Arizona's Best-Kept Secret Is A Serene Wine City Brimming With Trails, Art, And Trendy Coffee Shops

Not to be confused with the mountainous region in South America, Patagonia is a small Arizona city just a few miles from the Mexican border. Offering an enticing mixture of elegant wineries and rugged outdoor adventures, it's becoming a popular destination for discerning travelers. It may not be as well-known as Napa Valley and its award-winning wineries, but since it sits within the Sonoita American Viticultural Area, it's responsible for some of the best wines coming out of the Southwest. Combined with quick access to Patagonia Lake State Park and the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, the city is a truly unique spot for your next under-the-radar getaway.

Though it's teeming with amenities, Patagonia is improbably small. Fewer than 1,000 people call Patagonia home, meaning you'll be treated to small-town vibes and a wonderful mix of American and Mexican cultures. When you're not out hiking or wine tasting, you can explore this culture at The Patagonia Museum or the Patagonia Visitor Center. You're also within driving distance of Nogales, Mexico, so consider bringing your passport if you want to turn your low-key getaway into an international excursion.

The Sonoita American Viticultural Area is defined by expansive grasslands, rolling hills, and moderate temperatures that are unexpected for Arizona. Dr. Gordon Dutt was the first to believe the region would be excellent for growing grapes and winemaking, and in 1984, Sonoita officially became an American Viticultural Area.

Today, the results of Dr. Gordon Dutt's hypothesis can be tested by visiting Queen of Cups in Patagonia. Located right in the heart of town, the relatively new winery opened its doors in 2022 and has quickly become a local favorite. Its tasting room hours are quite limited (they're only open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), but it's an excellent place to unwind while trying out a variety of reds, whites, and rosés. If you don't mind driving a bit, you can explore dozens of other wineries in the Sonoita AVA. This includes the highly regarded Autumn Sage Vineyards in Elgin and Dos Cabezas Wineworks in the town of Sonoita.

Beyond wineries, Patagonia has a handful of charming coffeehouses and other restaurants. Gathering Grounds is a colorful hub of coffee, espresso, sandwiches, and soups, Velvet Elvis is a pizzeria with heaps of intricate artwork filling its walls, and MorQ BBQ and Bakery serves a bizarre (but delicious) combination of sweets and savory barbecue. Seeking more eats? A UNESCO City of Gastronomy set in the stunning Sonoran Desert is also about an hour north, promising delectable Mexican and Native American dishes bursting with flavor.

Kicking back at a winery is half the fun of Patagonia, but there's more to the small town than world-class grapes. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, be sure to spend time exploring Patagonia Lake State Park. Along with a short hiking trail leading out to Sonoita Creek, you can swim in the lake or rent a watercraft from the marina. Birdwatching is popular throughout the park — be sure to pack a good pair of binoculars.

For more hiking, wander over to the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area. Home to 20 miles of trails, it's the perfect spot to stretch your legs and explore the under-the-radar region. For something even more intense, head up north to climb Mount Wrightson via Old Baldy Trail. This carves 10.6 miles around the mountain as it climbs nearly 4,000 feet. Only experienced hikers should attempt this trek, as it's incredibly strenuous but rewards your efforts with expansive views of the majestic Santa Rita Mountains.

Traveling with your passport? Take the short drive to the Mexican border and spend a bit of time in Nogales. Here you'll find the vibrant Museo de Arte de Nogales art museum, the unassuming Nogales Mall, and the NogaSplash waterpark. If you're intrigued by the Museo de Arte de Nogales, check out the many art galleries right in Patagonia. Global Arts Gallery and Lillian's Closet is a local favorite, as it doubles as a boutique selling jewelry, clothes, folk art, and other local creations. You could also drive to another Arizona border town that's home to America's first international airport. Much like Patagonia, it's home to an inviting vibe that's a unique mix of American and Mexican heritage.