Dr. Gordon Dutt, founder of Sonoita Vineyards, is a retired soil scientist from the University of Arizona. As part of a research project back in 1973, he established an experimental vineyard on the red, acidic clay of the Babacomari Ranch in Southern Arizona. The success of that vineyard and the quality of the wines from those grapes led to the planting of a commercial vineyard in 1979, the first in the Sonoita-Elgin area. Sonoita Vineyards Winery opened in 1983 with a first-vintage production of 300 gallons.
Today Winemaker Lori Reynolds, Dr. Dutt’s Granddaughter, and Vineyard Manager Robi Reynolds, are producing nearly 4000 cases per year from 12 different grape varieties including Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Sangiovese, Malbec, Mission and Cabernet Sauvignon. Over 90% of this production is sold through a beautiful and spacious tasting room, gift shop and special events facility with picturesque views of hillside vineyards, rolling grasslands and scenic mountain ranges. This facility is open daily (except major holidays) from 10AM to 4PM. Sonoita Vineyards is located 3 miles south of Elgin at 290 Elgin-Canelo Road, 85611. Visit www.sonoitavineyards.com or call 520-455-5893.
Sonoita Vineyards sits on a hilltop in the rolling grasslands of southern Arizona at an elevation of 5000 ft. The winery produces a full range of premium wines from crisp and fruity to bold and complex. Sonoita Vineyards is nestled in the middle of the Sonoita AVA (started in 1984) and produces high quality wines that expresses our unique terrior.
Sonoita Vineyards’ three annual festivals feature wine tasting and souvenir glass, winery tours, vineyard tours, wine and specialty food pairings, and food prepared by local restaurants. Our 39th Annual Blessing of Sonoita Vineyards takes place April 1st, 2017 and will celebrate 39 years of growing and producing with the blessing of the vineyard at noon. Our HARVESTFEST takes place July 29th 2017 celebrating this year’s harvest with grape stomping competitions starting at 1pm. Our St. Martin’s Sonoita AVA New Release Festival takes place Saturday, November 11th 2017 and celebrates the St. Martin’s Feast Day, honoring the “Patron Saint of Vintners and Winegrowers.” This festival will include many of the Sonoita AVA Wineries.
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- Sonoita Vineyards - Elgin (0.0 miles) - Dr. Gordon Dutt, founder of Sonoita Vineyards, is a retired soil scientist from the University of Ar...
