Last weekend my girlfriend and I went south of Tucson to Arizona’s wine country for her birthday. There are 3 wineries within about 10 miles of each other. The Village of Elgin Winery, Sonoita Winery, and Callaghan Vineyards. For $1 – $3 you can sample as many as 12 wines made right here in Arizona. Sure you’re lucky if you get an ounce per taste, but it adds up! While they’re all good (I’ve never met a wine I didn’t like), Callaghan’s wines stand out as the best. They’re nothing like CA wineries which probably have 5 star restaurants and whatnot, these are wine production facilities that have wine tastings. Nothing fancy, and no food. But, your hunger can be satiated at a place called The Grasslands Cafe (of German heritage) at the crossroads in Sonoita.

The most interesting wine we tasted and bought, was a very peppery red. I like robust wines, but this one is very unique. It has a distinct spice to it and is meant to be paired with hearty/spicy foods like Cajun or spicy italian. We came home with 6 bottles of wine which had an average price of $15/bottle. More than I’d usually spend, but it’s supporting non-corporate locally owned business.