All across the world Arizona is known for the Grand Canyon, saguaro cactus, great winter weather, retirement communities, deserts, golf, and… wine?  Yep!  Arizona produces wine!  Don’t you just love that?  Next time you leave your cold weather for the Valley of the Sun, you can tell your friends you are spending the winter in wine country.  You may be asking yourself if I have been partaking of that particular beverage.  Not until the article is over!  The powers that be (wife) would not appreciate it.  So, you have decided to buy your winter home in Arizona.  What do you do while you are here?  Let’s go on a wine tour!  First, a little history lesson…

Way back in the 1700′s (cue historical music) the Spanish missionaries were planting wine in Arizona and New Mexico.  Those friars knew how to party.  And, that’s the history lesson!  Wine grapes were not really grown in significant quantities in Arizona from that time until the early 1970′s.  At that time people started planting vineyards, for the express purpose of growing wine, in Sonoita, AZ on the southeastern border of the state.  What started as a small cottage industry has blossomed in the past 20 years into a bona fide business.

What most people don’t know about Arizona is that certain popular grape varieties grow very well in this state, among them are Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Sangiovese.  The main reason is the climate where these grapes are grown.  Most of the wine-producing areas of Arizona range from 4,200 to 5,600 feet in elevation.  And, because of our warm days and cool nights at those elevations, the grapes love it!

Arizona wines have been enjoyed by many people in many places around the world including the White House (twice) and James Beard House.  Maynard James Keenan (from the band Tool) created his own label Caduceus while enjoying a glass of wine on his patio in northern Arizona.

There are so many things to do while enjoying your winter home in Arizona.  This will just add to the list, and give you something to tell your friends about when you are done enjoying the warm weather.  For more great information on the wineries in Arizona there are two sites I would recommend.  Arizonawine.org is the Arizona Wine Growers Association website.  The other would be Arizona Vines and Wines.  They both have information about tours, tastings, orders and history.

This winter, get out there and enjoy the other side of Arizona!