Southern Arizona Is Home Excellent Vineyards

re countless reasons that homes, land and realSyrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay,
estate in Tucson, including the outlying foothills,Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Mission and Merlot.
are so highly sought after by many individuals,Meanwhile, not too far away in Sonoita, Callaghan
couples and families of all ages. Along withVineyards was designated as one of
outstanding real estate values, there’sArizona’s “Treasures” by
plenty to see and do. What do we mean?then-Governor Janet Napolitano in 2006. Callaghan
Well, in addition to great schools, a wealth ofVineyards was founded in 1990 and has been
cultural opportunities, gorgeous golf courses,honored by having its wine served at the White
year-round perfect weather and more, there areHouse three separate times. Rancho Rossa
also a number of fabulous wineries all within aVineyards is home to one of the largest
pleasant day-trip of Tucson, Marana, the Orofamily-owned wineries in the area, with the
Valley and the Catalina Foothills. Specifically,vineyard’s first vines being planted in 2002
experts say the climate and soil conditions in theand the first wines made in 2004. Located six
southern Arizona towns of Elgin, Sonoita and themiles southeast of Sonoita, Rancho Rossa
Willcox area are ideal for growing grapes thanksspecializes in ultra-premium dry varietal bottlings
to high elevations, warm days and cool nights.and is currently producing about 1,200 cases of
Once you’ve purchased a home or realwine each year from the vineyard’s 22
estate in the area, why not see for yourself?acres.
Here’s just a sampling of some of theOther wineries nestled along what is now known
many vineyards in southern Arizona:as “Winery Row” include Kief-Joshua
Opened in 1983, Sonoita Vineyards is located inVineyards, a 20-acre site with magnificent views
Elgin, about an hour’s drive from Tucson.of the surrounding mountain ranges. Kief-Joshua is
Perched at an elevation of approximately 5,000known for its crisp, fruity wines, while Wilhelm
feet above sea level, Sonoita Vineyards is theFamily Vineyards produces Zinfandels, Roses and
oldest commercial vineyard in the region, and nowmore. Travel a little farther to Willcox for a visit
grows over 40 acres of vines. They’reand tasting at Coronado Vineyards where a group
known for consistently creating award-winningof partners opened this beautiful vineyard in 2006.
wines, including a Cabernet Sauvignon chosen byCoronado Vineyards produces wines ranging from
national wine critics to serve at a Presidentiala dry red wine to a sweet white table wine, and
Inauguration Gala. Varieties grown on theall are created from Arizona-grown wine grapes.
vineyard’s expansive real estate include