Arizona | Sonoita | Sonoita-Elgin Wine Trail

Location

Wine Trail: Sonoita-Elgin Wine Trail

Address: 3969 AZ-82, Sonoita, AZ 85637

Phone: (520) 338-8823

Website: runewines.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 Rune Wines

When you drive past Rune Wines, it might appear rustic and unassuming—but don’t let that fool you. This off-the-beaten-path spot offers one of the coolest and most memorable tasting experiences in Sonoita, Arizona. Located in the high desert, Rune seamlessly blends wine, nature, and sustainability into something truly unique.

Rune Wines opened its Sonoita tasting room in 2015, just two years after releasing its first vintage in 2013. It holds the distinction of being the only solar-powered, completely off-grid tasting room and vineyard in Arizona—a perfect reflection of its commitment to sustainability and the land it inhabits.

The vision behind Rune Wines is James Callahan, owner and head winemaker. His journey began with PurVine Winery in Tempe, Arizona, and took him around the world to Washington, New Zealand, and California. Eventually, he returned to Arizona to work with Aridus Wine Company in Willcox and later Pillsbury Wine Company. In 2013, Callahan founded Rune Wines. Today, in addition to expanding Rune and its sister brand Brigand Wines, he is also the winemaker for Deep Sky Vineyards and Autumn Sage Vineyards.

Rune Wine is more than just a winery—it’s a storybook told through wine. Each vintage features a distinctive label that captures the narrative of that year's terroir, challenges, and triumphs, giving each bottle a unique identity.

The flagship red, Wild Syrah, is a standout. It's a bold and expressive blend made using wild yeast and co-fermentations of Syrah with Viognier, Malvasia, and Roussanne, showcasing the winery’s creative approach to winemaking.

Tasting at Rune is refreshingly casual and immersive. Most tastings take place outside under a shaded canopy, offering stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding mountain ranges and high desert grasslands. It’s not uncommon to spot wildlife or feel the stillness of the desert all around you. The space also includes walking trails, cozy seating areas, and occasional events featuring live music, curated food pairings, and fire pits—transforming the high desert into a magical nighttime escape.

Rune Wines isn’t just a stop—it’s an experience that captures the essence of Arizona winemaking in every glass.