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

Experience the Best of Southern Arizona’s Wine Country on a Private Tour

The Southern Arizona Private Wine Tour south of Tucson offers a full-day journey through the region’s renowned Sonoita and Elgin vineyards. Priced at $521 per person, this 8-hour tour departs from Phoenix and is perfect for those seeking a personalized wine adventure. The tour includes visits to three distinct wineries, each known for their unique wines and stunning settings, along with a gourmet lunch served amidst vineyard views. With pickup services and air-conditioned transportation, this tour combines comfort with a rich wine-tasting experience.

This private tour is designed for groups of 3 to 6 people, ensuring an intimate and flexible experience. The average booking time of 55 days in advance suggests it’s popular among wine enthusiasts planning ahead. The tour is suitable for adults over 21, requiring a valid State ID, and welcomes service animals. While the tour provides water, snacks, and a COVID care kit, travelers should note that most weather conditions are suitable, but poor weather may lead to cancellation or rescheduling.

Key Points

• Personalized private experience for groups of 3-6
• Includes tastings at 3 wineries with a variety of wine flights
• Gourmet lunch served outdoors with vineyard views
• Approximate 8-hour duration, starting early from Phoenix
• Comfortable transportation between scenic vineyard stops
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

From Phoenix to Sonoita-Elgin: The Scenic 2.5-Hour Drive

The tour begins with a pickup from Phoenix or Scottsdale, from where a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle takes travelers on a roughly 2 hour 30-minute drive southward into the heart of Arizona’s wine country. During the ride, water and snacks are provided, along with a COVID care tour kit, ensuring convenience and safety. The journey allows travelers to admire the changing landscape as they approach the lush vineyards of Sonoita and Elgin.

This drive sets a relaxed tone before the wine tasting begins, giving ample time for camaraderie and anticipation of the day ahead. The scenic route highlights the diverse terrain of Southern Arizona, with the vineyards at Charron Vineyards offering a spectacular vista at 4200 feet elevation.

Visiting Charron Vineyards & Winery at 4200 Feet

The first stop is Charron Vineyards & Winery, situated at 4200 feet elevation, where the vines thrive due to warm days and cool nights—ideal conditions for grape growing. The winery offers breathtaking views of the Santa Rita Mountains as the group is seated and introduced to their wine tasting flights.

A menu of tasting options allows guests to choose their preferred wines, with one tasting flight included in the tour price. Charron’s setting emphasizes the natural beauty of the region, making it a perfect spot for tasting and photography. The one-hour visit provides enough time to savor the wines and enjoy the panoramic scenery before moving on.

Savoring Local Flavors at The Café

After the first winery, the tour makes a brief stop at The Café to pick up a curbside lunch. Founded by Adam Puckle, a local with deep roots in the area, The Café offers approachable, well-crafted dishes designed to provide a tasty and affordable dining experience. The menu is curated to please a variety of tastes, emphasizing comfort and quality.

This stop lasts about an hour, giving guests time to enjoy their meal and soak in the local atmosphere. The Café’s emphasis on supporting a positive guest experience makes it a welcoming mid-point in the day’s itinerary.

Tasting and Relaxing at Flying Leap Vineyards & Distillery

The third stop is Flying Leap Vineyards & Distillery, a family-run operation specializing in both fine wines and distilled spirits. Here, guests enjoy their lunch from The Café while selecting from a menu of wine tasting flights. Flying Leap’s vivid portfolio features wines crafted from grapes grown on their local ranches, showcasing the region’s potential for ultra-premium wines.

This one-hour visit highlights the combination of winemaking and distilling expertise, and guests can appreciate the dedication of the team behind Flying Leap. Its working winery and distillery make it a lively and educational stop, emphasizing Arizona’s growing reputation for quality wine and spirits.

Exploring Autumn Sage Vineyards and the Charm of Southern Arizona

The final vineyard stop is Autumn Sage Vineyards, situated in the heart of Southern Arizona Wine Country. Known for its beautiful setting and welcoming atmosphere, Autumn Sage offers a relaxing environment for reminiscing about the day’s tastings.

Guests are seated and presented with a menu of tasting options, allowing them to sample more wines and experience the vineyard’s ambiance. The property is described as a perfect place for gatherings or quiet reflection, making it an ideal last stop before heading back to Phoenix.

Convenience and Comfort in Transportation

Throughout the day, transportation is provided between each location in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. This ensures a smooth and stress-free experience, so guests can focus on tasting wines and enjoying the scenery. The pickup service from Phoenix or Scottsdale is available between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM, providing flexibility for morning arrivals.

The full-day schedule ensures ample time at each stop while maintaining a relaxed pace. This setup is ideal for those who prefer a personalized, private experience over larger group tours.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

Reservations are confirmed at the time of booking with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour’s start. The provider, Blasian Limousine and Transportation, emphasizes that weather conditions may influence the day’s activities, with options for rescheduling or full refunds if necessary.

This flexible cancellation policy offers peace of mind, especially for those planning well in advance or uncertain about weather.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This private tour appeals most to wine lovers seeking an intimate experience in Southern Arizona’s renowned vineyards. It’s especially suited for small groups who want a personalized, relaxed day with delicious tastings, scenic views, and a gourmet lunch. The included transportation and curated stops make it convenient for travelers who prefer comfort without the hassle of self-driving.

While it requires participants to be over 21 with valid ID, the overall pace and stops are accessible to most physically capable travelers. The tour’s focus on quality over quantity ensures a memorable, immersive experience.

Final Thoughts on the Southern Arizona Private Wine Tour

This 8-hour private tour offers an authentic taste of Arizona’s wine country with visits to Charron Vineyards, Flying Leap, and Autumn Sage. The combination of scenic drives, wine tastings, and a gourmet lunch makes it a well-rounded experience for wine enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. The personalized nature of the trip and comfort-focused transportation add value, especially for small groups.

Pricing at $521 per person reflects a premium, tailored experience that emphasizes quality and convenience. It’s particularly suitable for those who want to explore Southern Arizona’s burgeoning wine scene in a relaxed, intimate setting. Be sure to book early to secure your spot, and prepare for a day of memorable flavors and stunning vistas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for wine beginners?
Yes, the tour offers tastings at three wineries and provides guidance on wine flights, making it accessible for all levels of wine knowledge.

What is included in the lunch?
Guests pick up a curbside lunch from The Café, which offers a variety of thoughtfully prepared, approachable dishes.

Can I customize the wine tastings?
While the tour includes a menu of tasting flights at each winery, specific customization options are not detailed, but guests can select their preferred flights.

How long is the drive from Phoenix to Sonoita?
The drive takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, allowing plenty of scenic viewing along the way.

Are additional tastings or visits possible?
The itinerary is fixed with three main winery stops, but the private nature of the tour offers flexibility within the scheduled stops.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation in a climate-controlled vehicle is provided.

What is the cancellation policy?
Reservations are fully refundable if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Weather cancellations are also handled with options for rescheduling or full refunds.

What should I bring?
Participants should bring valid ID over 21, and it’s advisable to carry sunscreen and comfortable clothing for an outdoor experience.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, the tour permits service animals.

Is this tour accessible for those with mobility issues?
While specific accessibility details are not provided, the stops are primarily seated tastings, which may be suitable for most guests with mobility considerations.

This private Southern Arizona wine tour offers a delightful mix of scenic beauty, excellent wines, and personalized service—perfect for small groups eager to explore Arizona’s growing wine scene.