I would guess that many of you imagine a landscape similar to this photo when someone says, "Arizona." Of course, I've never spent much time out west (with the exception of a three-day tradeshow in L.A. seven years ago). Little did I know that southern Arizona is cooler, with a climate that is great for growing grapes.

From KVOA Tuscon:

Located about 50 miles Southeast of Tucson, Sonoita and Elgin are home to six wineries: Callaghan Vineyards, Canelo Hills Vineyard and Winery, Dos Cabezas WineWorks, Rancho Rossa Vineyards, Sonoita Vineyards and The Village of Elgin Winery.

Each features its own tasting room, and some offer tours of their vineyards and facilities.

There are several other wineries in southern Arizona, including Charron Vineyards in Vail and Coronado Vineyards in Willcox.

They are all part of a larger network. Statewide, 26 bonded wineries and 38 vineyards have more than 4,000 acres of grapes under cultivation, according to the Arizona Wine Growers Association.

The Arizona wine industry is pleased to see growth in recent years. According to the article it rose from $18 million to about $36 million last year and visitation to wineries has increased as well.