Found near the heart of Arizona Wine Country, the Elgin/Sonoita area is a great place to begin a Southeast Arizona getaway. The Coronado National Forest is a can't miss destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors will find ample opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, and seeing historical sites within the park’s 1.78 million acres. The area is also a paradise for oenophiles. From sampling wines on Sonoran Tasting Tours to community events like the Southeast Arizona Wine Growers Festival, it’s not difficult to get a taste of what the area has to offer.
The Southeast Arizona Wine Growers Festival is quickly establishing itself as one of the top wine tasting events in the state, and it will take place March 10-11 at the Kief-Joshua Vineyards. This year’s event will feature 18 of the top wineries in Arizona including Sonoita Vineyards, Callaghan Vineyards, and Page Springs Cellars. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample some of the latest vintages while interacting with winemakers and fellow wine enthusiasts. Added to the event this year will be a Blues Festival, which will feature four Tucson area bands performing blues music throughout the event. Patrons will also encounter a retail vendor market where they can purchase everything from artisan foods to one-of-a-kind art. Las Vigas Steak Ranch Mexican Cuisine and Russell Compton Texas BBQ will be the food vendors of the event, and they both feature delicious meals and snacks. Admission to the event includes 10 sampling tickets, as well as a souvenir sampling glass. We interviewed Event Representative, Mike Pigford, to learn more about this celebration of Arizona wine.
RAL: Tell us a bit about the event.
MP: The 7th Annual Southeast Arizona Wine Growers Festival will celebrate the 38th anniversary of Arizona’s original American Viticulture Area (AVA).
The two-day event includes 17 of Arizona’s top wineries and acclaimed winemakers, four Blues Bands, and a variety of food, art, and jewelry vendors!
Bring your friends and family out to sample Arizona’s most exceptional vintages! Musical performances take place all day. Rain or Shine (festival gates open at 10:00 am).
RAL: Take me through a day at the event. What can I expect as an attendee?
MP: Attendees will have the opportunity to sample wines from these great producers:
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Alcantara
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Arizona Stronghold
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Caduceus
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Callaghan
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Carlson Creek
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Cellar 433
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Deep Sky
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Golden Rule
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Keeling Schaeffer
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Kief-Joshua
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Lightning Ridge
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Page Springs
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Pillsbury
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Rune
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Sonoita
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Su Vino
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Village of Elgin
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Zarpara
Our music lineup on Saturday will include Cat Daddy and the 12 Barz Blues (1:00-2:00 pm) and Black Cat Bones Blues Band (2:00-5:00 pm). The Sunday lineup features Angel Diamond Blues Band (11:00-2:00 pm) and The Usual Suspect Blues Band (2:00-5:00 pm).
People can also visit our retail vendor area which will include jewelry, artisan foods, kitchenware, natural products, and more.
Purchase of a ticket includes a souvenir wine glass and 10 wine sampling tickets. Additional sampling tickets will be for sale at the event. A discounted rate is available for tickets purchased in advance. Follow the link for more information.
RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?
MP: Las Vigas Steak Ranch Mexican Cuisine and Russell Compton Texas BBQ will be on hand selling a variety of meals for all tastes.
For more information about the Southeast Arizona Wine Growers Festival, please visit the event website.