Arizona towns of Elgin, Sonoita and the Willcox area are ideal for growing grapes thanks to high elevations, warm days and cool nights. Once you’ve purchased a home or real estate in the area, why not see for yourself?

Here’s just a sampling of some of the many vineyards in southern Arizona:

Opened in 1983, Sonoita Vineyards is located in Elgin, about an hour’s drive from Tucson. Perched at an elevation of approximately 5,000 feet above sea level, Sonoita Vineyards is the oldest commercial vineyard in the region, and now grows over 40 acres of vines. They’re known for consistently creating award-winning wines, including a Cabernet Sauvignon chosen by national wine critics to serve at a Presidential Inauguration Gala. Varieties grown on the vineyard’s expansive real estate include Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Mission and Merlot.

Meanwhile, not too far away in Sonoita, Callaghan Vineyards was designated as one of Arizona’s “Treasures” by then-Governor Janet Napolitano in 2006. Callaghan Vineyards was founded in 1990 and has been honored by having its wine served at the White House three separate times. Rancho Rossa Vineyards is home to one of the largest family-owned wineries in the area, with the vineyard’s first vines being planted in 2002 and the first wines made in 2004. Located six miles southeast of Sonoita, Rancho Rossa specializes in ultra-premium dry varietal bottlings and is currently producing about 1,200 cases of wine each year from the vineyard’s 22 acres.

Other wineries nestled along what is now known as “Winery Row” include Kief-Joshua Vineyards, a 20-acre site with magnificent views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Kief-Joshua is known for its crisp, fruity wines, while Wilhelm Family Vineyards produces Zinfandels, Roses and more. Travel a little farther to Willcox for a visit and tasting at Coronado Vineyards where a group of partners opened this beautiful vineyard in 2006. Coronado Vineyards produces wines ranging from a dry red wine to a sweet white table wine, and all are created from Arizona-grown wine grapes.

For more information on what each of these southern Arizona vineyards has to offer, including tasting schedules, sales information and varieties produced, visit their respective websites. Cheers!

Author Info

The author of this article deals with Tucson real estate. The author has great knowledge about real estate in Tucson and has written many articles on that as well.