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Arizona Desert? Give Thanks for Little Known Tri City Wine Country!

By
Real Estate Agent with HomeSmart Real Estate BR632450000

We should show gratitude for the variety of land and topography in Arizona provided by our Creator. Yes, most people believe that Arizona is ALL desert. NOT TRUE! Read on.

Sonoita vineyard

Sonoita Arizona Vineyard

Arizona has not only Sonoran desert but also has higher elevations to enjoy and explore when leaving the desert environment of the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas.

Specifically, learm more here about

1.  Arizona wine country of Southern Arizona, growing grapes and wine production the Tri city area of Patagonia, Sonoita and Elgin, Arizona. Perfect elevation for vineyards.

2. Patagonia Nature Preserve Bird watching in Arizona

Get out of your home in the Phoenix area and take a most pleasant drive to the tri cities of Patagonia, Sonoita and Elgin Arizona. There are bird sanctuaries in Patagonia at Lake Patagonia and the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve. Also try some of the following wine country tours and bed and breakfasts as well as  Southern Arizona has 9,000 foot elevation peaks of Mount Wrightson, Lemon and Graham and associated watersheds.

Southern Arizona Vineyards In Sonoita and Elgin

 

Sonoita and Elgin Arizona vineyards

Vineyards in the Sonoita and Elgin area very close to Patagonia

Arizona Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve

Patagonia Arizona bird watching              

Bird Watching in Patagonia (Photo from Nature Conservancy at Nature.org)     

Per the Nature Conservancy at Nature.org, "In a verdant floodplain valley between the Patagonia and Santa Rita Mountains of southeastern Arizona, within the watershed of Sonoita Creek, lies some of the richest of the remaining riparian (streamside) habitat in the region. One of a few remaining permanent streams, it provides for a wide array of diverse species from endangered fishes to butterflies and birds. This site contains the first two miles of permanent flow of Sonoita Creek and the floodplains adjacent to the stream. The site contains very high biodiversity values that are primarily focused on the riparian habitats along Sonoita Creek."

A New Trail at Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve

Nature.org continues, A one-mile long trail connecting the Patagonia- Sonoita Creek Preserve to the Tucson Audubon’s 'Paton House' is now in use. Built entirely by volunteers, the trail is a joint venture between the preserve and the Paton Center located in Patagonia for Hummingbirds. Highlights of the walk include access to upland habitat, a stroll through a dense mesquite bosque, canopy views of the cottonwoods along Sonoita Creek, and a 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains from the top of the vista point. Visitors may learn about the preserve, its wild residents, viewing interpretive exhibits at the Visitor Center.

Location Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve

150 Blue Heaven Rd.

Patagonia, AZ 85624

Directions

From I-10, take Highway 83 south (outside of Tucson). At Sonoita, turn west on Highway 82. In Patagonia, turn right on 4th Avenue, then left onto Pennsylvania, which turns into Blue Heaven Road. Cross the creek and go about one mile to the entrance.

Hours

April-September: Wednesday-Sunday, 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m. October-March: Wednesday-Sunday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed: Mondays & Tuesdays all year & on Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Days."

 More more about Arizona living and homes for sale Arizona Homes and Land. Give me a call or text at 480-242-6500 and I would be pleased to help you find the right home at the right price!

Posted by

Jeff Masich

Broker/REALTOR®

Scottsdale including Phoenix, Tucson and Prescott metros and throughout Arizona


Buy/Sell with Arizona Homes and Land Group. Ask me, Group Leader about Metro Homes or Ranches and Large Acreage properties throughout the state.

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Show All Comments Sort:
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thank you, Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, for highlighting the hidden treasures of Arizona’s wine country and natural beauty. Your insights inspire me to want to visit and explore areas beyond the desert and appreciate the diverse landscapes your state has to offer!

Nov 11, 2024 01:14 PM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI

I think you should Lew, the southern Arizona tri cities near Patagonia is at 4,000+ feet elevation and much different than the Sonoran desert areas of Phoenix and Tucson. I know you would enjoy it. Jeff

Nov 11, 2024 03:31 PM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI  Never really thought of it as a desert guess I read to many AR blogs ..Happy Monday 

Nov 11, 2024 04:49 PM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI

Hi Hannah, yes the two largest cities in Arizona Phoenix and Tucson are in the Sonoran desert surrounded by cactus at 1,000 to 2,000 ft elevation. The wine country in Arizona is at the cooler 4,000+ elevation levels with trees and streams. A marked contrast and just a couple of hours away by car from the desert cities.

Sonoran desesrt and cactus

Sonoran desert and cactus and creosote

Nov 12, 2024 08:42 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI  I am a wino and had no idea Arizona had a wine growing area, now with that said what type of wine is being produced? Endre

Nov 11, 2024 10:38 PM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI

Hi Endre, cabernet and merlot are popular in the Arizona wine areas such as Sonoita and Elgin in the South and Clarkdale in the center at the 4,000+ ft elevations. However, other varieties as well, you can learn more about the wine country in the link in my post. Very worthwhile visiting.

Nov 12, 2024 08:45 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Jeff - there are those who say perception is reality.  Thanks for sharing there is an active wine country in Arizona among its varied topography.   

Nov 12, 2024 02:44 AM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI

Yes, Michael and thank you Lord for the variety from desert to moderate wine country to pine tree forests and lakes. Arizona does not have an ocean access although that could have happened if the border in the Gadsden Purchase of 1854 with Mexico had been drawn farther to the south of Yuma. This would have given Arizona Territory an ocean going port in the Gulf of California.

Gadsden Purchase

Nov 12, 2024 08:53 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Thank you for sharing a fantastic localism post, Jeff. I also never knew AZ was known for wine country!

Nov 30, 2024 07:05 PM