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The Sulphur Springs Valley is the area in the state of Arizona most conducive to growing wine grapes. Willcox sits right in the center. The elevation of 4300’ to 4500’ is ideal and the terroir (soils, temperatures and climate) conditions are very similar to that of the Rhone Valley in France. The warm sunny days and cool, high desert nights combine with the sandy loam red soils to grow Rhone varietals that impart the special Cochise County characteristics.
As evidenced by the recent activity in land sales in the vineyard areas, Willcox is destined to be the “Napa Valley" of Arizona. The list below consists of the existing or confirmed vineyards in the area. There are many more planned in the minds of property owners. Everyone is getting “vineyard fever", even the some of the locals are catching the bug and planting “hobby" vineyards.
Eric Glomski and Maynard Keenan purchased the historic Dos Cabezas Vineyards in early 2007 and renamed the Willcox vines - Arizona Stronghold Vineyards. They believe that the soils and climate at the vineyard stand up to the finest in the world, feeling strongly that their wines express, first and foremost, Arizona, and secondarily the grapes and hands of the vignerons involved. Their desire is to bring Arizona to the national wine stage, promoting their wines as value and quality based. They believe that great wine doesn’t have to be expensive; it doesn’t have to be pretentious; and it shouldn’t be hard to find. It just has to be great and it has to be made by people that care. Arizona Stronghold Vineyard’s philosophy is all about place, people, quality and value. Their white wine, Tazi, premiered in Spring 2008, while their two reds are set to be released in late fall/early winter of 2008. With sixty acres of actively producing vines, they are currently the largest producing vineyard in the state, although they realize that they won’t be alone for long and welcome other quality winemakers to join them in the region. Please visit their website for more info. Be sure to visit Eric Glomski's blog.
Colibri Vineyards
Before Bob Johnson became a plant scientist, his wife Mickey, a physician and him spent most of their adult lives in the medical field. One spring morning in 1995, he discovered a restless apple orchard with wonderful rows of trees arm-in-arm. The land "called to him". As he stood surveying the buildings and grounds, his gaze caught sight of a beautiful stone arch up on a hilltop, carved thousands of years ago by combined forces of nature. Without hesitation, he and his wife purchased the property, named it Colibri and began to create their dream. August of 2003 marked a spectacular first harvest with their friends and family. Since then their vines have produced exceptional wines, better than they could've ever imagined. Please visit their website for more info.
Coronado Vineyards
Nestled between the majestic Mt. Graham and the Dos Cabezas mountains, in the Coronado National Forest, a special wine tasting experience awaits you. Managing owners, Mark and Jacque Cook, and their partners dreamed of owning a beautiful winery and producing outstanding wines for many years. On November 18th, 2006 that dream became a reality with the grand opening of the Coronado Vineyards. They presented nine unique wines, from a sweet white table wine to a dry red wine - all from grapes grown here in Arizona. Coronado Vineyards produces some of Arizona's finest wines. With elevations reaching over 4000 feet, Arizona's high desert is the perfect location for producing grapes of distinct quality and character. Warm summer days, cool nights and mineral rich soils contribute to the intensity and wide range of flavors in these fine wines. The winery and on-site vineyard offer the perfect setting for a private event. With full catering services and a warm and inviting staff, your special event is sure to be one to remember. Visit the website for more info.
Crop Circle Vineyards
Jon Marcus' vision for the 80 acres of land in Willcox at his Crop Circle Vineyard and Winery is to have a completely green, solar, biodynamic farm, producing not only grapes for wine, but various foods such as nuts and fruits. It's a new way of thinking, utilizing Mayan Circle planting techniques for the vines. There will also be plenty of pasture space along with animals on site. The winery and antique-themed tasting room facility is twice the size of that at his Echo Canyon Vineyard in Sedona. Jon is excited about what the future holds for the land in the southeastern region of Arizona and believes that this area holds great potential for the state's ever-growing wine industry. The Crop Circle Vineyard & Winery is not currently online, but please feel free to visit their Echo Canyon Winery website.
