Instead of Napa Valley, This Arizona Town Is Where You Should Take Your Next Trip

As a major wine region that attracts millions of visitors each year for vineyard tours and wine tastings, Napa Valley, California, is among the best-known viticultural regions in the country. As famous as it is, other wine regions across the country are overlooked, including our own, right here in Arizona. And if you didn't already know, the Grand Canyon State is home to three distinct wine regions that are recognized as American Viticultural Areas (AVAs): Willcox, Verde Valley, and Sonoita/Elgin. If you'd like to visit an Arizona town like Napa Valley—with great wine but without the crowds—head south to Sonoita.

Why This Town Feels Like Napa Valley

Sonoita is such a hidden gem in Arizona, with similarities to Napa Valley, California, such as vineyards dotting rolling hills, stunning views, and wine production. Each destination is at a higher elevation, surrounded by mountains and affected by a microclimate—Napa Valley has a Mediterranean climate, and Sonoita has a high-desert climate. Both also have rich volcanic soil, ideal for growing grapes, and award-winning wineries. Due to its similarities to Napa Valley, Sonoita, along with the neighboring town of Elgin, which is also part of southern Arizona's wine country, was once dubbed the "Next Napa" by Wine Enthusiast.

What You Can Do Here

The most popular thing to do in Sonoita is to visit a winery. There are about 20 here, among them Los Milics Vineyards, Rune Wines, Dos Cabezas WineWorks, and Callaghan Vineyards. Many Sonoita vineyards offer wine tasting, tours, and dining, and some even have accommodations. If you'd like to spend the night at a vineyard in town, book a casita at Los Milics (friends of mine have done this and they highly recommend the experience!). You can also opt for the 18-room boutique hotel, the Sonoita Inn, located close to several wineries.

Tourism in Sonoita, Arizona, is driven not only by its wineries but its nature and scenery. Located in the high desert at an elevation of 4,970 feet, Sonoita is surrounded by mountains and canyons and home to grasslands. People will come here for birdwatching, hiking, and photography. Visitors can tour the historic Empire Ranch or watch a rodeo at the Sonoita Fairgrounds.

Why It’s an Even Better Choice

Despite its location in the heart of one of Arizona's wine regions, Sonoita remains one of the most underrated towns in Arizona. While similar to Napa Valley in some ways, the major differences lie in tourism and cost. To put it in perspective, Napa Valley sees nearly 4 million visitors each year, while Sonoita, a rural Arizona town of only 800 residents, will see only tens of thousands of visitors. The stark difference in tourism numbers makes Sonoita a fantastic alternative to Napa Valley, especially for those seeking a more relaxed wine country experience.

Sonoita is also less expensive than Napa Valley, with more affordable options for wine tastings, dining, and accommodations. While Napa Valley leans more toward a high-end, luxury-driven experience, Sonoita is down-to-earth and laid-back in comparison.

Plan Your Visit

Sonoita may be an underrated Arizona town, but don't let that stop you from planning a weekend of wine tasting and relaxation. However, certain wineries are more popular than others, so making a reservation in advance of your visit is highly recommended. For optimal weather and mild temperatures, visit Sonoita in the fall or spring, especially if you want to maximize your time outdoors, whether at a winery or in a local park or on a hiking trail. However, due to its higher elevation, summer in Sonoita provides a cooler escape for those living in lower-elevation areas, including Phoenix and Yuma.

Sonoita, Arizona, is a town where you can truly slow down and unwind while sipping a glass of wine, communing with locals, and enjoying the scenery. For more, visit the Sonoita/Elgin Chamber of Commerce website.

If you prefer uncrowded over popular tourist spots, check out the best small towns in Arizona. For more underrated places across the country that feel like someplace else, discover more than a dozen U.S. destinations that feel like another country.