If you are doing a tour of the Grand Canyon State, you need to put Sonoita, Arizona on the top of your list of places to visit. I will show you where the wineries are, what the weather is like and give you a list of restaurants, hotels and fun things to do with a bit of history of this amazing little town.
If you mention the very name to anyone who has visited here before, the first thing you’ll get from them is a big smile and an exclamation of, “It’s so beautiful there!”.
It’s true, Sonoita, Arizona is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places you can have the privilege of visiting. Visitors here describe it as “True Arizona”.
One of the reasons why this place is so popular among people is the beautiful landscape with it’s rolling hills of grassland flowing with the wind that is surrounded by the Huachuca, Whetstone and Santa Rita Mountain ranges.
Oh, and let’s not forget the wine, there’s lots of wine here. Sonoita is the original wine country of Arizona!
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Location And Directions to Sonoita, Arizona
Sonoita is located in the northern part of Santa Cruz County in Arizona. It is a small town of about 11 square miles at the intersection of AZ State Highway 83 and 82.
It’s pretty easy and straight forward to get here . If you’re coming from Tucson, Arizona, go east on I-10 until you hit the Sonoita/Patagonia Exit 281 (State Hwy 83) then go south. Keep following the road until you hit the town of Sonoita.
You’ll find it a lovely and scenic drive as you climb in elevation and the landscape changes. This drive is very popular among motorcyclist so please be careful as the road is a winding one with only one lane for each direction.
This is primarily ranch land where ranchers raise cattle. You’ll see a big welcome sign that has horses on it. It’ll give you a feeling that you’re in the Old West!
Once you hit the town of Sonoita, you’ll be at a crossroads and you can either go straight through the intersection to keep going on Hwy 83 towards Parker Canyon lake, or you can go left on Hwy 82 that leads to Huachuca City, or go right to head to the town of Patagonia.
Personally, driving to Sonoita is a destressor for me. I live in Tucson but Sonoita is my escape. I own a small parcel of land here of about five acres and converted a shed into a what we call the Love Shack. You can read about my She-Shed here.
UPDATE: THE LOVE SHACK AND THE 5 ACRES OF PROPERTY IT SITS ON IS FOR SALE. FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO MY POST LAND FOR SALE IN SONOITA ARIZONA
THE PEOPLE OF SONOITA AND ELGIN
I have to mention here that the people of the Sonoita and Elgin are good people. I have not met anyone who wouldn’t lend you a helping hand or give you a smile. When I first started working on my property out there, people from the neighborhood would stop by and introduce themselves. Kathy, the lady down the street even offered me to take a shower at her house since she knew I didn’t have bathroom facilities!
My neighbors, Hilde and Ron, even called me when we were expecting a hard freeze to ask if I could give them permission to drain my water pressure tanks so they wouldn’t be damaged. I didn’t even think about that! It’s what I’m saying, they are just good, awesome people.
Furthermore, This post wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the help of business owners providing me with pictures and information to make this happen. Thank you all so much!
Sonoita, Arizona Weather
The weather conditions in Sonoita are mostly pleasant throughout the year. With an elevation of about 5,000 feet above sea level, it is cooler than the surrounding cities like Tucson, which is only a 45 minute drive away. One thing you’ll notice here is that there is always a breeze blowing, and at times can get pretty windy.
It’s not scorching out here like you would expect for the summers in Arizona. The average temperature is in the upper 80’s for the highs and the temperature dips in the evenings to the mid 50’s, making life a little more comfortable for everyone. And, with the cool breeze and low humidity, you will not be able to feel the heat too much. Like they say in Arizona, “It’s a dry heat!”
Image courtesy of Steak Out Restaurant & Saloon
November marks the advent of winters when the minimum temperature can go down to the 30’s. January and December are the coldest months of the year where rarely the minimum temperature can go down below freezing. But really, it’s nothing compared to the colder states in the North.
Overall, the weather is quite comfortable throughout the year. Sonoita has pleasant weather from March till October and November when the highest temperature makes for a pleasant outing to go on the wine tasting trails or attend events at the Rodeo grounds. This place is definitely unique to visit if you are looking to spend some peaceful time alone with your family, friends or sweetheart.