Fort Bowie Vineyards
Fort Bowie Vineyards & Orchard Products features the freshest and finest products. Currently the Orchards produce Pecans, Walnuts, Peaches and Cherries. A variety of nut products including specialty roasted Cinnamon Sugared Pecans, Salted and Roasted Pecans, Chocolate Pecan Clusters and Pecan Oil can be purchased at their store year round.
The Vineyards produce a unique diversity of wines ranging from their famous Arizona Sweet Water, a sweet white dessert wine to their Pecan Delight, a distinctive sparkling wine with the essence of pecans. Fort Bowie Vineyards recently introduced a new line of Chocolate Wine Sauces and Wine Truffles. Wine tasting is offered daily. Please visit their website for more info.
Keeling Schaefer Vineyards
Located 12 miles south of the Chiricahua National Monument, Keeling-Schaefer Vineyards is a premium Arizona wine producer. Their vision is to produce exclusively estate grown and bottled wine on 21 acres of vineyards located on Rock Creek on the western slope of the Chiricahua Mountains in far southeastern Arizona. At 5000 feet above sea level, the summer climate of warm, sunny days and cool, high desert nights combines with the unique Rhyolite volcanic soils to create wine with special characteristics. They grow Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Viognier and Petite Sirah. Wine production for the 2007 vintage is 2300 cases. The winery and vineyard is not open to the public, however, they do accept visitors by appointment. Tastings are $5 and include a commemorative glass. Keep an eye out for their new tasting room opening in historic Willcox later this year. Please call (520) 824.2500 or visit their website for more info.
Pillsbury Wine Company
Pillsbury Wine Company is the brainchild of Sam Pillsbury, noted Hollywood director and former co-owner of Dos Cabezas winery in Southeastern Arizona. Wine is his passion and Sam has done it all - from planting vines to serving Dos Cabezas wines at the White House. Dos Cabezas wines have received stellar reviews over the years and Sam is now ready to take his skills and experience in a new direction.
Sam is joined in the project by winemaker Eric Glomski, formerly with David Bruce and Caymus wineries in California and by Rob Dunaway, attorney/businessman, voted one of Phoenix's top 12 business advisors in the New Times 2001 Reader's Poll.
His wines can be found at stores throughout Arizona and can be purchased online. Please visit their website for more info.
Bonita Springs Vineyard / Kokopelli Winery
Kokopelli secures their grapes from vineyards in southeastern Arizona, primarily the Bonita Springs Farm. Bonita Valley is located approximately 20 miles north of Willcox, AZ at an estimated 4500 foot elevation. The Bonita Valley is one of the largest organically certified fruit producing areas in the Southwest. The vineyard was planted in 1991 and produces 13 different varietal grapes. Don and Carol Minchella and 5th & 6th generation wine-makers Herve & Florent Lescombes, combined their Italian and French heritages to launch the Kokopelli Winery in 1994, capitalizing on their expertise to produce 24 award winning wines of Arizona. Kokopelli continues to be family-owned and operated, today under the care of 4th generation wine-maker, Dennis Minchella. While enjoying a meal at the Bistro in Chandler, enjoy a taste of their wines. Be sure to visit their newest location in Surprise! Visit their website for more info.
Dragoon Mountain Vineyards / Jerome Winery
Jerome Winery was built on the side of Cleopatra Hill between Prescott and Sedona in the historic town of Jerome, featuring over 30 uniquely handcrafted, individually distinct wines. The Vintner's philosophy is to create wines that are enjoyable for the novice and the connoisseur alike. John LcLoughlin, the Owner and Vintner, learned the art of winemaking by training as an apprentice under master winemakers throughout the United States and Europe. He personally makes all the wines that are tasted and sold. Wine varieties include Pinot Grigio, Mourvedre, Red and White Zinfandel, Syrah, Muscat, Sparking Wine, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, 15-yr-old Port and others that are soon to be added! Old family photos compose the labels that identify the wine. The winery sports a wooden tasting counter topped with copper made by John himself. In addition to the Jerome Winery, they have 80 acres of land in the Willcox area in Southeastern Arizona - home to Dragoon Mountain Vineyards, the source for grapes for their wines. Please visit their website for more info.
