Sonoita Vineyards, Ltd. was our first stop. It is located in Elgin, about 50 miles from Tucson. The vineyard was established in 1983 by Dr. Gordon Dutt, who is, for all intents and purposes, the father of Arizona viticulture. They describe the soil of the area as nearly identical to that of Burgundy, France. Sonoita Vineyards have produced several award-winning wines, especially in the category of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wine-tasting is available daily at Sonoita Vineyards from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. except on holidays. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy their wines on the patio, or enjoy the view of the vineyard and the surrounding mountains from the balcony.
There was a minimal charge for wine tasting, but it was waived if you bought a bottle of wine. At Sonoita Vineyards we purchased a bottle of 1998 Pinot Noir, a Tasters Guild award winner. Cost: $29.
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