Arizona | Sonoita | Sonoita-Elgin Wine Trail

Location

Wine Trail: Sonoita-Elgin Wine Trail

Address: 336 Elgin Rd, Elgin, AZ 85611

Phone: (520) 455-5322

Website: callaghanvineyards.com

Reservations: Book a Tasting

State: Arizona Wineries

Wine Region: Sonoita-Elgin Wineries

American Viticultural Area: Sonoita AVA

Wine Trail: Cayuga Lake Wine Trail

About Callaghan Vineyards

Kent Callaghan is widely regarded as a pioneer and icon in the Arizona wine industry. Known for his innovative spirit and relentless pursuit of quality, he has played a critical role in shaping the future of winemaking in the Sonoita region—and in Arizona at large.

Kent planted Callaghan Vineyards in 1990, making it one of the earliest vineyards in the state. The first vintage came in 1991 using purchased fruit, followed by estate-grown wine in 1992. From the very beginning, his wines earned national recognition. Kent sent early vintages to renowned wine critic Robert Parker, who gave them strong reviews—marking the first time Arizona wine had received that level of acclaim. Over the years, Callaghan wines have been served at the White House four times, a testament to their consistent quality and growing reputation.

Through decades of trial, error, and resilience, Kent has learned to adapt to the region’s sometimes harsh climate. Weather challenges have forced him to replant numerous times, but he’s always remained committed to discovering which varieties best suit the land. While he initially planted Bordeaux varieties, he gradually shifted toward Mediterranean and Spanish grapes, which thrive better in the high-desert conditions. Today, Graciano, Mourvèdre, and Grenache are among his most successful plantings. In fact, in 1997, Kent became the first winemaker in Arizona to plant Mourvèdre—a variety now embraced by many across the state.

Callaghan Vineyards spans approximately 50 acres with 17 acres under vine, and Kent is hands-on either in the vineyard or making the wines. His adaptability and dedication to continual improvement have not only elevated his own wines but have also helped lift the entire Arizona wine industry.

Beyond the vineyard, Kent has been instrumental in supporting fellow winemakers. He’s known for generously sharing his knowledge, helping others avoid the costly mistakes he’s already faced. He served as President of the Arizona Wine Growers Association (AWGA), where he worked to strengthen wine tourism infrastructure and advocate for the industry as a whole. Without Kent’s vision and perseverance, many of the Arizona wineries we love today may not have succeeded.

Since 2001, Callaghan Vineyards has welcomed guests to their Sonoita tasting room, where visitors can enjoy estate-grown wines in a relaxed, pet-friendly setting. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic, sip among the vines, and experience a place that helped define Arizona wine from the very beginning.