Under Two Hours From Tucson Is Arizona's Charming Desert Destination For Mountain Views, Wine, And Cozy Stays

When considering wine country travel, Arizona may not spring to mind. However, an area 60 miles southeast of Tucson may sway opinions. From the high desert landscape around tiny Elgin (population just 349) and its neighbor Sonoita, healthy grapevines sprout and proliferate annually. In fact, the juicy little vino vessels springing forth from said vines revel in the wide temperature swings that occur seasonally at the higher elevations here. 

Vineyards are nothing new in the Sonoita-Elgin area either. The first were planted by Spanish Jesuit missionaries in the 16th century. In 1984, the surrounding wine country became Arizona's first region federally designated as an American Viticultural Area. 

Between Elgin and Sonoita, just 9 miles away, you'll find at least more than 15 different spots to sample wine. Several wineries also offer overnight accommodations that make getting back to the room after an afternoon of sipping a no-stress situation. Everywhere you go, views of Mount Wrightson, one of Arizona's tallest peaks, along with Mount Bruce in the nearby Mustang Mountains, captivate eyes over wine glass rims and well-paired gourmet fare.

Tiny Elgin has quite the history. With settlements dating back to 2,000 BCE, the area has been occupied over the years by Native Americans, missionaries, cowboys, and miners. Just 35 miles away is America's ultimate Wild West destination, Tombstone, where the legendary gunfight at the OK Corral took place. Eventually, modern-day winemakers discovered what missionaries discovered centuries before: The rich soil and climate here are ideal for grape growing. 

High elevations in southern Arizona, such as those in Sonoita-Elgin, experience a meteorological anomaly known as diurnal shift, when temperatures within a 24-hour period swing wildly, often upwards of 30 degrees Fahrenheit from dawn to dusk. Many parts of California also experience this anomaly, lending to that state's prestigious winemaking reputation. Well-balanced wines can often credit diurnal shifts for extending grape ripening time while maintaining the fruits' naturally occurring acidity. 

Even at 4,970 feet of elevation, this high-desert region revels in a growing season that averages 257 days annually. Familiar varietals such as cabernet sauvignon and merlot are grown here, but European grapes ranging from mourvèdre and petite verdot to the more obscure tannat were found to thrive exceptionally well. White and dessert wines are also abundant in the area. 

Picture cowboys straight out of the Wild West settling into Adirondack chairs with a nice bottle of syrah and some Fritos. That's the vibe in Sonoita and Elgin, as well as the intrigue. Wine connoisseurs are welcome with the understanding that it's a far more casual tasting environment than in other regions. It's an area that transports you to Tuscany without a transatlantic flight or price tags.

Arizona Hops and Vines is a perfect example, actually pairing chips with tastings. Yelp reviewers love the farm animals, views, and games here, too. After exploring the area wineries, perhaps even the breweries and distilleries also found nearby, check into accommodations that run the gamut from glamping on winery grounds in a refurbished trailer to renting entire multi-bedroom ranch estates. Several wineries, such as Dos Cabezas WineWorks, Los Milics Vineyards, and Twisted Union Wine Co., have lodging on-site. Another overnight option is The Wine Inn in Sonoita, rated five stars on Google.

Worry not, wine will not be the only sustenance while here. Plenty of restaurants can also be found around both Elgin and Sonoita, such as The Steak Out, which has been open for 60 years, along with eateries at the wineries themselves, like The Biscuit at Los Milics Vineyards. And if you're looking to round out your day with some incredible views and time by the lake, Patagonia Lake State Park is less than 40 miles away.