Southern Arizona Vineyards

Retire to the Tucson area, and you could be busy every day, even though you're no longer working. You might start wondering how you ever had time to work before your retirement. You will start telling your friends back home that you are too busy to email them. The Tucson area has so much to do that you'll need to develop special time management skills. There are many cultural events, music performances, interesting classes, volunteer work, day trips, and believe it or not, snow skiing on Mount Lemmon in the winter, the southernmost skiing in the Continental US. And, of course, you have to tour the Arizona wine country and sample the local product.

When considering the world's great wine grape growing regions, Arizona probably doesn't make your top ten list. But you might be surprised to know that there are several varieties of wine grapes that do very well here in Arizona. These include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Sangiovese, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Vineyards were first planted in Arizona in the 17th century by Franciscan missionaries. Today there are thirteen active wineries in the state, with over 650 acres of grapes being grown for the purpose of wine production. Situated in the mile-high rolling grasslands of Southeastern Arizona, surrounded by the Huachuca, Whetstone, and Santa Rita Mountains, is an active and developing wine-growing region with soil so rich, its proponents claim it rivals that of Burgundy, France. The rows of vineyards that produce award-winning red, white, and blush wines interrupt the oak glades and yucca patches native to the area, creating breathtaking views that will make this a one-of-a kind wine tasting experience for you and your friends.

And all this is a comfortable day trip just South East of Tucson. BE SURE YOU HAVE A DESIGNATED DRIVER for your trip home!