Arizona Wineries Rise Above Desert Climate
In Arizona Desert, Family Run Wineries, Vineyards Prove to be Their Own Wine Charms
Grapes aren't supposed to grow in the desert. But here in this southern Arizona town, surrounded by endless, rolling green and amber hills, the Callaghan family is de-stemming gigantic bins of grapes that will eventually produce a nice Petit Verdot.
As Kent Callaghan, the patriarch and proprietor, tinkers with his forklift in the 80-something degree fall weather, one of his workers, Megan Haller, sifts through bunches of grapes.
"You can actually have some excellent wines out of Arizona. It can be done," said Haller, who works at Callaghan Vineyards while taking winemaking classes.
The 25-acre vineyard was one of three in Sonoita-Elgin, a rural area an hour's drive from Tucson, when Callaghan's parents started it in 1990. In the last decade, six other vineyards have moved in. Similar growth has also occurred in northern Arizona as more aspiring winemakers saw that the time was right and land was ripe for the taking. The ensuing clusters of vineyards have created a wine drinker's treasure map that has gone unnoticed by many — even Arizonans.
Talking with tourists who are surprised at the availability and quality of Arizona wine is almost a daily routine for vineyard owners.
"It happens all the time, especially among people that know wine well. People really into wine are totally off the beaten path here," Callaghan said.
Besides Sonoita-Elgin, Arizona wineries have flourished south of Sedona in the Verde Valley, situated along the Verde River, and around the southeastern city of Willcox. All three areas are nestled at elevation levels between 4,000 and 5,000 feet. The location leads to cooler summers and low evening temperatures.
"That's what the grapes really thrive in. It thickens their skin. It contributes more flavor to the wine," said Rhonni Boss-Moffitt, publisher of Arizona Vines and Wines magazine.
According to Boss-Moffitt, there are 39 licensed wineries across the state.
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