Sonoita Wine History
It may come as a surprise to you that Sonoita, Arizona is a Pandora’s Box for some of the best wines in the world. In fact, it is the first area in Arizona to be designated an American Viticultural Area (AVA) by the ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms) back in 1984 and it’s wines world renowned.
This is how it all started: Back in 1973, Dr. Gordon Dutt, a soil scientist who graduated from the University of California at Davis, got his first job at the University of Arizona. He was shocked to find out that there were no vineyards in Arizona. Not too long later, he was approached by a horticulturist to start an experiment growing table grapes.
Now here’s the interesting part, the horticulturist told Dr. Dutt that the reason why wine grapes weren’t grown in Arizona is because the climate was not sufficient to grow sweet grapes. The Californians were trying to convince the world that the most important element for sweet wine grapes was climate. Now mind you, Dr. Dutt, being a soil scientist, knew this was hogwash! Dr. Dutt knew that soil and climate work together to make the grape!
So together they started vineyards in Yuma and Sonoita, Arizona. In Yuma they grew table grapes, while in Sonoita, they grew wine grapes. At the beginning of this experiment, Dr. Dutt’s expectations were not too high as he expected the heat of the Arizona sun to affect the grapes negatively. But, much to his surprise, the grapes produced were excellent in color and acidity that made for excellent wine.
He tested the soil and found out it to be very similar to the soil in Cote D`Or in Burgundy, France! Thus the birth of Sonoita Vineyards, the original vineyard and winery in Sonoita, Arizona.
Image courtesy of Arizona Hops and Vine
Today, there are numerous vineyards that dot the landscape and are producing high quality wines that are receiving many awards the world over.
Now grab your friends and family and let’s go taste some wine!
Sonoita / Elgin Wineries And Breweries
When you first arrive in Sonoita and see the sign that says, “Entering Wine Country”, you’re probably expecting to see vineyards galore instead of high brown grass. Well let me assure you, there are plenty of vineyards here that are intertwined with rugged grazing land.
There are at least 14 wineries, 3 breweries and 2 distilleries scattered about Sonoita and Elgin Arizona. Sonoita and Elgin are sister wine producing towns that blend in together and comprise the Sonoita and Elgin Wine Trail.
There are also residential vineyards that consist of about 2 acres or a little more and are primarily hobby vineyards that supply the wineries with Arizona grapes.
Wine Tasting Tips
Before we go on the Sonoita Wine Trail here are some tips to employ for the best experience.
- Eat before you go. Having some food in your stomach will help you to be able to drink a lot of wine without getting drunk too fast.
- Bring a designated driver. Though you only get a tiny amount for each taste, it all adds up and you can get pretty tipsy by the time you make your rounds.
- Don’t chew gum and try to refrain from smoking. These can definitely alter your taste buds and affect your taste experience.
- Go from dry to sweet. I like sweeter wines but I always start with the non-sweet dry wines. If you start with the sweeter wines your taste buds will be ruined to truly appreciate the less sweet ones. Most wineries know this and will start you off the right way.
- You don’t have to drink it all. It’s okay to not drink all that’s in your glass and spit it out or dump it. It’s a good way to stay sober as you have many vineyards to visit.
- Drink plenty of water. It’s important to stay hydrated, remember, we are still in Arizona where you you can get dehydrated pretty quickly especially if you’re drinking alcohol.
- Bring a cooler. It’s important to keep the bottles of wine you’re going to purchase at a cool temperature. It can get very warm in Arizona and wine out in the heat can spoil pretty quickly. Muy no bueno!
- Share your wine. There’s usually a limit to how many wines you can sample. Plan with a friend to try different wines then taste each others samples.
- Save your glass. Keep the glass you are given from your first wine tasting stop and bring it in with you to other places. Most will give you a discount as they don’t have to provide you a new glass.
- Check Groupon. Many times Groupon has discounted offers for wine tasting in Sonoita. You can save big!
Now let’s get started!
