Sonoita Wineries Guide: Arizona’s Hidden Wine Gem

Planning to explore the Sonoita wineries in Arizona? You’re in for a surprise.

Tucked away in the rolling grasslands of southeastern Arizona, Sonoita and neighboring Elgin make up the state’s oldest and most charming wine region – and one of the most underrated in the U.S.

At first glance, this high-desert landscape might not scream “wine country,” but trust us, once you start sipping, you’ll get it. The combination of altitude, sunshine, and cool nights creates a unique terroir that produces bold reds, crisp whites, and some of the best bottles in the state.

After our first visit, we were instantly hooked – the Elgin and Sonoita wineries convinced us to explore every Arizona wine region, and it all started here.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways:

• Sonoita is Arizona’s first AVA, producing award-winning wines just 2.5 hours south of Phoenix.
• Most Sonoita wineries participate in the “Share a Glass” program, giving you discounts when reusing your glass from another winery.
• Expect bold reds and crisp whites from grapes like Syrah, Grenache, Tempranillo, and Viognier.
• Many tasting rooms are closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan your route in advance.
• Don’t miss Rune Wines, Twisted Union, and Callaghan Vineyards for some of the region’s best pours.

This post was originally published in February 2021, and was updated on October 30, 2025.

**Boozing Abroad contains affiliate links throughout the site. If you choose to purchase items through these links, we will earn a small commission at NO extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure policy here**

Map of Elgin and Sonoita Wineries 

Click the interactive map below!

Elgin and Sonoita Wineries

Most of the Elgin and Sonoita wineries participate in the Share a Glass Program. If you bring in a glass from another participating winery, you’ll get a reduced rate on your next tasting – a fun way to sip your way across Southern Arizona!

1. Sonoita Vineyards

• Hours:
  • Wednesday – Monday from 10 AM – 4 PM
  • Closed Tuesday
• Share a Glass Program: Yes
• Reservations: Not Required
• Food Available: No
• Good to Know: RV and camper stays available via Harvest Hosts

Opened in 1983, Sonoita Vineyard is the oldest commercial vineyard and winery in Arizona – and still one of the most beloved.

The tasting room sits high on a hill overlooking the rolling desert landscape, with sweeping views that pair perfectly with a glass in hand.

Their lineup covers everything from a dry Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc to a Zinfandel/Sangiovese blend, Syrah, and Cabernet/Merlot/Syrah blend. You’ll also find a few sweeter options, but we stuck to the bold reds and crisp whites for our tasting flight of five.

Fun fact: one of their wines was even served at the Presidential Inauguration Gala in 1989 – talk about historic!

Most of their grapes are grown right here on the estate, and everything else comes from vineyards across southeastern Arizona. Come for the wine, stay for the family vibe – this third-generation, family-run winery embodies everything that makes Sonoita special.

Pro tip: If you’re road-tripping, Sonoita Vineyards allows Harvest Hosts stays for up to three nights. It’s an unbeatable spot to park your RV under the stars. Check out more about Harvest Hosts here.

2. Deep Sky Vineyards 

• Hours:
  • Daily from 11 AM – 5 PM
• Share a Glass Program: Yes
• Reservations: Not Required
• Food Available: Light snacks
• Good to Know: Bocce court and cornhole on the patio

Deep Sky Vineyards has one of the best backstories of any winery in Sonoita. It all started after the owners took a 50th birthday trip to Argentina – and loved Mendoza so much that they bought a vineyard there. When they returned home to Arizona, they noticed how similar the regions were:

• Both sit at 33 degrees latitude (one north, one south)
• Both have large temperature swings between day and night
• Both rest in the foothills of mountain ranges
• Both thrive in high desert climates at 3,500+ feet

So, they decided to bring the best of both worlds together, and Deep Sky Vineyards was born.

Naturally, they grow Malbec, but you’ll also find a range of Rhône varietals like Viognier, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Petite Sirah.

