Arizona Vineyards

Arizona has on average 300 days of sunshine a year, perfect for producing nice, sweet wine grapes. There are not as many wineries as in other states and there are no organized wine trails, but there is the Arizona Wine Grower's Association . that organizes events and festivals for the 35 vineyards and 28 bonded wineries in Arizona.

These two Arizona Vineyards show how different they can be. They are in different parts of the state, one is big, one is small and they each have their own distinctive line. They show just how varied the wine industry can be.

Canelo Hills Winery is located in Elgin and was established in 2003. It is a small winery with 6 acres of grapes that hand crafts all of the wines, which are made just with fruits grown in Arizona. They produce Chardonnay with the taste of Kiwi, grapefruit and fennel with and alcohol content of 14.4 % . Nebbiolo Rosé, is a tart but very smooth wine with the taste of cherry and oak and an alcohol content of 11.9%. Sangiovese with the taste of cherry and an alcohol content of 14,8 %. Syrah is a dark red with the taste of dark cherry and blackberry fruit and an alcohol content of 14.3 %. Estate Tempranillo is a dark Spanish wine with an alcohol content of 14 % and Estate Syrah, a spicy wine with black pepper and complex fruit flavors with and alcohol content of 14.2%.

Alcantara Vineyards is in Verde Valley, is one of the largest wineries in the north/central part of the state with more than 13,000 vines and 12 varieties of wine and is the first one on the Verde River. Their offerings include Sauvignon Blanc with the aromas of lemon and grass. Pinot Grigio with the aroma of citrus zest, figs and pears. Viognier, a full bodied white with the scent of orange blossoms, roses, and tropical fruit and the taste of Meyer lemon and honeydew melon. Chardonnay with the aroma and taste of granny smith apple and tangy candied ginger. Moscaato Allegro a spicy wine with the aroma of exotic fruits. Tempranillo Rose has a cheery taste and is best served chilled. Merlot is a intense fruity wine with red berry, wild herbs, plum and spice. Grande Rouge is a Rhone style wine with red berry and raisin flavors. NV Confluence is a medium bodied wine with tones of black cherries, scent of chocolate and taste of currants.