CHARRON VINEYARDS AND WINERY
18585 South Sonoita Highway
Vail, Arizona
(520) 762-8585
Tasting Room Hours: Thursday to Sunday 10 am to 6 pm
Charron Vineyards and Winery isn’t in Sonoita but it’s en route if you’re coming from Interstate 10. At mile marker 53 on AZ HWY 83, there’s a sign signalling that Charron Vineyards is coming up. This signals to me that I better start slowing down as the road starts to get curvy.
About half a mile, on the left, is the unpaved, bumpy road that leads to the winery. It may seem daunting at first, especially if you have an small economical car like I do, but just avoid the pits on the road and you’ll be fine. The reward at the end is worth it and you don’t want to miss this one.
The best way to show you Charron Vineyards is through a youtube video:
My favorite part about Charron Vineyards is their patio area, overlooking the vineyard. You can sit with your friends while enjoying a glass of Merlot and share a picnic basket prepared by them that you can purchase.
Wine tasting at Charron with my friends.
ARIZONA HOPS AND VINE
Tasting Room Hours: Thursday & Sunday 10 Am to 4 PM, Friday & Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM
Arizona Hops and Vines is a woman owned and operated family vineyard run by two sisters. They take the casual side to the wine industry and brings a laid back friendly environment welcome to everyone.
Each year, they run numerous quirky events that invite something new to the area, like racing drag queens, topless male firefighters serving chocolate, and odd wine pairings like cupcakes or your child’s Halloween candy.
They have Weiner Dog Races!
Come in and enjoy their artsy patio, tell some stories, and explore the wonders of a winery that has free Cheese puffs.
For more information please call Shannon Zouzoulas, at (301) 237-6556 or email shannon@azhopsandvines.com
I love the vibe at Arizona Hops and Vine and have attended a few of their events. My favorite wine they have is their Moscato, called The Fluffer. Our favorite thing to do there is to sit under one of their ramadas and drink a few bottles of wine with friends.
COPPER BROTHEL BREWERY
3112 Highway 83
Sonoita, Arizona 85637
(520) 405-6721
Hours: Daily 11 AM to 9 PM Friday & Saturday 11 AM to 11 PM
This brewpub opened its doors last March and is a family owned and operated brewery which combines craft beer and made-from-scratch pub-fare in the heart of Southern Arizona’s wine country. You can find Copper Brothel Brewery one block southeast of the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds.
The 5,000 square foot, metal structure was built from the ground up, and includes handmade tables and a large patio that overlooks scenic views of the Whetstone, Santa Rita, and Mustang mountain ranges. Behind the copper bar you’ll find a large liquor selection and 20 taps; nine of which are brewed in house by brewmaster/owner, Samantha. The other 11 taps belong to other independent craft breweries, most of which are local to Arizona.
The brewery prides itself on serving a variety of brews that cater to a variety of palates. Flagship beers include a wheat, pale ale, red kölsch, and New England IPA. Copper Brothel’s winter seasonal offerings include a pumpkin pecan porter, Mexican chile chocolate stout, and vanilla porter.
Each brew is named after a woman and embodies her physical features and characteristics (this is a ‘brothel’ after all). New beer releases are celebrated with live music, food specials, and the unveiling of the brothel’s newest girl, which are showcased on the walls and created by employee and local artist, Monahsetah Blake.
For more about Copper Brothel Brewery, scroll down to Sonoita Restaurants to see what’s cooking!
RANCHO ROSSA VINEYARDS & RESCUED HEARTS CELLARS
201 Cattle Ranch Lane
Elgin, AZ 85611
(520) 455-0700
Tasting Room Hours: Friday Through Sunday 10:30 to 3:30
Rancho Rossa Vineyards & Rescue Hearts Cellars are Arizona’s 100% Estate Winery, which means, they only use the grapes grown on their 24 acre vineyard for the wine they make and sell. They have different varieties to choose from so be sure to visit them on your wine tasting journey.
Here’s the thing I love about Rancho Rossa Vineyards, they love animals. Thus the “Rescued Hearts Cellars” added to their name.
