Need a peaceful wine country getaway in Southern Arizona? Head to Elgin! Sip award-winning wines, tour picturesque vineyards, and enjoy sweeping views of the Sonoita grasslands. Whether you're into rustic charm, cowboy culture, or laid-back tastings, Elgin is a hidden gem in the high desert.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Elgin is in the spring and fall (March–May and September–November). These seasons offer mild weather perfect for wine tasting, scenic drives, and attending local festivals.

How to Get There

  • If you are traveling by car: Elgin is located off Highway 83, about 1 hour southeast of Tucson and 3 hours from Phoenix.
  • By Air: Fly into Tucson International Airport and rent a car for a scenic drive to Elgin.
  • By Bus or Train: Public transportation options are limited, so driving is the best way to reach Elgin.

Where to Stay

  • The Vineyard Bed & Breakfast – Stay among the vines with cozy rooms and warm hospitality.
  • Dos Cabezas WineWorks Guesthouse – Rustic yet refined accommodations connected to a boutique winery.
  • Rancho Milagro Bed & Breakfast – Western-style lodging with stunning views and horseback riding options nearby.

Vineyards and Wineries

Sip Bold Blends at Twisted Union Wine Company

Sip Bold Blends at Twisted Union Wine Company

© 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

Taste Award-Winning Wines at Callaghan Vineyards

Taste Award-Winning Wines at Callaghan Vineyards

© 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

Experience Italian-Inspired Vintages at Lightning Ridge Cellars

Experience Italian-Inspired Vintages at Lightning Ridge Cellars

© Courtesy of JackF - Fotolia.com

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

Ideas For a Date:

Explore Spirits and Wines at Flying Leap Vineyards & Distillery

Explore Spirits and Wines at Flying Leap Vineyards & Distillery

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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

Visit Arizona's Oldest Commercial Winery at Sonoita Vineyards

Visit Arizona's Oldest Commercial Winery at Sonoita Vineyards

© 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

Sample Local Varietals at The Village of Elgin Winery

Sample Local Varietals at The Village of Elgin Winery

© 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

Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:

  • Arizona Wine Country – Taste wines at Sonoita-Elgin AVA’s many family-owned vineyards and tasting rooms.
  • Wilhelm Family Vineyards – Sample Spanish varietals and relax in a scenic patio setting.
  • Hops and Vines – A quirky, fun tasting room offering both craft beer and wine.
  • Empire Ranch – Explore this historic working cattle ranch and filming site in nearby Sonoita.

Where to Eat

  • The Café – Farm-to-table meals made with local ingredients, in nearby Sonoita.
  • Canelo Cowboy Café – Grab hearty breakfasts and burgers with Western flair.
  • Pronghorn Pizza – Mobile wood-fired pizza often set up at local wineries on weekends.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Southeast Arizona Wine Growers Festival (April) – Celebrate regional wines with tastings, music, and food.
  • HarvestFest at Sonoita Vineyards (July) – Annual grape-stomping and wine celebration.
  • St. Martin’s New Release Festival (November) – Sample newly released wines in celebration of the season.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Elgin, Arizona:

  • Sonoita (10–15 min) – Visit more tasting rooms, explore art galleries, or horseback ride through scenic grasslands.
  • Patagonia (20–25 min) – Birdwatch at the nature preserve, stroll local shops, or enjoy small-town cafés.
  • Coronado National Forest (25–30 min) – Hike forested trails and catch panoramic views of the Arizona borderlands.
  • Las Cienegas National Conservation Area (20 min) – Discover open-range beauty, wildlife viewing, and photo ops.
  • Tombstone (30 min) – Step back in time with Wild West reenactments and saloons in this historic town.

FAQ:

  • 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.

At a Glance:


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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