Sweet Sunrise Vineyard
Sweet Sunrise Vineyard was established in 1997 by Peter and Judy Lechtenbohmer. Pete found a passion for growing grapes when he was working in a bank and decided that the grapes were getting too expensive! In the 1980's he was the owner and manager of Desert Sweet Grapes in Maricopa, Arizona - growing the first organic seedless table grapes from the low desert of Arizona. Then when the bank he worked for sold he had the opportunity to fulfill his dream - growing grapes for wine. He had purchased the land in Willcox which he felt was optimal for the growing conditions that wine grapes require. He has made small amounts of wine for four years. The wine is not for sale - but the vineyard is. Please see our Real Estate page for more information on this vineyard. You may also visit the Sweet Sunrise Vineyard website for more info.
Upcoming Vineyards to the area . . .
Ash Creek Vineyard
Broken Glass Vineyard & Winery Estates
Golden Rule Vineyards
Erath Vineyard
Lawrence Dunham Vineyards
Odyssey Cellars
Semblante Bodega
Vineyard Investment Opportunities . . .
Baron Land & Capital - Baron Land & Capital owns several choice parcels in the prime vineyard area and has vineyard suitability reports and soil maps available for those parcels.
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The Dreamcatcher Bed & Breakfast, situated in the southern Arizona Sonoran Desert offers luxurious lodging and accommodations, warm hospitality, and elegant cuisine for Southern Arizona Vacations, romantic getaways, honeymoons or special events. (520) 824-3127 or visit their website for more information.
Cochise Stronghold - a canyon nature retreat
In the heart of Cochise Stronghold Canyon... a peaceful mountain retreat awaits you. Relax, renew, romance. Walk trails through evergreen oak, juniper, madrone and manzanita woodlands. Watch for wildlife such as deer, javelina, coatimundi, fox, ringtail cats, badger… Stargaze clear night skies far away from any other lights while soaking in the hot tub. Explore sculptured stone formations rising to 7,500 ft, climb world-class ranked granite cliffs and peaks. Bird watch from the shade of a large tree or your private patio. Enjoy the comforts of sustainable design. Hike to nearby ancient rock art, investigate local ecology, geology, history. Celebrate nature and spirit in a land of immense beauty! Cochise Stronghold Bed & Breakfast is: A magical place encircled by mountain peaks and lush native vegetation. Secluded and quiet; surrounded by 64,000 acres of evergreen forest. A wilderness destination in the wild, wild west; off the "beaten path". Cooler, located at a 5,000 feet elevation in the Dragoon Mountains. A friendly, welcoming, peaceful sanctuary. (520) 826-4141 / (877) 426-4141 - or visit their website for more information.
Sunglow Ranch
An Eco-Friendly Country Inn and Cafe nestled in the folds of the beautiful Chiricahua Mountains as if it were born out of the nature that surrounds it. Sunglow Ranch is truly a sanctuary on 400 pristine acres of old oaks, junipers and pines, with a beautiful pond and wildlife galore. The views of the high peaks of the Chiricahuas are breathtaking...a paradise for hikers, birders, photographers and for those seeking to discover the solitude and beauty of nature.
As with all places of natural great beauty, mother nature is the ultimate landscape designer and we, as stewards of this land, are doing everything we can to insure the environment is protected and continues to thrive.
There are some new happenings at the Sunglow Cafe. We are putting a new spin on gourmet...back to the basics, that is back to the time before chemicals were added to all of our foods. We are grinding organic grains (wheat free) for our fresh baked breads. We are using natural, organic and locally grown foods whenever available, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices. Fresh organic greens and entrees ranging from wild caught salmon to grass fed beef to delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes will help create a delightful and healthful dining experience. The mouthwatering "guilt free" desserts will amaze you.
We are also open to the public for breakfast and dinner (by reservation only) on Wednesday thru Saturday nights.
Susan and Colleen will be in the kitchen preparing delicious and healthy foods for all ~ please make your reservations early...and remember dinner is served at 6:30 pm nightly. Don't be late!