When I reached out to them to see if they want to add anything, this is what Breanna Hamilton (owner) had to say:
“We are a bit unique in that we have recently started a nonprofit brand, Rescued Hearts Cellars, RanchoRossa.com/rescuedheartscellars . We are filing for non-profit status in the next couple of weeks; I’m really excited about it!
We lost our sweet 4 month old puppy, George Bailey to kidney failure just about a year ago. We were devastated. It didn’t take long to start Rescued Hearts Cellars in his honor. We use this brand to raise money for local animal rescues. We donate 100% of the profit for any wine or merchandise with this logo.
We also do a ‘pawsome’ monthly event called Support a Rescue. It’s the first full week of every month. We support a different rescue each month. They come out for Support a Rescue Saturday and bring animals for people to love while they wine taste. Then, we donate 100% of the profit from ALL of our wine sales for the whole week to them! We encourage people to check out the rescues we are supporting. We are booked until the end of the year! They can find the info here: RanchoRossa.com/SAR”
How awesome is that?!?
I don’t even have to talk about the benefit to you because I’m sure you’re an animal lover yourself, but they make the deal even sweeter by giving you a complementary tasting for two if you donate just $10. Or, if you bring in something from any of their featured animal society wish list, they will give you one complimentary tasting.
Please visit their website (link above) to see who they supporting this month!
CALLAGHAN VINEYARDS
(520) 455-5322
336 Elgin Road
Elgin, Arizona 85611
Tasting Room Hours: Thursday Through Sunday 11 AM to 4 PM
Callaghan Vineyards had a rough start back in 1990 when they planted their first vines because of an unprecedented heat wave that struck Arizona that summer, causing them to lose thousands of new vines. Not to be defeated by their loss, instead, they used it as a learning experience.
Today, Callaghan Vineyards produce wines that have received many awards and accolades from wine writers over the world and have served their wine four times at the White House! Here is one such write up that talks about Arizona Wine that includes Callaghan Vineyards.
People visiting their tasting room have really great things to say, so be sure to stop by and try their Whites, Rose` and Reds varietals as I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!
HANNAH’S HILL VINEYARD
3989 AZ-82
Elgin, Arizona 85611
(520) 456-9000
Tasting Room Hours: Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM & Sunday 10 AM to 4:30 PM
Hannah’s Hill Vineyards has been making wine for 10 years now and practices sustainability. This means they use organic or low toxicity herbicides, fertilizers and pesticides to keep from harming vegetation and wildlife in the area.
They allow small animals like rabbits and quail along with other small animals to roam their vineyard and only try to keep big animals such as deer and javalina’s outside the fence so as to keep them from destroying the fruit and vines.
Be sure to see them and let them pour you a glass of their Arizona Granache or Petit Verdot, among many other wines to sample!
COPPER HOP RANCH & MICROBREWERY
5 Fairview Lane
Elgin, Arizona 85611
(520) 455-4673
Tasting Room Hours: Friday & Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM
You can enjoy the beautiful sunsets while you sample their beers and ciders made from ingredients grown on their farm. They also do Hop Yard Tours.
KIEF-JOSHUA VINEYARDS
370 Elgin Rd
Elgin, Arizona 85611
(520) 455-5582
Tasting Room Hours: Daily 11 AM to 5 PM
Kief-Joshua Vineyards has a beautiful Italian Gothic style winery tasting room. Just from the outside, you cannot miss it while travelling on Elgin road. Stop by and you’ll be greeted by Dizzie Gillespie, their wine blog dog. Update: I’m sad to say that apparently Dizzie Gillespie has passed on some time ago.
They specialize in hand crafting dry, full-bodied wines using barrel aging methods. They also practice sustainable farming techniques where they do not use any herbicides and pesticides. They use animals like sheep to keep the vineyard weed free and also they encourage bluebirds found in Mexico, to repopulate by providing them bird houses. In turn these birds will eat the bad bugs but leave the grapes untouched.
The wines they produce are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Riesling, Malvasia Bianca, Sangiovese, Magdalena, and Sauvignon Blanc. You can order these through their website and they will ship during the cool months of November through March.
