A DAY EXPLORING WILLCOX WINERIES Kick Things Off: Explore the wine-growing region that produces nearly 75 per-cent of the state’s grapes with a stop at Zarpara Vineyard , a 15-minute drive south of Willcox. Pours there showcase the terroir through wines made from seven common Willcox varietals. Also in the Willcox Bench area is Bodega Pierce , which samples wines made exclusively from its estate-grown grapes. Stop for Lunch: When you work up an appetite, make your way to Big Tex Bar-B-Que for beef brisket, pulled pork or pork spare ribs. The Willcox eatery also serves burgers, steaks and catfish. Sit in the main dining area, in the remodeled railroad dining car or outside. Afternoon Wine Tasting: Following lunch, walk over to the Keeling Schaefer Vineyards’ Willcox Tasting Room. Housed in the historic 1917 Willcox Bank and Trust Building, the tasting room pours the winery’s impressive Syrah, Viognier and Rhone-style wines, made onsite at the nearby vineyard. Continue your journey to Coronado Vineyards , just outside of town and home to a range of award-winning wines. Stop for a Snack: On your way back into downtown Willcox, stop at Apple Annie’s Country Store. Take your pick from moist apple bread, freshly baked pie—Apple Crumb, made from the orchard’s apples, is a local favorite—or a piece of rich, home-made fudge. For more info on Willcox wineries visit arizonawines.com . Bodega Pierce Vineyard, Willcox Arizona Hops and Vines, Sonoita TASTING & TOURING IN SONOITA-ELGIN Arizona’s first American Viticultural Area—Willcox only recently became the second—Sonoita-Elgin has numerous tasting rooms where you can sample the distinctive flavors of the region. Kick off a day of tasting at Callaghan Vineyards . Designated one of “Arizona’s Treasures” by former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, the vineyard’s wines have been served more than once at the White House. Like Callaghan Vineyards, Wilhelm Family Vineyards specializes in Spanish wines and has received in-ternational accolades for its efforts. Try the Tempranillo, Graciano, Albariño or a similar varietal. Don’t miss Sonoita Vineyards , the oldest commercial vineyard in Arizona. Its wines are made in small batches of less than 2,000 bottles per vintage. Arizona Hops and Vines puts a fun twist on the traditional winery, pairing its wines with Cheetos and other treats. The two sisters who run the winery hope to open an onsite brewery soon. For more info on Sonoita-Elgin, visit arizonawines.com . CLICK HERE FOR MORE GREAT WINERIES 25
Arizona Official State Travel Guide Arizona 2020-21: Page 25