Their back patio is one of the prettiest in the region – with a bocce court, cornhole, and wide-open vineyard views that make it hard to leave. Grab a glass, soak in the scenery, and enjoy the blend of Arizona soul and Argentinian flair.

3. Twisted Union Wine Co. 

• Hours: Daily from 11 AM – 5 PM
• Share a Glass Program: Yes
• Reservations: Not Required
• Food Available: No
• Good to Know: Two onsite suites available for overnight stays

Twisted Union Wine Co. is one of the newer additions to the Sonoita wineries lineup, but the property itself has deep roots in Arizona wine. Previously home to Kief-Joshua Vineyards, this refreshed concept brings new energy and creativity to the region.

The name Twisted Union comes from the collective of 14 grape growers, winemakers, and storytellers who make up the brand – “twisted” for their personalities and “union” for their shared love of wine. Many of the team members honed their craft at other well-known Sonoita wineries, so you’re tasting experience meets experience here.

Their vineyard, located just behind the tasting room, grows a variety of grapes including Tempranillo, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot – a few of our personal favorites.

Expect approachable wines with playful names like Berried Hits, Wood Swings, Joy Rider, and Ground Breaker.

The tasting room feels like an upscale desert beach house, with high ceilings, airy tile floors, and relaxed vibes. Out back, vineyard views stretch into the distance – the perfect spot for sipping away an afternoon.

And if you love it so much that you want to stay overnight (or you’ve indulged a little too much – no judgment here), Twisted Union offers two onsite suites with vineyard or mountain views. Don’t worry about late-night noise, either – the tasting room closes at 5 PM, long before bedtime.

4. Dos Cabezas WineWorks 

• Hours:
  • Sunday – Thursday: 11 AM – 5 PM
    Friday & Saturday: 11 AM – 7 PM
• Share a Glass Program: Yes
• Reservations: Required for groups of 10+
• Food Available: No
• Good to Know: One of Arizona’s longest-running wineries

Located right off the main road into Sonoita, Dos Cabezas WineWorks has been part of the Arizona wine scene since 1995. Originally based near the Willcox wineries, the tasting room moved to its current Sonoita location in 2006, where the team continues to produce a mix of estate-grown blends.

The winery’s philosophy centers around balance and experimentation. Most wines are blends – with the exception of their single-varietal Syrah – showcasing the versatility of Arizona-grown grapes.

You’ll find reds, whites, and rosés that express the diverse terroir of the Sonoita region. The La Montaña stood out for us – a bold 50/50 blend of Syrah and Petit Verdot that delivered great structure and smooth finish.

Tastings include six wines of your choice, so choose wisely and explore the different blend profiles. Dos Cabezas opens earlier than most (10:30 AM), making it an ideal first stop for a full day of wine tasting in Sonoita.

5. Rune Wines 

• Hours:
  • Monday – Wednesday, 11 AM – 5 PM
  • Thursday & Sunday, 11 AM – 6 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM – 8 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM – 7 PM
• Share a Glass Program: Yes
• Reservations: Not Required
• Food Available: No
• Good to Know: 100% off-grid solar-powered winery

Rune Wines isn’t just another tasting room – it’s an experience. Named after the Old English word for “a mark or letter of mysterious or magical significance,” Rune lives up to that meaning in every way.

Founded in 2013, Rune’s winemaker brings global experience to Arizona after working in wine regions across California, Walla Walla, and New Zealand. The result? A lineup that’s both experimental and deeply rooted in the local terroir.

Located on Highway 82 between mile markers 39 and 40 (yes, that’s how directions work around here), the winery sits perched on a hill with panoramic views of the desert landscape. It’s also completely off-grid, powered entirely by solar energy – the first of its kind among Sonoita wineries.

The wines are as distinctive as the setting: Counoise (Arizona’s lightest red grape, similar to Pinot Noir), Mourvèdre, Syrah, Grenache, Viognier, and Rosé all feature prominently.