RUNE WINES
3969 HWY 82
Sonoita, AZ 85637
(520) 338-8823
Tasting Room Hours: Thursday 12 PM to 4 PM Friday to Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM
This is an off grid vineyard. To know more about them, visit their website to read the winemaker, James Callahan’s story. Personally, I’m intrigued and must visit them soon!
WILHELM FAMILY VINEYARDS
21 Mountain Ranch Dr
Elgin, Arizona 85611
(520) 455-9291
Tasting Room Hours: Friday – Sunday 10 AM to 4 PM
This is one of my favorite vineyards to visit. They have some great wines but I especially like their Ports and Sangria.
As you can see I purchased a big bag of the Sangria. It’s really quite delicious!
You can also purchase a tray of crackers, fruit and cheeses while you sample their wines.
They also have a great dog named, Chancellor, who loves to share your cheese platter and photo bomb your pictures. Love him!
SONOITA VINEYARDS
290 Elgin Canelo Rd
Elgin, Arizona 85611
(520) 455-5893
Sonoita Vineyards is the oldest vineyard and winery in Arizona. Founded by Dr. Gordon Dutt, a soil scientist (read story above in Sonoita Wine History) and is now under the care and guidance of his granddaughter, Lori Reynolds.
Their wine is made from mostly estate grapes and made in small batches at no more than 2000 bottles per vintage. All bottling is done by hand.
FLYING LEAP VINEYARDS & DISTILLERY
342 Elgin Rd
Elgin, Arizona 85611
(520) 455-5499
Tasting Room Hours: Monday thru Thursday – By Appointment only Friday thru Sunday 11 AM to 4 PM
Flying Leap Vineyards was started by three lifelong best friends who met as teenagers at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado. All three served our country as Air Force pilots in multiple wars. After their military carrier they joined together on a vineyard/ wine venture and started Flying Leap Vineyards in Willcox, Arizona.
Credits: All images under Flying Leap Vineyards & Distillery are courtesy of Thomas Ale Johnson of Arizona Day Trip.
A few years down the road they purchased a small farm called, Canelo Hills in Elgin, Arizona, from which they have now not only a vineyard but also a wine & spirit distillery.
Their wines and distilled spirits have now become so popular that they have expanded all over Arizona from their humble beginnings in Willcox to Elgin / Sonoita, Tucson, Sedona, Bisbee, Tubac and Prescott, Arizona.
Visiting their website will provide a wealth of information but be sure to make their Sonoita/Elgin Distillery one of your stops on your Sonoita/Elgin Wine Tour. You might even make it to one of their many events. Below is a picture of them making a HUGE pan of Paella. Yum!
DOZ CABEZAS WINEWORKS
3248 AZ-82
Sonoita, Arizona 85637
(520) 455-5141
Tasting Room Hours: Thursday – Sunday 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM
If you Google Dos Cabezas WineWorks you’ll see them mentioned in many articles written about Arizona vineyards and wine makers. The owners, Todd and Kelly Bostock have also been named as one of the ten Wine Makers to be watched in 2015 by the San Francisco Chronicles.
Recently their 2015 Águileón, won AZCentral 2018 Arizona Wine Competition Best In Show, Best Red Wine and Best Non-Traditional Red Blend.
ELGIN WINERY AND DISTILLERY
471 Elgin Road
Elgin, Arizona 85611
(520) 455-9309
Tasting Room Hours: Daily 10 AM to 4 PM
Elgin Winery & Distillery is the second oldest winery in Arizona.
They have wines that appeal to everyone and one of my very favorites is the Andrew dessert wine. Now if you want to gift one to someone living out of state I recommend the Tombstone Red. Just the picture alone speaks Old West, Gunslinger, Arizona vibe, type of wine.
Now as for the distillery, they won Number One Gold Rum in the WORLD! Now that’s pretty awesome! They not only make rum but they also make Vodka, Bourbon Whiskey, and Gin.
LIGHTNING RIDGE CELLARS
2368 Hwy 83
Elgin, AZ 85611
(520) 455-5383
Tasting Room Hours: Friday to Sunday 11 AM to 4 PM
Lightning Ridge Cellars is a small family winery that offers wines made from Italian Varietals such as:
Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Montepulciano, Primitivo, Malvasia and Muscat Canelli.
