ELGIN — Towering monsoon clouds bluster up over the green expanse of Sonoita Vineyards as vineyard manager Mike Dupont tenderly inspects a plump cluster of merlot grapes.
Nearby, Colin Kelly — a worker in the vineyards near the hamlet of Elgin southeast of Tucson — tends a planting of cabernet sauvignon.
A stop at the site, which is one of several wineries in the area that welcome visitors, can add a taste of viniculture to an easygoing drive into the rolling grasslands around Elgin. At a distance of about 65 miles from Tucson, a journey to the area will take some gas — but not too much of the precious fluid.
Get to Elgin
From Tucson, drive east on Interstate 10 and exit onto Arizona 83. Follow Arizona 83 south to Sonoita.
Drive northeast from Sonoita on Arizona 82 for about eight miles to a signed turnoff on the right for Elgin. Continue south about five miles to the small town site.
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From Elgin, drive three miles south to reach the entrance for Sonoita Vineyards on the right. Return either by the same route or by going back to Elgin, picking up the Elgin Road and following it west to Arizona 83 and Sonoita. The latter route will take you past several other vineyards and wineries.
Sights to see
● Take in a grand expanse of oak-studded hills, with the pine-topped Santa Rita Mountains as a backdrop, as you drive south from I-10 to Sonoita.
● Check out the colorfully named Mustang Mountains to the east as you proceed from Sonoita toward Elgin.
● Enjoy the tree-shaded ambience of the blink-and-you-miss-it community of Elgin, which includes several homes and the Village of Elgin Winery.
