Is Sonoita the next wine country?
The emerging viticulture scene in Sonoita, Arizona, is poised to make a significant mark on the state’s economy and the national wine industry. With soil composition akin to the renowned Burgundy region in France, the dedication of local viticulturists and vintners, and a burgeoning culture of excellence in winemaking, Sonoita is on the path to becoming the next celebrated wine country.
A unique terroir rooted in the soil
Sonoita and Elgin, nestled near the Mexican-American border, boast a soil composition strikingly similar to that of Burgundy, France, a region globally recognized for producing some of the finest wines in the world. Like Burgundy, the unique climate is a key factor which contributes to its potential as a wine-producing region. The area’s high elevation of around 4,800 feet above sea level brings cooler temperatures, especially during the evenings. This diurnal temperature variation is crucial for grape development, allowing them to retain acidity while developing complex flavors. Additionally, the rocky soils in Sonoita contribute to well-drained conditions that promote healthy vine growth and concentrated fruit flavors.
In years past across the globe, growers have brought in plants ill-suited to the climate and fought against the nature of that climate – the temperature, soil, etc. – to grow the intended crop. It’s important to recognize that while Sonoita is indeed warmer than many well-known wine regions, the vintners in this region have spent the last 40 plus years working within the climate, studying the soil and experimenting to hone and perfect their craft. Winemaking, in this way, involves both art and science.
It involves a deep understanding of grape varieties, intuition about when to harvest, and the skill to transform grapes into a harmonious blend of flavors. This is where the vintner’s artistry shines.
Crafting a perfect wine is about striking a balance. It’s the delicate interplay of acidity, sweetness, tannins, and alcohol content. It’s about knowing when to intervene and when to let nature take its course. It’s the art of selecting the right oak barrels for aging, of blending different batches to achieve a complex and refined final product.
Vintners, much like painters, create their masterpieces through intuition and experience. They navigate the complexities of fermentation and aging, making choices that ultimately define the character of the wine. It’s in the artful decision to blend specific grape lots for a nuanced Bordeaux-style red or in the choice of stainless steel tanks for preserving the freshness of a Chardonnay.
It’s this fusion of art and science that makes winemaking so captivating and rewarding. Vintners in Sonoita and across the world continually strive to understand and harness the natural elements while allowing their creative spirit to shine. In this delicate balance, they craft wines that are not just beverages but expressions of the land, the climate, and the culture in which they were conceived.
Sonoita boasts a selection of grape varieties well-suited to its unique climate and soil. The climate is not conducive to cool-weather varietals like Riesling. Instead, the warm summers and unique terroir favor warm-weather varietals, which is why winemakers have been experimenting with both traditional and innovative warm-weather varietals. Classics like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay thrive alongside lesser-known varieties such as Tempranillo and Viognier. This diversity enables winemakers to craft a range of wine styles, appealing to a broader audience.
National acclaim, local fame
As Sonoita wines gain attention, they are also accumulating accolades in prestigious wine competitions – the most recent of which was Sonoran Wines “Double Gold” and “Best in Class” at the 2023 Sunset International Wine Competition for their 2018 Real de Terrenate red blend.
In a competition crowded with wines from noteworthy regions of Napa and Sonoma County, this award signals that the region is producing wines of note, catching the attention of both consumers and industry experts. Such recognition will undoubtedly pave the way for Sonoita’s ascent in the competitive wine market.
The making of a wine country
It’s impossible to ask the question – is Sonoita the next wine country – and not explore the wine country that put American wines on the international map.
While California embarked on its wine journey in the 1700s, it wasn’t until 1854, with John Patchett’s creation of Napa’s first official vineyard and winery, that the true potential of viticulture began to unfold. Over a century later, in 1976, Napa Valley finally received international recognition for its winemaking prowess.
In contrast, Sonoita’s viticulture story is in its infancy. Dr. Gordon Dutt, credited with opening Sonoita’s first commercial vineyard in 1983 (technically in Elgin), sparked a cultural shift around viticulture in the region. The significance lies in the fact that Sonoita’s wine industry is barely four decades old, and yet it has already garnered national and international attention, when it took Napa over 150 years to do the same.
Thrillist, in their ode to Sonoita viticulture titled: Explore Sonoita, Arizona’s Completely Underrated Wine Region, notably stated: “Napa Valley can eat its (delicious, rave worthy) heart out. There are about a dozen wineries that are making just-as-good, if not better, wines in Sonoita…”
How could the development of a wine country impact Arizona?
According to Visit Napa Valley, recent research conducted in 2018 reveals that Napa Valley contributed a staggering $2.23 billion to the total spending by visitors in that year alone. While it’s important to note that this substantial economic impact isn’t solely attributable to the wine industry, a significant portion of it undoubtedly stems from the region’s renowned winemaking sector. Moreover, this influence extends beyond winemakers, as it significantly bolsters the entire travel industry ecosystem, encompassing hotels, restaurants, transportation services, and more.
The Arizona Wine Growers Association Wine Industry Economic Impact Analysis report from 2021 states “Wine tourism, representing additional, non-wine spending on hotels, fuel, restaurants, and other travel expenses, directly supported 390 workers and $33.7 million in business revenue.”
While a mere portion of the revenue generated by Napa Valley, the industry (according to this report) tripled from 2012-2019.
In addition to wine tourism, distribution contributes greatly to the Arizona economy, which this report estimates as creating 1,270 jobs, and producing $55.6 million in income, and $155.9 million in business revenues.
Napa Valley, often referred to as the crown jewel of American wine regions, serves as an inspiring model for how wine culture can shape and redefine a region’s identity. Over the decades, Napa has evolved from a picturesque agricultural area into a globally renowned wine destination, whose entire tourism ecosystem revolves around this international acclaim. Luxurious wineries, high-end restaurants, and upscale accommodations have flourished alongside vineyards.
The trajectory of growth in Sonoita’s wine industry is undeniably positive, and the region is poised for even greater success. As a predominantly rural area, Sonoita possesses the remarkable ability to harness this growth through the powerful engine of tourism. Adjacent small towns like Patagonia are also set to reap the rewards of this burgeoning industry, as they become integral parts of the broader wine experience.
It’s enticing to consider the possibility of a growth pattern which mirrors that of Napa and how that might impact not only these small towns, but the state of Arizona as a whole. Marks of this renaissance are becoming more and more evident in the evolution from small vineyards and wineries into modern tasting rooms, perfect pairings, and truly peaceful, breathtaking views of pristine countryside.
Sonoita’s success story is a testament to the dedication, passion, and relentless pursuit of excellence by its winemakers. It’s a testament to the belief that a distinctive terroir can, in a short span of time, create wines that rival those produced in regions with centuries of tradition.
In an industry where centuries-old vineyards often dominate the landscape, Sonoita’s meteoric rise as a wine-producing powerhouse stands as a truly awe-inspiring phenomenon. As the region continues to refine its wines and craft a unique culture of excellence, Sonoita stands ready to become the next iconic name in American viticulture, putting Arizona on the global wine map and bringing economic prosperity to the state through wine tourism and exports.
Sources:
Author(s): High Peak Strategy
Title: The Arizona Wine Growers Association Wine Industry Economic Impact Analysis
Publication Year: 2021
URL: https://azwinegrowersassociation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/AWGA-Economic-Impact-Report-2021_High-Peak-Strategies.pdf
Author: Thrillist Author
Title: Explore Sonoita, Arizona’s Completely Underrated Wine Region
Publication Date: 2017, February 13
Source: Thrillist
URL: https://www.thrillist.com/drink/phoenix/sonoita-az-vineyards-what-to-know-arizona-wine-country