Sonoita Hotels
Sonoita is only about a 45 minute drive to Tucson and there are plenty of hotels to choose from there. However, if you want to be able to relax with a bottle of wine you’ve purchased on your wine tasting tour, or participate in the many events here, spending the night in Sonoita is a treat in itself.
One of the things I love the most about spending the night at my property here, is the magnificence of the night sky filled with stars. It’s is stunning!
There are few places you can rest your head here, from Bed & Breakfasts to airbnb’s, you shouldn’t have any problem finding one, but be sure to make reservations in advance.
SONOITA INN
3243 Highway 83
Sonoita, Arizona 85637
(520) 455-5935
You can see Sonoita Inn right at the crossroads of AZ HWY 82 and 83. It looks like a historical giant barn, built in 1980 as a tribute to the world’s most celebrated thoroughbred, Secretariat.
The next pictures show how beautiful and grand the interior is.
Look at the ceiling lighting!
The walls are decorated with showcases of historical artifacts of the past inhabitants and Secretariat.
XANADU RANCH GETAWAY
92 South Los Encinos Rd
Sonoita, Arizona 85637
(520) 455-0050
Xanadu Ranch GetAway is located in the Magical Mile High Mountain Empire of Sonoita-Elgin Arizona. They have private rooms, a Casita and bunkhouse to choose from. Also, they have RV hook-ups.
Here’s how to get there:
1. From the Stop Sign at the intersection of State Hwy 83 and 82, continue south on Hwy 83.
2. Hwy 83 makes a sharp left turn 1/2 mile from intersection.
3. Continue on Hwy 83 to the 55mile speed limit sign. turn right at the 55 you are now on Los Encinos Rd.
4. Go 8/10ths on the right before the road curves and you’ll see the large sign Xandau Ranch.
5. They have a long driveway please park in Guest parking.
Want to bring your horse along? No problem! They will provide safe and secure lodging for you and your horse. Then you both can go on adventures on their ride trails that most people don’t even know about. You’ll be going through the Canelo Hills, Santa Rita, Whetstone, Huachuca and Mustang Mountains, you will be surrounded by beautiful 360 degree views and vistas!
LA HACIENDA DE SONOITA
34 Swanson Rd
Sonoita, Arizona 85637
(520) 455-5308
La Hacienda De Sonoita is a beautiful 5,000 square foot home and Bed & Breakfast with an upscale ranching heritage style decor owned by Cheryl and Tom Rogos.
They offer an All Inclusive Wine, Dine & Unwind package. It includes two nights with breakfast each morning, a four hour wine tour, and a four course gourmet dinner.
Tom does most of the cooking using Dutch ovens and heavy cast iron skillets. You’ll see rave reviews about his meals and the B&B on TripAdvsor.Their sourdough biscuits look amazing, and so does their homemade granola. I am so hungry now!
If you want some upscale ranch hospitality, this is the place to stay.
RANCHO MILAGRO BED & BREAKFAST
11 Camino del Corral
Elgin, Arizona 85611
(520) 455-0380
Rancho Milagro has three fully equipped guest bedrooms that is separate from the main house. Each bedroom has access to the courtyard where you can enjoy breakfast and watch the sunrise or the stars light up the night sky.
I think this would be a great retreat for a small group of friends as not only do they have guest rooms available to sleep in but also an Art Studio for workshops and artistic activities.
They also have stables and corral for up to three horses!
WHISPER’S RANCH BED & BREAKFAST
1490 Highway 83
Elgin, Arizona 85611
(520) 455-9246
Whisper’s Ranch B&B is a 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom log and stone home that welcomes you with premium bedding and upscale decor.
You are welcome to rent just one room or the whole house. They serve a full breakfast and can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other special dietary needs.
Next door is Whisper’s Sanctuary, a 501c3 nonprofit home for unwanted and retired animals. The sanctuary offers therapeutic and educational programs for children, families and adults.
They welcome you as a guest, and look forward to meeting you soon!
