Wine flows from southern Arizona

 

Arizona’s only officially designated wine appellation, the Sonoita AVA, is nestled in an area known as the Mountain Empire southeast of Tucson in a valley bounded by the Santa Rita, Huachuca, and Whetstone ranges.   The wine-growing region sits at about 5000 ft above sea level, one of the highest in North America.  The descent into the valley along Highway 83 reveals wide open grasslands with dramatic mountain ranges snaking along the horizon, and views into Mexico.  Pronghorn antelope, Brahma bulls, and other cattle are common sights among the rolling hills, scattered with mesquite, oak and cottonwood trees, providing breathtaking contrasts to the Sonora desert landscapes of Tucson and Phoenix.  In addition to being a wine-producing region, this area is habitat to hundreds of species of native and migrating birds, and hosts a vibrant arts community and world-renowned nature preserves, including the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve and the Canelo Hills Cienega Reserve.

Owner and winemaker at Sonoita’s Canelo Hills Estate, Tim Mueller, deems the views from his 10 acre vineyard “Spectacular!”  The Mustang Mountains rise cinnamon-colored and stunning to the east, a perfect view for an afternoon’s meditation with a bottle of fine Sonoita wine.  On my first wine tasting trip to Sonoita, I stumbled into Tim’s unpretentious combination winery/warehouse/tasting room and found that his only focus was the development of single varietal wines, different from the other area wineries.  When I tasted his 2007 Estate Syrah, I felt like I was being kissed for the first time.  Sadly, this release is no longer available, but his other full-bodied reds are starting to make a splash in the international wine world.  His 2007 Sangiovese has just won a silver medal from the National Women’s Wine Competition 2009.  It pairs equally perfectly with a healthy picnic or a festive Italian dinner.

Picnic area:  Benches on the front porch of the facility provide a shady area for relaxing with a picnic.

Tasting fee:  $3 if you bring a glass from an area winery.  $5 includes a Canelo Hills glass.  5-6 wines included in tasting.

Tours:  Tours are not regularly scheduled, but Tim is happy to give tours by appointment.  The winery does not function during tasting hours, but if there is a lull, Tim will show you around the facility.

Food and wine experience:  A well-developed events program includes periodic food and wine festivals and pairings.

Sparkling wine:  Sparkling wines are featured during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday period.  Champenoise (bottle fermentation) method is used.

Views from vineyard and winery:  Spectacular!

Sustainability:  Most farming done by hand, little use of farming equipment and pesticides.  Extensive composting practice.