Arizona’s Sonoita AVA Wine Region

The Sonoita American Viticultural Area (AVA) is Arizona’s oldest wine region and one of the most resilient for winemaking. Located roughly 60 miles southeast of Tucson, this high-altitude area enjoys rolling hills and cooler temperatures, ideal for growing many classic varieties. More than 20 wineries call Sonoita home, and they produce some of the best wines in the state.

Proving Wine Grapes Can Grow in Sonoita

In 1970, Dr. Gordon Dutt, a soil scientist at the University of Arizona, proposed the idea of growing grapes and producing wine in southwest Arizona. The idea was first met with skepticism and even ridicule from farmers and academics who presumed the scorching heat and blazing sun would make winemaking impossible. Even wine distributors and retailers felt the pursuit was folly.

Dutt had reason to believe it was possible, however. Other parts of Arizona had succeeded in wine production when the Spanish inhabited the area more than 300 years prior, thriving until Prohibition in the 1920s. He felt the southeastern high desert land was similarly capable despite the assumptions to the contrary.

Dutt collaborated on a water conservation research project during the 1970s to prove his theory. The goal was to determine if regional crops could be watered sufficiently solely using rainfall influenced by ground contours and terraces. They planted experimental vineyards around the state, notably on the Babocomari Ranch near Sonoita.

When the findings were presented in 1980, they confirmed the viability of winemaking southeast of Tucson. It was called the Four Corners Report, and it concluded the region could produce quality vintage wines from the classic Vitus Vinifera grapes used in California and other wine production regions, comparing the conditions to Sonoma. That same year, Robert Webb opened Arizona’s first commercial winery using California-sourced grapes.

In 1981 the Arizona Wine Growers Association was established, and in 1984 Sonoita’s first bonded winery opened, producing wines using locally-grown grapes. Later that year, Sonoita achieved its AVA status.

The Geography

Santa Rita Mountains, Arizona — Santa Rita Mountains photo credit Linette Redman

The Sonoita AVA comprises an area of 319 square miles, of which 126 square miles are privately owned. State and federal entities manage the remaining land. Geographically, the AVA includes the counties of southeastern Pima, west-central Cochise, and parts of Santa Rita County.

The AVA sits in a basin that is naturally surrounded by four mountain ranges - Santa Rita, Mustang, Whetstone, and Huachuaca. Even though the area is in a basin, Sonita’s vineyards are planted at some of the highest altitudes in all of North America, ranging from 4,500 to 5,000 feet above sea level (1,400 to 1,500 meters), although a few areas exceed 7,000 feet (2,100 meters).

The primary soil composition for Sonoita is a blend of gravelly loam formed in old alluvium made from igneous and calcareous sedimentary rocks and can reach nearly 60 inches deep in places. Nearly all the soils in the AVA drain excess water well. These factors are important reasons why grape vines succeed in the intense conditions of the region.

The Climate

While the Sonoita AVA enjoys the benefits of great soil and a cooler elevation, growers in the area face the same weather-related dangers any other region experiences, although to a greater degree of unpredictability. Extreme conditions can wreak havoc with little warning. Excessive heat, lightning storms, hail, and severe winter cold are threats to be managed.

The monsoon season takes place from July to September and is responsible for providing a lot of the 20 inches of annual rainfall the region receives. Because the region enjoys soils that drain well, a sudden deluge or two doesn’t pose any real danger to the vines. If these storms also bring hail, however, the possibility of destruction goes way up.

Most of the region has a growing season temperature, which is the average temperature between April 1 and October 31, between 66°F and 70°F. Some areas at the far western and eastern borders experience slightly higher temperature averages, between 70°F and 75°F.

The Grapes of Sonoita

The wineries of the area grow many different varieties, taking advantage of the intense sunshine and cooler temperatures of the region. Cooler-climate grapes like cabernet sauvignon and merlot thrive in the longer growing season and bright sunshine, while grapes favoring cooler environments, such as pinot noir, enjoy the benefits of a higher altitude.

Less common varieties are also planted here. Wines made from viognier, petit verdot, mourvedre, and aglianico are also produced for monovarietal wines and red blends.

Wineries to Visit in Sonoita

The area’s tasting rooms are located along the rolling hills and grasslands of Highway 83, between the small towns of Elgin and Sonoita. To really get a feel for the winemaking in this unique area, however, spend some time exploring the vineyards.

I reached out to Elizabeth Krecker, a local sommelier and wine journalist with an intimate familiarity with Arizona wines. After light-heartedly admonishing me for requesting only a couple of suggestions (“YES! Thrilled to contribute! One or two wineries though? Really?”), Krecker enthusiastically provided several suggestions.

Sonoita Vineyards

“Through his work as a soil science professor, Gordon Dutt instrumented the changes in Arizona law needed to begin the rebirth of the Arizona wine industry,” she writes. Next up was starting his historic winery, Sonoita Vineyards. Now operated by his granddaughter, winemaker Lori Reynolds, and her husband, the vineyard manager Robi Reynolds. Most of the 30-acre vineyard is surrounded by stunning mountain vistas.

The grape varieties grown here include chardonnay, mission (a variety commonly grown in South America), merlot, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, pinot noir, petite sirah, and sauvignon blanc. Recently, malbec and tannat were added to the lineup.

Callaghan Vineyards

The next recommendation Kreckler makes is another Sonoita County legacy winemaker. “Just five years after Dutt started Sonoita Vineyards, Kent Callaghan and his parents started the sixth Arizona winery in modern times, Callaghan Vineyards,” she writes. A self-taught winemaker, “He dedicates virtually every moment of his life to create the highest quality wines from Arizona grapes.”

Varieties planted include petit verdot, tannat, graciano, malvasia bianca, picpoul blanc, and their award-winning 2023 petit manseng. Their vineyard is dog-friendly, and they encourage guests to bring a picnic to enjoy while sipping their excellent wines.

Twisted Union Wine Company

Krecker writes, “Started by an eclectic group of wine lovers dedicated to creating quality wines in a stunning environment, this winery opened in the midst of the pandemic. Nothing could stop them, and now Twisted Union Wine Company hosts guests at their winery and tasting room on Elgin Road.”

Wines produced here include bright and light-bodied riesling, malbec, rousanne, and chardonnay. The winery also has two AirBnB suites for guests located just above the tasting room, and next to the vineyards.

Rune Vineyard

Winemaker and owner James Callahan practices sustainable farming and minimal intervention while making wines at the only solar-powered tasting room and vineyard in Arizona - they are completely off the grid.

The tasting room at Rune Vineyard lets guests enjoy wines made from cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, grenache, mourvedre, and others in their outdoor tasting space overlooking the Huachuca Mountains and the surrounding grassy wetlands.

Deep Sky Vineyard

“Kim and Phil Asmundsen took an unusual step when they ended their vacation in Argentina - they purchased a vineyard and winery,” Krecker writes. “When they returned home to Southern Arizona, they were struck by the similarities in geology, soils, and weather right there in their own backyard in Arizona.”

The Asmundsens started Deep Sky Vineyards in Elgin, with land purchased in both Sonoita and Willcox Counties. They grow a wide range of grapes, including syrah, grenache, mourvedre, cabernet franc, and others. The indoor-outdoor tasting room and wrap-around patio let guests take in the gorgeous mountain views while sipping on their wines.