AIRBNB’S
There are many Airbnb’s to choose from in Sonoita. If you have a whole family you’re taking along or on a budget, this may be the way to go. To save $40 on your first booking sign up using my friend referral link, you’ll get a $40 credit and so will I. It’s a win win!
Here are some really nice ones:
Kief-Joshua – 2 Guests You can sip some wine from their winery then take a nap!
The Mud Houzz – 4 Guests This one is in Patagonia, just a short drive to Sonoita. Such a cute place.
The Oasis in Sonoita – 8 Guests Very quaint.
Doc Bar Lane – 12 Guests This one is very luxurious and you can even bring your horses here!
1920’s Adobe Eco-Cottage & Garden – 6 guests In Patagonia as well. If you’re a nature lover, this one is for you.
Sonoita Restaurants
There are few restaurants to choose from in Sonoita, Arizona. Mostly they are made from scratch culinary delights and down home cooking recipes, from your everyday country meals to gourmet foods that will make your taste buds sing!
THE STEAK OUT RESTAURANT & SALOON
3243 AZ-82
Sonoita, Arizona 85637
(520) 455-5205
The Steak Out Restaurant in Sonoita has been family owned and operated since 1979. It looks like a historic building but the original building burned down to the ground in a fire started by a malfunctioning hot water heater. The only things left in the ashes are two cast iron bean pots and two bronze statues, which are still being used and displayed today. The owners, Michael and Grace Wystrach, rebuilt the restaurant and reopened in 2000.
I remember it burning down and felt sad about it. I work for the American Red Cross and would have blood drives at the Fire Station close by. It was a happy occasion for us all when we heard it reopened.
Their Prime Rib is to die for! Visiting this restaurant is a must when you’re in Sonoita.
COPPER BROTHEL BREWERY
3112 Highway 83
Sonoita, Arizona 85637
For foodies, you’ll find a large, predominately made from scratch menu. The Jessers uses recipes both from their family and General Manager, TJ’s, family. A 14 foot smoker sits on the side of the property which smokes their pulled pork and other specialty entrees.
Before making Sonoita, Arizona home, the Jesser family resided in Colorado; so naturally customers can find a lot of mile high favorites, ranging from Colorado green chile to crispy chile rellenos. You’ll also find homemade dressings, bbq sauces, and beer cheese soup.
There’s always something to do at The Brothel, from occasional live music, Red Light Specials (Happy Hour- Monday thru Friday from 2-5pm), and daily happenings. There’s something for everyone.
Penthouse Margarita made with Mexican Moonshine. So good.
Monday’s: Kids Eat Free from 4-9pm
Tuesday’s: Taco Tuesday, including Colorado-style smothered burritos.
Wednesday’s: Active Military, Law Enforcement, and First Responder Appreciation. This group receives extended happy hour specials all day.
Thursdays: Game Night starting at 6pm. The name of the game is OpinioNation. A game similar to Family Feud, where contestants earn points based on the popularity of their answer. The top three winners receive gift cards and free beers for their next visit.
Be sure to check out Sonoita’s newest treasure next time you’re venturing to Southeastern Arizona. Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or looking for a place to relax and enjoy a tasty meal, you won’t be disappointed.
We’ve eaten at Copper Brothel Brewery on several occasions, the food is fantastic and so are their Margaritas! My fiance, Jeremy, is very picky but this place gets a thumbs up approval from him. He says the food taste fresh and delicious, which happens to be very true.
THE CAFE-PUCKLE’S PLACE
3280 AZ-82
Sonoita, Arizona 85637
(520) 455-5044
This restaurant is a happening place. Chef Adam makes unpretentious gourmet food that is tasty and priced-valued for his customers.
The staff are all very friendly and on point with service, getting your food out to you in a timely manner.
I had lunch there recently and it was great.
Tomato basil & kale soup. I could’ve eaten another bowl!
Black & Blu salad
TIA NITA’S CANTINA
3119 State Highway 83
Sonoita, Arizona 85637
(520) 455-0500
Tia Nita’s Cantina is kind of hidden off of HWY 83 but it’s worth looking for. To get there, continue going south on Hwy 83 after you cross the crossroads, then 83 curves to the left. There will be a small shopping center at the left and that’s where it is.
