The Scenic Drive In Arizona That Runs Straight Through The Charming Small Town Of Sonoita

If there's any state that's misunderstood, it's Arizona. Ask anyone who's never been here (or who's lived in Phoenix for their entire lives) how to sum up the Copper State in a few words and usually the words "desert" and "wasteland" are in there somewhere. Interestingly, though, Arizona is astonishingly diverse in terms of its landscape. For example, did you know that Arizona has its very own wine country? There's an outrageously scenic drive that'll lead you straight to it. Come drive the US-83, one of the best scenic drives in Arizona, and see its amazing wine country for yourself. It's a scenic drive through Sonoita, Arizona you'll always be fond of.

Welcome to beautiful Sonoita, Arizona, which you ought to access via the Patagonia-Sonoita Scenic Road.

Coming into town any other way would be completely unfair to you - you need to experience the amazing beauty of Arizona's wine country. Start from the I-10 in Tucson, follow the signs for the 83, and you'll find it easily.

The Patagonia/Sonoita Scenic Road is 52.5 miles long and should be experienced in segments.

Take some time to stop and admire the incredible landscape, which evolves from desert to rolling hills in a short period of time.

First, you meander through the Santa Cruz River basin and then, almost suddenly, rolling hills filled with award-winning vineyards.

The Sonoita area, along with its sister town, Elgin, are almost prairie-like in their beauty but with stunning mountain peaks jutting up in the distance. It's a far cry from the arid desert most folks imagine.

The town of Sonoita itself is dreamy and beautiful, though low-key.

Tour the various wineries in the area and indulge in award-winning wines that quite literally rival the best wineries in the French countryside. There's also a steakhouse in town, so be sure to try it out before moving along on the scenic road.

Once you're out of Sonoita, you'll eventually arrive in Patagonia - but not before experiencing some more gorgeous scenery. From Sonoita, head west on the US-82 to continue the drive.

Everything's going to change again - from wine country to gorgeous, lush landscapes filled with trees and brush (along with some interesting geology).

This part of Arizona gets a lot more rain than the rest of it does, resulting in a landscape most folks don't expect to find here.

...this trip is full of surprises.

In Patagonia, you'll find some adorable little local shops and eateries. It, like Sonoita, is worth a day trip.

While in Sonoita, visit the famed Sonoita Vineyards. It's Sonoita's longest-running winery and vineyard - do a tour and fall in love with the underrated Arizona countryside.

What are your thoughts? Have you ever driven this scenic drive through Sonoita, Arizona? If you have photos, share them with us.