Grab a tasting flight, pull up an Adirondack chair, and let the desert wind and endless horizon remind you that Arizona wine country is full of surprises.

6. Autumn Sage Vineyards 

• Hours:
  • Wednesday – Sunday: 11 AM – 5 PM
  • Monday & Tuesday: Closed
• Share a Glass Program: Yes
• Reservations: Not Required
• Food Available: Light snacks
• Good to Know: Expansive patio with mountain views

Autumn Sage Vineyards is one of the newer Sonoita wineries on the scene. Opened in 2022, this boutique, family-run winery is owned by Jeff and Debbie Arnold, who planted their first vines in 2014 and turned a dream into a full-fledged vineyard nearly a decade later.

Their tasting room sits on a scenic property surrounded by vineyards and panoramic views of the rolling Sonoita hills. Inside, the atmosphere is modern yet cozy, with reclaimed wood accents and large windows framing the landscape.

Autumn Sage specializes in small-batch wines that reflect the region’s unique climate – warm days, cool nights, and a touch of desert magic. Some of their standout pours include their Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier, and Syrah Rosé.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another round, this is a spot you’ll want to linger. Grab a glass, head to the patio, and enjoy one of the most peaceful wine settings in Sonoita.

7. Flying Leap Vineyards and Distillery 

• Hours:
  • Sunday – Friday: 12 PM – 4 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM –5 PM
• Reservations: Not Required
• Food Available: No
• Good to Know: Only Sonoita winery with multiple tasting rooms across Arizona

Flying Leap Vineyards is one of the most recognizable names among the Sonoita wineries, with multiple tasting rooms scattered across Arizona – but the Sonoita location is their flagship spot.

Their wine list covers a wide range of styles, from crisp whites to bold reds and dessert wines. A few highlights:

• Union Red Blend: A smooth and balanced combination of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot.
• Habanero Wine: A Grenache infused with fresh habanero peppers and blended with Graciano for a spicy, southwestern twist.

Tasting fees here are slightly higher than most in the area, but the experience includes a branded Flying Leap stemmed glass, and you can save a few bucks by purchasing a bottle after your tasting.

While the winery’s vineyards are in Willcox, this Sonoita location is their main tasting hub – and what really sets it apart is the Flying Leap Distillery, located just next door.

Flying Leap Distillery

Due to Arizona’s liquor laws, the distillery operates separately from the winery, but both are worth a visit. Here you can sample grape-based spirits like vodka, brandy, and grappa, along with a variety of whiskies – bourbon, rye, and single malt – all distilled onsite since 2016.

Don’t miss their lavender brandy, made using fresh lavender grown right outside the tasting room. It’s one of the most unique spirits we’ve ever tasted in Arizona.

Whether you’re a wine lover, spirit enthusiast, or both, Flying Leap delivers one of the most well-rounded tasting experiences in the Sonoita wine region.

Flying Leap Distillery

Exclusively at this location is their distillery. Due to state liquor laws, the distillery tasting room is separate from the winery tasting room.

We wanted to try the grape-based spirits (vodka, brandy, grappa) as well as many of their different types of whisky (bourbon, moonshine, rye and single malt) that they started distilling in 2016.

They were all incredibly delicious and some were very unique, like their lavender brandy, made with lavender straight out of the garden which is just outside of the tasting room.

8. Elgin Winery and Distillery 

• Days open:
  • Wednesday – Friday & Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
  • Closed Monday & Tuesday
• Share a Glass Program: Yes
• Reservations: Not Required
• Food Available: No
• Good to Know: Arizona’s second-oldest commercial winery and first licensed craft distillery

If Sonoita Vineyards holds the title of Arizona’s oldest winery, Elgin Winery proudly comes in second – and still one of the most iconic Elgin wineries in the state.

Their philosophy is refreshingly simple: “If you like it, it’s good. If you don’t, it’s not.” In other words, wine enjoyment has no rules here.