They serve gourmet pizza’s and it seems there is no limit to your topping options.
Dirty Bavarian Pizza
They also have specials that look amazing!
Events and Fun things To Do In Sonoita & Elgin
There is always something fun to do in the Sonoita and Elgin area. You can follow the wine trail, hike the many scenic trails, go horseback riding, birding, visit Empire Ranch or go to the Rodeo at the fairgrounds.
Because of its long history of cattle ranching, western movie film setting and wine popularity, the Sonoita – Elgin valley gets a lot of visitors from all over the world.
You can also visit any of the Vineyards and B&B’s websites, many times they have numerous events going on , like Wine Festivals, Harvesting, and Blessing Of The Vines.
SONOITA FAIRGROUNDS
3142 S. Highway 83
Sonoita, Arizona 85637
(520) 455-5553
The Sonoita Fairgrounds is a community gathering place for rodeos, horse shows, county fairs, horse racing with stall rentals.
The Bowman and Stradling History Center has a Western Films Exhibit every 2nd and 4th Saturdays in March and April, featuring movies made in Santa Cruz County, where many of the locals act as extras.
They have many events throughout the year. Visit the Santa Cruz County Fair & Rodeo Association for scheduled events. If you want your blood pumping, rodeos are the events to see.
The following Sonoita rodeo pictures are courtesy of Ron Gilson of GILSON PHOTO.
EMPIRE RANCH
Empire Ranch has a lot of history in this area, it has been placed in The National Register Of Historic Places. It dates back to August of 1877 with it’s original owner, Walter L. Vail, an important figure in the establishment of southern Arizona’s cattle industry.
It was and still is a working cattle ranch. PLEASE keep this in mind and be respectful when you visit. You may not always see cattle around but they are there, including herds of Pronghorns. Grass is a precious commodity here so please stay on the roads or trails.
Empire Ranch is open to all visitors and if you visit their website you’ll see a schedule of events and tours you can attend put on by the Empire Ranch Foundation.
One such event is the Spring Trail Ride. This is where you can enjoy the beauty of Las Cienegas National Conservation Area on horseback.
Photo courtesy of Cheryl Rogos
Photo courtesy of Cheryl Rogos
In November the foundation holds their annual Empire Ranch Cowboy Festival celebrating Arizona’s Western history and culture. Each year more than 2,000 visitors come to the ranch to enjoy Western heritage demonstrations, arena and livestock exhibits, cowboy cooking and Western entertainment.
They many more events, so be sure to visit their website to check dates and help support them preserve historic Empire Ranch for generations to come.
Summary
There are many more wonderful features of Sonoita and Elgin Arizona that’s for you, the visitor, to discover. If you find a place, a restaurant, or event that you think belongs in this post, don’t hesitate to comment below and I will be happy to add it for the next adventurer.
Happy travels!
Questions or Comments?
I’d like to hear from you. Please comment below and tell us all about your trip to Sonoita and Elgin for everyone to enjoy.
For references, click on the links below:
4 comments
Linda, this is all great. A couple small corrections. Dizzy Gillespie passed on some time ago and the Empire Ranch date is 1877 not 1827. A wonderfully thorough, informative and entertaining read.
Hi Tom, you are so right. I don’t know how I missed that, maybe because I was bug eyed by the time I was done…LOL…I shall correct them. I feel sad about Dizzy Gillespie. I’m sure he was a great dog. Thank you so much for reading 🙂
Although I am only home a few times a year these days, I have had the pleasure of visiting many of these newer establishments. Your presentation was comprehensive and will bring more of the same. Its a far cry from 1979. Progress? To pull a line from Roger Clyne, “Do I curse them or cheer them on? I still can’t decide…” But I do love the food and drink options of today ~ Cheers!
I can appreciate where you’re coming from. I think many of the people who have lived there a long time feel the same as you do. Personally, as someone who has lived in Tucson for over 30 years, I’m enchanted with Sonoita and Elgin because of all the quietness, yet, eclectic and wonderful things they have to offer. Cheers!