Wine in Arizona? You bet! Wine is produced and consumed in all 50 states.
This is part of a WineAmerica-sponsored study conducted by John Dunham & Associates, a leading economic research firm specializing in public policy issues. The study includes detailed national data as well as that for all 50 states plus a Methodology and Frequently Asked Questions section, all available at (WineAmerica2025EconomicStudy)
Arizona is both old and new—one of the first areas where Spanish missionaries planted grapes for sacramental wine in the late 1700’s. The first commercial winery opened in the early 1880’s, and the first modern commercial winery opened in 1979. Two years later the Arizona Wine Growers Association was formed for lobbying and promotion, successfully securing the 1984 Farm Winery Bill, the state’s first AVA (Sonoita) in 1985, and another one (Willcox) in 2016. Jennifer Montgomery, a WineAmerica alumnus, is the current Executive Director.
Today, there are nearly 100 wine producers who farm a wide variety of grapes, with special emphasis on Italian and Rhone varieties which thrive in the hot climate moderated by high elevations in some areas. The Yavapai College Viticulture & Enology Program provides expertise to growers and winemakers.
Dos Cabezas Wineworks and Los Milics Winery: Partners in Progress
Two prominent Arizona wineries have shown how collaboration pays. Dos Cabezas Wineworks was opened in 1995 by the late great Al Buhl, an Arizona winegrowing pioneer, and passed on to Todd and Kelly Bostock in 2006. The winery’s two estate vineyards covering 80 acres include many varietals, and the wines have helped put Arizona on the world wine map. Kelly is now an active member of the WineAmerica Board of Directors.
Pavle Milic had a dream which he transformed into a reality. While driving along the Silverado Trail in Napa Valley where he worked years ago, he suddenly knew he wanted to be in the wine industry in a major way, and he gravitated towards Arizona in the restaurant industry. His vision of having a winery was helped along by the Bostocks, and with a partner he also opened the FnB restaurant with an all-Arizona wine list which received two nominations from the James Beard Foundation for Outstanding Beverage Program. www.
Callaghan Vineyards, established in 1990 by Kent and his parents Harold and Karen, shows how tough people and vines can be.They planted their first Bordeaux-style vines in 105 degree heat at the same time the Phoenix airport (a major hub) shut down for a few days due to120. Located in Elgin in southeastern Arizona which is dry, windy, and sun-drenched, they discovered that hot climate varieties like Graciano, Mourvedre, and Genache fared best, but also had success with Petit Verdot and Tannat. Their focus on depth of flavor and complexity has earned them accolades from Robert Parker, Karen MacNeil, Oz Clarke and others; and their wines have often been served at the White House and major diplomatic events.
Great Grapes: Syrah
Big, bold reds are common in Arizona, with the Black-skinned Syrah grape thriving as it does in France’s Rhone Valley and parts of Australia where it is more commonly known as Shiraz. While styles may vary, it often produces a spicy, complex wine with high acidity, great ageability, and nuances of blackberry and dark chocolate.