- Q: What is the area surrounding Elgin, Arizona known as?
- A: The area surrounding Elgin, Arizona, is often referred to as the Mountain Empire, with the Santa Rita Mountains in the west, the Patagonia Mountains to the southwest, the Whetstone Mountains in the east, and the Hauchuca Mountains in the southeast.
- Q: What can be found between the mountain ranges near Elgin?
- A: Between the mountain ranges lie rolling hills and several different vineyards.
- Q: Why are Elgin's wineries a good day trip destination from Tucson?
- A: The wineries of Elgin are located around an hour away from Tucson, making them a great day trip destination during a visit to the city.
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1. Twisted Union Wine Company
Located in the heart of the Sonoita-Elgin “winery row,” Twisted Union Wine Company offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and vineyards, and an ideal setting for tasting amazing wines that celebrate the West’s unique terroirs. The estate house is an ode to Mediterranean architecture featuring a warm and inviting tasting room, a spacious covered patio overlooking the vineyard, and two newly-remodeled guest suites. The Tasting Room is open for public and private tastings and tours for a small fee.
370 Elgin Rd, Elgin, AZ 85611, Phone: 520-455-5582
2. Callaghan Vineyards
Callaghan Vineyards first began in the year 1990, established from a love of the wines of Europe. The vineyard is completely committed to the growth and production of the finest wines possible in the Sonoita area of Arizona. Kent Callaghan planted the vineyard’s original vines along with his father. Kent has tended to the vines himself and made each wine every since the beginning of the vineyards. Guests are welcome to come and visit Callaghan Vineyards and try some of the wines it produces at the winery, as well as learn more about the vineyard and the winemaking process.
336 Elgin Rd, Elgin, AZ 85611, Phone: 520-455-5322
3. Lightning Ridge Cellars
Lightning Ridge Cellars is a family owned and operated winery that started in the year 2005. The small winery is representative of years of work from the ground up, and proudly produces wines that are based on an Italian heritage. The estate wines at Lightning Ridge are produced using classic Italian varietals, such as Muscat Canelli, Malvasia, Primitivo, Montepulciano, Nebbiolo, and Sangiovese. Wine tastings includes a sample of several wines and a custom-etched glass. Visitors receive a discount for brining a wine glass from another winery to use for the tasting. Tastings are offered on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
2368 Hwy 83, Elgin, AZ 85611, Phone: 520-455-5383
4. Flying Leap Vineyards
Flying Leap Vineyards is situated in the heart of the wine country of Arizona, in the Sonoita American Viticulture Area near Tucson. The humble winery and tasting room are located amongst a meticulously maintained and beautiful vineyard estate with expansive views of the vines and nearby mountains. The winery offers a great place for any wine lover looking for a relaxed, quality experience in wine tasting in a scenic, quaint, and low-density setting. The tasting bar in the winery is made out of Arizona mesquite, and the atmosphere is filled with the smell of wine and oak.
342 Elgin Rd, Elgin, AZ 85611, Phone: 520-455-5499
5. Sonoita Vineyards
Sonoita Vineyards is the state of Arizona’s oldest commercial winery and vineyard. Established back in 1974 and first opening to the public in 1983, the vineyard now boasts more than thirty acres of different vines. Several varietals of grapes are grown on the hillside vineyard, including Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Mission, and Chardonnay. Sonoita Vineyards consistently produces award-winning wines with the help of the region’s unique growing conditions. Wines created by Sonoita Vineyards are hand bottled, capped, and labeled in small batches, numbering less than two thousand bottles per vintage.
290 Elgin-Canelo Rd, Elgin, AZ 85611, Phone: 520-455-5893
6. The Village of Elgin Winery
The Village of Elgin Winery is the Sonoita AVA region’s largest wine producer. The winery is a family-owned small winery that still makes wine in the more traditional way. The wines produced at the Village of Elgin are classically styled, then aged in some of the finest European wood. Wines made here are reflective of the Arizona terrior’s subtle grace, with a variety produced to please the tastes of all customers, and aged in Stainless Steel, Italian Chestnut, Hungarian Oak, and French Oak. The traditional manner of producing the wines involves hand harvesting, hand sorting, and foot stomping red grapes.
471 Elgin Road, Elgin, AZ 85611, Phone: 520-455-9309
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Top Activities
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and perfect for wine tasting.
Rancho Milagro Bed & Breakfast – A charming and peaceful stay in wine country.
Tour Sonoita-Elgin Wine Trail – Visit top wineries and vineyards.
Summer (June-August) – Warm but great for scenic drives and stargazing.
Spirit Tree Inn B&B – A rustic and relaxing retreat.
Visit Coronado National Forest – Enjoy scenic hikes and wildlife viewing.
Fall (September-November) – Beautiful vineyard landscapes and harvest season.
The Last Territory Inn – A cozy southwestern-style stay.
Attend the Sonoita AVA New Release Festival – Celebrate local winemaking.
Winter (December-February) – Cool temperatures and fewer crowds.
Elgin Winery Guest House – Stay in a unique winery setting.
Explore historic ghost towns nearby – Visit the old mining town of Patagonia.
Plan Your Trip
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