Elgin Winery produces a diverse lineup under several labels to suit every palate:

• Elgin Wines: A tribute to their origins in the 1980s, made with grapes from both the Sonoita and Willcox AVAs.
• Four Monkey Wines: Playful, Naughty, Cheeky, and Sinful – each bottle named for the personality of a family member.
• Tombstone Wines: Their old-world European-inspired label, including the top-selling Tombstone Red.

The tasting experience is relaxed and personal, emphasizing approachability and fun over formality – a refreshing contrast to the more traditional tasting rooms.

Elgin Distillery

Sharing the property is Elgin Distillery, the first licensed craft distillery in Arizona and one of the most awarded in the West.

Their bourbons, gins, and rums have earned medals at international competitions, including their standout Regalo de Vida Rum, which won Best Rum in the World twice at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition – the only American rum to ever win gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition.

Between their decorated spirits and their approachable wines, this spot is a must for anyone exploring the Elgin and Sonoita wineries. If you plan to make multiple stops in one day, start your route here with spirits and work your way back to wine. Your head will thank you the next morning.

9. Callaghan Vineyards 

• Hours:
  • Thursday – Sunday 11 AM – 4 PM
• Share a Glass Program: Yes
• Reservations: Not Required
• Food Available: No
• Good to Know: Served at the White House for three U.S. Presidents

The story of Callaghan Vineyards started with a rough beginning – quite literally under fire from Arizona’s intense summer heat.

When Kent Callaghan planted his first vines back in 1990, a record-breaking heat wave scorched the region, with Phoenix Airport closing for several days due to temperatures topping 120°F. Even though Sonoita “only” hit 105°F, the newly planted vines didn’t stand a chance.

After that initial setback, Kent regrouped and replanted grape varietals better suited to Arizona’s terroir. His focus shifted from Bordeaux-style wines to Mediterranean and Spanish varietals, which thrived in the region’s dry climate and cool nights.

Today, Callaghan Vineyards is one of the most respected names among the Sonoita wineries, producing exceptional Graciano, Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Petit Verdot wines. The latter remains a standout grape in many of his blends.

Located within a two-mile radius of seven other wineries, Callaghan has earned national recognition – including the rare honor of having his wines served at the White House four times for three different Presidents.

No matter your political leanings, we can all agree on one thing: this wine is world-class.

10. Wilhelm Family Vineyards 

• Hours:
  • Saturday -11 am – 4 pm
  • Sunday – 11 am – 4 pm
• Reservations: Not Required
• Food Available: Light snacks
• Good to Know: Family-run winery with Spanish and Rhône-style varietals

Tucked into the rolling hills near Elgin, Wilhelm Family Vineyards Wilhelm Family Vineyards feels like a slice of Spain in the Sonoran Desert. The earth-tone stucco walls, surrounded by vines and open sky, give the property an old-world charm that matches its wines perfectly.

This husband-and-wife-owned winery focuses heavily on Spanish varietals like Tempranillo, Graciano, Verdejo, Garnacha, and Albariño, all of which thrive in Arizona’s Mediterranean-like climate. They also produce French Rhône varietals such as Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

With a portfolio that spans reds, whites, rosés, sangrias, and Port-style dessert wines, there’s something here for every palate – whether you prefer bold and earthy or light and fruit-forward.

If you find yourself in Tucson, you can continue the experience at Terra Alta Bistro & Wine Bar, owned by the same family. The bistro’s menu was designed to perfectly complement their wines, bringing the full Wilhelm experience from vineyard to table.

The Wineries we missed 

While we always try to hit them all, we know that sometimes it’s nearly impossible. 

Here are the Elgin and Sonoita Wineries we missed on our visit:

• Hannah’s Hill Vineyard
• Los Milics Vineyards
• The Meading Room
• Vino Stache Winery
• Flying Kite Vineyard
• Salvatore Vineyards
• Sunset Ride Vineyards
• Four Tails Tasting Room
• Arizona Hops and Vines

About Elgin and Sonoita Wine Region

Sonoita, Arizona’s first designated American Viticultural Area (AVA), sits about 2.5 hours south of Phoenix and just an hour southeast of Tucson. While it’s one of the smaller U.S. wine regions, it has a huge impact on the state’s growing reputation for premium wines.

