Location: Sonoita
Top Things to do in Sonoita
10 Things to Do in Sonoita That You Shouldn't Miss
Sonoita (O'odham: Ṣon ʼOidag) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, United States. The population was 818 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Sonoita
1. Kief-Joshua Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By Bruce H - Bakersfield, California
My wife and I have visited many wineries in several states, and we find that we tend to like everything or nothing -- which is all about whether our palates match the wine maker's palates. At Kief-Joshua, everything was drinkable, but we found nothing we considered particularly enjoyable. I also wonder about having a winery so far from the vineyards. Why bother? Also, charging a tasting fee that includes a glass might make sense, but if we were flying home, it would be an annoyance.
2. Arizona Hops and Vines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
We're a small winery that's awesome! One of many great Sonoita-area wineries in Southern Arizona, our family farm is a fun, warm place for families and wine afficionados alike. Come in and enjoy our patio with a view, try the homemade sodas made by the kids, tell some stories, and explore the wonders of a winery that has free Cheetos.Say hi on our Facebook page (just search for AZ Hops and Vines)
Reviewed By Linda I - Killingly, Connecticut
Checked out many vineyards along the route while visiting family. This by far was the favorite. Run by sisters, these ladies have done their homework in providing lush combinations of wine along with the craziest of pairings. Coco Puffs or Cheetos are only two of the most unlikely pairing imaginable yet are tastefully and artfully thrown together for a most unique experience. Don't miss this one! Looking forward to the next time I can visit from Connecticut as well as opening the bottle I shipped home.
3. Callaghan Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By Tom O - Georgetown, TX
Wines mid to higher priced, but very good, had a good time here with friends. Nice atmosphere, conducive to relaxing and tasting. Would come back.
4. Dos Cabezas WineWorks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By MTRose - Montana Rose
We were in the neighborhood and thought we'd see how AZ wines stacked up. Fortunately this place was much better than the last place. Better wine glasses, more knowledgeable staff, and much better wine. We tried 6 different wines here and enjoyed most of them, we even purchased a couple bottles to go. A bit expensive for what you get, but worth it to try a different terroir.
5. Arizona Horseback Experience
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Guided Trail Rides in the heart of Arizona's Wine Country. Responsive, Energetic, Horses. Spectacular scenic vistas. 3 hr rides, wine tasting rides, full day rides and multiple day pack trips. Experienced and knowledgeable trail guides. Special discunts.
Reviewed By divaw0rld - Richfield, Wisconsin
We've gone horseback riding in Hawaii, South Dakota, and other U.S. locations. The Arizona Horseback Experience ranks up there with the best of them. We went for a three-hour afternoon ride on a jacket-only afternoon, following several days of rain. Our guide, Toni, was knowledgeable, attentive to the riders, and informative regarding the ranch and the terrain. Our group included four other riders, nice folks who we enjoyed riding with. My husband and I had he pleasure of spending time with our horses, Joshua and Caleb. When we arrived, we completed our paperwork (and injury waiver) with co-owner Margery. Margery ensured we had rain gear...just in case. Her husband, Ron, ensured each of us was saddled properly, and Toni provided basic riding instructions. Our ride took us through various parts of the huge ranch -- up/down hills, a watering stop for the horses, a picture stop for the riders (Toni snapped pictures of the riders), seeing some of the local wildlife (a mule deer) and cows with newly born calves, meadows, and doing some trotting through peaceful, lovely scenery. Our group was accompanied by the family's three-legged dog, who became an instant hit with the riders as the little guy traversed the countryside with us, never falling behind, and sometimes taking well-known shortcuts (including a short dip in the pond). It was quite obvious that our horses were very well taken care of, a good thing when one thinks about the variety of ages and sizes that ride them. We thoroughly enjoyed our hosts, fellow riders, and every aspect of our afternoon with Arizona Horseback Experience, and highly recommend it if your visit to Arizona takes you to the Sonoita area.
