A: A wide range of grapes are grown (and experimental blocs are being planted all the time) but many varieties from France (Rhone), Spain (Rioja), & Italy (Piedmont, Chianti, etc...) have already proven to make excellent world-class wines. Mourvedre/Monastrell, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache, Malvasia, Viognier, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon are some of the more popular varieties grown locally.

A: Arizona is more than just big cities surrounded by miles of dust and cacti. Arizona has high desert regions that are well suited to grape growing. These higher elevations have the warm days and cooler nights that bring out the best character in many types of grapes. Grapes thrive with very little water once established (in fact vines that are slightly stressed often produce the best wines) so wine grapes are among the most sustainable crops that can be grown in these regions.

Willcox has a long agricultural and ranching history. The sprawling country valleys and foothills around Willcox are known statewide for their herbs, fruits and vegetables. Growing grapes seems a natural fit!

A: Yes! Many local vineyards are family owned and appreciate help for planting, harvesting and bottling. These times are great opportunities to meet the winemakers and learn about the many aspects of winemaking. Join winery e-mail lists or follow their social media sites to stay informed regarding these opportunities.

A: Willcox is a small community in a wine grape growing region in the southeastern corner of Arizona. Several vineyards and wineries in portions of Cochise and Graham Counties are close to this small town hub.

If you'd like to visit the Willcox area for a tasting tour, please see our Wine Tasting page for information on local tasting rooms.

A: Great! Our high elevation means warm days and cool nights. Like the rest of Arizona, we have a lot of bright sunny days, but because of our more moderate temperatures many Tucson and Phoenix residents enjoy escaping the heat and visiting Willcox. Even on our hottest summer days, our high desert wine country nights are cool and comfortable. In the winter, temperatures can fall below freezing at night (and yes, we get a little snow) but the days are usually warm.

A: The tasting fees vary from winery to winery, but expect to pay in the $7-$14 range for anywhere from 4 to 7 “pours” of wine (approximately one ounce for each taste). Most tasting rooms in the Willcox area will offer a flight of wines: whites, maybe rosés, reds, dry & possibly sweet or dessert wines too. Often, the wine tasting fee includes a glass for you to keep. Many wineries offer a small discount if you bring a glass from a neighboring wine tasting room.

A: Usually a reservation is not required, but definitely appreciated for large groups! Many tasting rooms have limited staff pouring the wines. If you know you’re bringing a crowd - that’s great! - but they would love a heads-up so you can get the best service possible for your group. When in doubt, feel free to contact the winery in advance.