The history of winemaking here stretches back to the 16th century when Spanish settlers planted the first vines. Fast-forward to today, and the Sonoita wineries have become a major player in Arizona’s wine scene.

This success didn’t come easily. For decades, growing grapes for wine was illegal in Arizona (from 1915 until the early 1980s). Combine that with the region’s hot, arid climate and high-elevation challenges, and it’s easy to see why this community of winemakers is so passionate about what they do.

Despite the odds, these wineries have turned the desert into fertile ground for award-winning wines – proving that with the right mix of grit, soil, and sunshine, anything is possible.

FAQ: Planning a Visit to the Sonoita Wineries

How many wineries are in Elgin and Sonoita, Arizona?

There are over 15 wineries in the Sonoita-Elgin region, all within a short drive of each other, making it one of the easiest wine regions in Arizona to explore.

What is the Sonoita AVA known for?

Sonoita’s high elevation (around 4,500–5,000 feet) gives it cool nights and a long growing season, ideal for Spanish and Rhône varietals like Tempranillo, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Viognier. The wines here often balance bold fruit with bright acidity.

Can you walk between wineries in Sonoita?

Not really – most wineries are spread several miles apart. It’s best to plan a driving route or join a guided wine tour to safely enjoy multiple tastings in one day.

How far is Sonoita from Phoenix or Tucson?

Sonoita is about 2.5 hours south of Phoenix and 1 hour southeast of Tucson, making it a great weekend getaway or day trip from either city.

Tours and Transportation Options

If you’d rather sip without worrying about driving, a few great options are available through Viator:

1. From Bisbee: Half-Day Arizona Wine Country Tasting Tour
   • Ideal for travelers staying south in Bisbee, this tour includes stops at three local wineries.
     • Check out current prices and availability on Viator
2. From Phoenix: Southern Arizona Private Wine Tour South of Tucson
   • A premium experience with pickup from Phoenix, visits to three wineries, and lunch included. Keep in mind, it’s roughly a 2.5 hour, one-way trip to Elgin from the Phoenix area.
     • Check out current prices and availability on Viator

Where to Stay to visit the Elgin and Sonoita Wineries

The region’s remote charm means accommodations are limited, so plan ahead.

The closest town is Sierra Vista, which is roughly a 30+ minute drive to get to the main cluster of wineries. BUT, it’s totally worth it since the wine and views are spectacular.

Closest Options (Elgin / Sonoita)

• Rancho Milagro Bed & Breakfast – Rustic charm with beautiful mountain views.
• Elgin Home with Mountain Views about 3 Miles to Wineries! – Great for small groups or couples.
• Walk to Wineries Elgin Wine Country Retreat! – Quiet and scenic stay

>> See all options in the area on booking.com here.

Nearby in Sierra Vista (30 minutes away)

If you’d rather stay in a larger town with more amenities, Sierra Vista is your best bet.

• Best Western
• Comfort Inn
• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Sierra Vista

Booking.com usually has the widest range of options and flexible cancellation policies, which is why we use it personally for all our travel stays.

Final Sips: Sonoita Wineries

The Sonoita wineries may be off the beaten path, but they’re producing some of the most exciting wines in the Southwest. Between bold reds, crisp whites, and small-batch blends, this high-desert AVA is where Arizona’s wine story truly began.

From long-standing pioneers like Sonoita Vineyards and Callaghan to newcomers like Autumn Sage and Twisted Union, every tasting room offers something unique — and every pour tells the story of persistence, passion, and Arizona sunshine in a glass.

Whether you’re making it a weekend trip or a day-long adventure, one thing’s for sure: you’ll leave planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your last sip.