Southern Arizona Private Wine Tour South of Tucson – Sonoita-Elgin Vineyards

Nestled just south of Tucson, the Sonoita-Elgin Vineyards offer a charming and exclusive glimpse into the vibrant winemaking culture of Southern Arizona. This private wine tour promises an unforgettable experience, where visitors can savor award-winning varietals like Merlot and Chardonnay, all while immersed in the region’s rich history and picturesque landscapes. With private, air-conditioned transportation and a focus on safety and relaxation, the tour provides a seamless way to indulge in the flavors and stories that make this corner of the Southwest so captivating. Discover why this hidden gem has captured the attention of oenophiles and adventurers alike.

Key Points

• The Sonoita-Elgin wine region, located south of Tucson, Arizona, is a designated American Viticultural Area (AVA) known for award-winning wines like Merlot and Chardonnay.
• The private wine tour offers tastings of 3-5 premium wines at selected wineries, accompanied by a locally-sourced lunch that pairs with the wines.
• The tour provides complimentary snacks, bottled water, and private, air-conditioned transportation for a comfortable and Covid-safe experience.
• The wine tasting experience includes education on winemaking processes and regional history, focusing on the unique flavors and characteristics of the local terroir.
• The tour offers a flexible booking process with a lowest price guarantee, free cancellation up to 24 hours before, and safety measures such as a COVID-19 safety kit.

Exploring Sonoita-Elgin Wine Region

Nestled in the rolling hills south of Tucson, the Sonoita-Elgin wine region offers a picturesque escape for oenophiles. This unique American Viticultural Area is home to over a dozen vineyards and wineries, each with its own distinct character and award-winning varietals.

Visitors can explore the rugged terrain, flanked by towering saguaro cacti and majestic mountain vistas, as they sip on smooth Merlots, crisp Chardonnays, and bold Cabernet Francs. The region’s mild climate and nutrient-rich soils produce grapes of exceptional quality, allowing winemakers to craft exceptional vintages that have earned national recognition.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious newcomer, the Sonoita-Elgin wine region promises an unforgettable tasting experience.

Highlights of the Private Tour

For the Southern Arizona Private Wine Tour, guests embark on a captivating exploration of the Sonoita-Elgin wine region’s celebrated vineyards.

The tour includes:

1. Tastings of 3-5 premium wines at each of the carefully selected winery stops, allowing travelers to savor the unique flavors and terroir of the local vintages.

2. A delectable lunch that supports the area’s vibrant culinary scene, providing an opportunity to pair the wines with locally-sourced, mouthwatering dishes.

3. Complimentary snacks and bottled water to keep guests refreshed throughout the day.

4. Private, air-conditioned transportation in a Covid-safe environment, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience.

Tasting and Sampling Local Wines

Guests on the Southern Arizona Private Wine Tour are invited to indulge in an exquisite tasting experience, sampling a diverse array of premium wines from the region’s celebrated vineyards. The tour offers 3 to 5 wine tasting samples per winery, allowing visitors to explore the unique flavors and characteristics of the local terroir. As they sip and savor, they’ll learn about the winemaking process and the rich history of the Sonoita-Elgin viticultural area. To complement the tastings, the tour includes a delectable lunch, showcasing the culinary talents of the region’s finest establishments.

Winery 1	Winery 2	Winery 3
Tasting Sample 1	Tasting Sample 1	Tasting Sample 1
Tasting Sample 2	Tasting Sample 2	Tasting Sample 2
Tasting Sample 3	Tasting Sample 3	Tasting Sample 3

Lunch and Dining Experiences

What better way to complement the wine tasting experience than with a delightful local lunch? The Southern Arizona Private Wine Tour includes a lunch that supports nearby businesses, ensuring a truly immersive experience.

Guests can look forward to:

1. Savoring regional cuisine that highlights the flavors of the Sonoita-Elgin area.
2. Enjoying a leisurely meal paired expertly with the wines sampled throughout the day.
3. Discovering local culinary specialties that perfectly complement the wines.
4. Indulging in a satisfying lunch that recharges visitors for the remainder of the tour.

This thoughtful inclusion of a local lunch elevates the wine tasting experience, providing a well-rounded exploration of the region’s rich cultural and gastronomic offerings.

Transportation and Accessibility Details

The Southern Arizona Private Wine Tour provides guests with seamless transportation and accessibility features to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

The tour vehicles arrive 15-30 minutes before departure, offering air-conditioned comfort. Guests can choose from various pickup points, and the start time is confirmed with the local provider in advance.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and can accommodate strollers and infant seats. Service animals are also allowed, and the tour is located near public transportation.

Infants must sit on laps, and the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers. All participants must be over 21 and possess a valid State ID.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

Typically, the Southern Arizona Private Wine Tour packages start from $521.00 and vary based on the group size.

Booking this tour offers a lowest price guarantee, and guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility in planning.

The tour also allows for reserve now and pay later options.

Some key details on the booking and cancellation policies include:

1. Prices start from $521.00 and vary by group size.
2. Lowest price guarantee is provided.
3. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
4. Reserve now and pay later option is available for added flexibility.

Safety Measures and Precautions

Alongside the flexible booking and cancellation policies, the Southern Arizona Private Wine Tour prioritizes guest safety and well-being. The provider offers a COVID-19 Safety Kit, complete with hand sanitizer and face masks, to ensure a worry-free experience. Plus, the air-conditioned tour vehicles are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between each use.

Safety Feature	Description
Sanitization	High-touch surfaces disinfected before and after each tour
Social Distancing	Ample space provided for guests to maintain distance
Health Screening	Guests required to complete a health questionnaire prior to departure

With these comprehensive safety measures in place, guests can focus on savoring the exceptional wines and local cuisine, knowing their health and safety are the top priority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Tour Include Pickup From Tucson or Only Phoenix?

The tour offers pickup from various locations, including Tucson, not just Phoenix. Customers can select their desired pickup point when booking the private wine tour, which covers wineries in the Sonoita-Elgin region south of Tucson.

Can We Make Changes to the Itinerary During the Tour?

The tour allows guests to make changes to the itinerary during the experience. The provider aims to accommodate requests and customize the tour to suit the group’s preferences, within reasonable limits and availability.

Are There Any Additional Fees for Special Requests or Add-Ons?

Yes, there may be additional fees for special requests or add-ons. The provider notes that the listed price can vary based on group size, and customers should check with the local provider for any extra charges for customizations or additions to the standard tour.

Can We Purchase Wine for Shipping Home After the Tour?

Yes, guests can purchase wine for shipping home after the tour. The tour provider allows participants to purchase bottles from the wineries visited during the experience and arrange for shipping to their homes.

Is Gratuity for the Driver and Guides Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price does not include gratuity for the driver and guides. Participants are expected to provide a tip at their discretion based on the quality of service they receive during the tour.

Recap

Enjoy the picturesque Sonoita-Elgin Vineyards, where premium wines, locally-sourced meals, and stunning landscapes come together for an unforgettable private wine tour. With comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and a focus on safety and relaxation, this exclusive experience showcases the rich winemaking history of Southern Arizona. Indulge in award-winning varietals and savor the charm of this remarkable region, making for an exceptional day of wine, food, and breathtaking scenery.