Celebrating Arizona Wine Month from the Saddle
I’ve noticed a wonderful trend lately: my calendar is filling up with spring festivals, and almost all of them seem to involve wine. At first, I thought it was just a clever way to attract a crowd to our local events, but then I spotted an advertisement that cleared things up. Did you know that March is officially Arizona Wine Month?
As a long-time resident, I was well-acquainted with the beautiful vineyards of Sonoita, but I was surprised to learn that Arizona actually boasts three distinct designated wine regions. With over 130 wineries across the state producing a diverse array of labels, our local wine scene is much more robust than many realize.
High Altitudes and Bold Flavors
What makes Arizona wine so unique? It mostly comes down to the elevation. Many of our vineyards sit between 3,500 and 5,500 feet above sea level. This altitude provides the perfect recipe for flavorful grapes: warm, sunny days followed by crisp, cool nights. These dramatic temperature fluctuations allow the grapes to ripen beautifully while retaining a fresh acidity.
The soil plays a starring role as well. Our vines dig deep into a complex mixture of volcanic rock, limestone, and sand, resulting in wines that truly taste like the high desert. Arizona specializes in Mediterranean varietals—think Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre. Personally, I’ve always been partial to a bold Syrah!
Exploring Arizona’s AVA Regions
If you’re looking to toast to Arizona Wine Month, here is a quick guide to our three American Viticultural Areas (AVAs):
- Sonoita-Elgin: Established in 1985 as Arizona’s first designated wine region, this area sits about an hour south of Tucson at 5,000 feet. It’s a stunning place to spend an afternoon.
- Willcox: Located in Southeastern Arizona, this region is the powerhouse of the state, producing a staggering 74% of Arizona’s wine grapes. It’s the go-to spot for bold Rhône-style blends and Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Verde Valley: Tucked away in central-northern Arizona near Sedona and Cottonwood, this region is famous for its basalt and limestone soils. Here, you’ll find exquisite whites like Malvasia Bianca and “earthy” reds like Zinfandel.
Sips and Saddles
I’ve spent many happy hours enjoying tasting tours in Sonoita, but some of my favorite memories of that countryside involve seeing it from the back of a horse. There is nothing quite like riding through those rolling grasslands. One of these days, I’d love to combine my two passions and try a formal wine-tasting horseback ride!
Whether you prefer a crisp white or a heavy red, I encourage you to seek out a local bottle this month. Supporting our local vintners is a delicious way to celebrate the spirit of Arizona.
Planning your own Arizona adventure? March is the perfect time for festivals! Check out my Events Page to see which local markets and book festivals I’ll be attending this month—I’d love to sign a book for you while you’re out enjoying the spring weather.