Call toll free (866) 786-4569 or check out their website for more information.
Grapevine Canyon Ranch
Grapevine's remote, unspoiled location offers an escape from the outside world. The box by the gate invites you to "leave your problems here" - and you will feel your spirit lighten as you travel up the narrow, winding road to the ranch buildings. There is something magical about Grapevine Canyon that will make you feel at home the minute you arrive. The canyon was a refuge for the Chiricahua Apaches in years gone by, and it remains today a refuge for people escaping from the many stresses of modern life, a place where they can unwind, regroup and refresh their spirit.
It is said that the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man, and our horses, whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, will share with you a new world of hidden canyons, lofty ridges, old Indian trails and endless vistas, making for a relaxing, memorable vacation.
Learn more at their website or call them at (520) 526-3185.
Muleshoe Ranch CMA
The Muleshoe Ranch Cooperative Management Area (CMA) is 49,120 acres of rugged beauty, lush riparian areas and an array of recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. This area is a mosaic of public and private land cooperatively managed by The Nature Conservancy, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Coronado National Forest (USFS). These three partners work together to conserve and enhance the unique ecosystems found here and to protect endangered species, as well as the areas they depend upon.
The Muleshoe Ranch CMA encompasses most of the watershed area for seven premanently flowing streams, representing some of the best remaining aquatic habitat in southeast Arizona. Some 80% of the region's wildlife species depend upon these streamside communities at some time in their lives. The importance of this area to early settlers is seen in the numerous ranches and homesteads that dotted the area in the last 150 years.
Ideal for families, individuals and groups, the Conservancy offers charming, private casitas for overnight rental with natural hot springs tubs for casita guests only during late September-May. Get the details.
Also, Pride Ranch, owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy is located approximately six miles from the visitor center via Jackson Cabin Road. Please contact the Muleshoe Ranch Headquarters for information and availability.
Strawbale Manor B&B
Strawbale Manor is centrally located in Cochise County on 5 acres in Sulpher Springs Valley at an elevation of 4200 feet. Enjoy the view from the porch swing or relax in the hot tub in the Arizona room. Enjoy the many butterflies and birds that feed at the patio area including many varieties of finches and hummingbirds.
Each evening we serve a special desert and your choice of a variety of hot or cold drinks. You are welcome to enjoy the choice of many magazines, books and movies.
We have two guestrooms with a shared bath. The Old West Room features a double Four Poster bed. The Railroad Room has a queen bed. The trains are a collection of Charles' since he was a small boy.
We serve a restaurant style full breakfast. Specialties may include pecan topped french toast, delicious omelets, puffed pancakes or quiches. Fresh fruit in season, muffins or scones and homemade jams and jellies are always served. And, of course, juice, coffee and a variety of teas. We will accommodate any dietary restrictions you may have.
Call them at (888) 414-3077 or visit their website for more information.
Triangle T Guest Ranch
Located 60 miles east of Tucson in the foothills of the Dragoon Mountains. One of the oldest ranches in Arizona, it's unique setting in the beautiful Texas Canyon, amidst gigantic boulders piled high in startling formations, offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the southwest. At an elevation of 4500 feet, temperatures at the Triangle T Guest Ranch are moderate year round.
Call them at (866) 586-7533 or visit their website for more information.
Dos Cabezas Spirit & Nature Retreat
The serene Dos Cabezas Mountains 14 miles southeast of Willcox, Arizona are the home of the Dos Cabezas Spirit and Nature Retreat guest lodging bed and breakfast in the historic Dos Cabezas ghost town. We are located along Hwy. 186, and just twenty minutes to the mystical Chiricahua Mountains. We are the newest of the bed and breakfasts inns near Willcox, AZ, and our Dos Cabezas B & B is your first stop from Willcox for Chiricahua Mountains lodging. Dos Cabezas is a village named after the striking twin-peaked mountains (the English translation is two heads) that rise above the village. The Retreat's setting is secluded and private, and we border thousands of acres of State land.
Call them at (520) 384-6474 or visit their website for more information.