6. Flying Leap Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Flying Leap Vineyards & Distillery is a committed team of southern Arizona family farmers, talented winemakers, skilled distillers and passionate merchants of the Arizona Wine Country experience. We grow a vast portfolio of winegrapes on our ranches in southern & southeastern Arizona, and we produce a delicious array of finely-crafted, ultra premium wines and distilled spirits from our harvests. Flying Leap's Elgin facility is a working winery and distillery. All of Flying Leap wines are produced from grapes we grow - we do not purchase fruit from anyone. Accordingly, our wines express the unique terroir of our vineyards and are showpieces of the craft, skills and patience of our winemakers. Our distillery facility is completed and a second tasting room for spirits is now open on weekends, as well as a new outdoor park & recreation area and 132-person entertainment venue. Come visit us in the heart of Arizona Wine Country!
Reviewed By bandie101 - Mesa, Arizona, United States
This is a beautiful area to spend a hour relaxing with great wine and superb service in their tasting room. They are knowledgeable about the wines and the area. Flying Leap has a great story and very good wines. The tasting is pricier than the other wineries in Elgin. When you purchase a glass from any of the wineries in the area, they can be used at the others.
7. Wilhelm Family Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By X-NYr - Arlington, VA
Wilhelm has a good variety of wines, most of which were not our taste. Many were fruity and light. One Rhone blend red was ok, and the 2013 Verdelho (white) was pretty good. The Sangrias were tutti-frutti. We tried one of the red ports, Sunset, and it was quite good. This is a small space and off the Elgin road mob scene, which was a relief. If you like sweet and light wines and flavored ports, you might like this place.
8. Lightning Ridge Cellars
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By X-NYr - Arlington, VA
We stopped first at Lightning Ridge, and it was frankly downhill from there in Elgin-Sonoita. This is a small winery, friendly and not crowded. We were delightfully surprised at how good all of the wines were, from the unique Incanto Rose (sort of an amber color), which was made from locally grown grapes, to the many Italian style wines mostly made from California grapes (Temecula and Paso Robles). The blends were great, the prices were fair, and the atmosphere was very pleasant and really beautiful outside. All the other wineries were crowded and sub-par by comparison. I have to conclude, the AZ grapes (whether from Sonoita-Elgin or Wilcox) are just not up to the California level; not even as good as Virginia wines. Try this one for a really good tasting experience.
9. Roadside Rest
Overall Ratings
4 based on 15 reviews
Prime birdwatching spot located 3.5 miles southwest of Patagonia.
Reviewed By LaurettaYoung - Portland, Oregon
so if you just want a place to picnic--- go somewhere else-- no bathroom facilities and the sole table is not that attractive. But go across the street at the northern end to Sonoita creek where there is a very short trail and you'll be rewarded with many birds. We watched a Gray Hawk repeatedly gather leaves for a nest and fly off. Great spot for a short visit.
10. Sonoita Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Sonoita Vineyards is the oldest running commercial vineyard and winery in the state of Arizona. Founded in 1974 by Dr. Gordon Dutt, from University of Arizona, the winery has stayed in the family since then. Situated in the rolling hills in the Sonoita-Elgin area of Southern Arizona the Winery has produced many award winning wines from southeastern Arizona grapes. The winemaker is currently Lori Dutt Reynolds, Dr. Dutt’s granddaughter, and her husband Robi is the current Vineyard Manager. Between the two of them they have four children they’re raising in and amongst the vines.
Reviewed By Andy W - Brussels, Belgium
This was our third vineyard visit in the area and the most enjoyable. We were not rushed during the stay and had excellent explanations of the wines and this vineyard. If back in the area to visit other wineries we will return here. They also...MoreThank you so very much for taking the time to review or business. We are so very happy you loved our wine, staff, and tasting room. We sure hope to be seeing you again. Cheers Lori Reynolds Winemaker
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