Dos Cabezas WineWorks: Visiting Sonoita’s Wineries

Located in Sonoita, Arizona, Dos Cabezas WineWorks is a cornerstone of the state’s growing wine scene.

The winery offers a diverse selection of wines (whites, reds, and roses) from grapes grown in this region of southeastern Arizona.  

Key Info on Dos Cabezas:

• 2.5 hours from Phoenix
• 1 hour from Tucson
• Usually open 11am – 5pm (closed Tuesdays)
• Features tastings, food, and indoor-outdoor spaces
• Wines made by grapes grown on 2 Arizona vineyards

Sonoita Wine Tours

If everyone in your group enjoys the tastings, it’s easier and safer to hire a driver to do all the navigating.  Here are two options:

➡️ Book: Phoenix to Sonoita Wineries

➡️ Book: Tucson to Sonoita Wineries

Dos Cabezas WineWorks

Location:  3248 AZ-82, Sonoita, AZ 85637

History of Dos Cabezas

Founded in 1995, Dos Cabezas WineWorks began with a vineyard planted near Willcox, Arizona.

Over the years, the winery has grown into a leading name in Arizona winemaking. Current owners Todd and Kelly Bostock took the reins in 2006 and have continued to elevate the brand’s reputation while maintaining a focus on sustainability.

The Wines

Dos Cabezas WineWorks offers a diverse range of wines.  Some of the popular offerings include:

• El Campo: A signature red blend: bold and complex, often made with a mix of Tempranillo, Grenache, and Mourvèdre. Perfect for pairing with meals or sipping on its own.
• Pink: A vibrant rosé that balances refreshing acidity with notes of strawberry and citrus—ideal for Arizona’s sunny weather.
• Meskeoli: A distinctive white blend featuring grapes like Malvasia Bianca and Viognier. This wine offers floral and tropical notes with a crisp finish.

My Favorite Wine at Dos Cabezas

I like the Aguileon, made from grapes at the Cimarron Vineyard in Willcox:

• 46% Tempranillo
• 25% Graciano
• 14% Petite Verdot
• 14% Garnacha

Tasting Options

• Standard Tasting: $15 or $18, which includes a souvenir logo glass to take home.
• Bring Your Own Glass: If you bring a glass from another local winery, your tasting is just $12.

Groups & Private Tastings

• Reservations are recommended for groups of 8 or more and for private tastings.
• Reach out with any questions or requests: 📧 [email protected]

What to Expect

The Dos Cabezas tasting room offers a welcoming and educational experience, which you can expect at any of the wineries in the Sonoita/Elgin area:

• Flight Options: Choose from a variety of tasting flights to explore their reds, whites, rosés, or sparkling wines.
• By the Glass or Bottle: If you discover a favorite during your tasting, you can enjoy a full glass or share a bottle on the property’s scenic patio.
• Special Tastings: During events or by appointment, Dos Cabezas offers in-depth tastings that might include library wines, barrel samples, or exclusive releases.
• Pairings: Enhance your tasting with food pairings from their pizza kitchen or other on-site culinary offerings.

Vineyards & Grapes Used by Dos Cabezas

Dos Cabezas uses grapes from two Arizona vineyards: Pronghorn in Sonoita and Cimarron in rural Cochise County.

Pronghorn Vineyard

Established in 2004, Pronghorn Vineyard is a cornerstone of Dos Cabezas WineWorks, located in the scenic high desert of Sonoita, Santa Cruz County, Arizona.

• Elevation: 4,800 feet above sea level
• Size: 15 acres of planted vines

Grape Varieties

• White Varieties:
  • Malvasia
  • Picpoul Blanc
  • Roussanne
  • Viognier
• Red Varieties:
  • Aglianico
  • Graciano
  • Mourvèdre
  • Petit Verdot
  • Petite Sirah
  • Tempranillo

The vineyard’s high elevation and mineral-rich soils, combined with Arizona’s sunny days and cool nights, contribute to the development of complex flavors in these varietals. 

Cimarron Vineyard

Established in 2005, Cimarron Vineyard is a vital part of Dos Cabezas WineWorks, located in the Kansas Settlement area of Cochise County, Arizona.

• Elevation: 4,300 feet above sea level
• Size: 37 acres of planted vines

Grape Varieties

• White Varieties:
  • Albariño
  • Malvasia
  • Muscat
  • Picpoul Blanc
  • Riesling
  • Roussanne
  • Viognier
• Red Varieties:
  • Aglianico
  • Aleatico
  • Barbera
  • Cabernet Franc
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Counoise
  • Graciano
  • Grenache
  • Montepulciano
  • Mourvèdre
  • Petit Verdot
  • Petite Sirah
  • Primitivo
  • Sangiovese
  • Syrah
  • Tempranillo
  • Vranec

Cimarron Vineyard’s expansive acreage and diverse varietals reflect the pioneering spirit of Arizona winemaking. The vineyard benefits from the warm days and cool nights of Cochise County’s high desert, which are ideal for producing high-quality grapes with vibrant flavors and balanced acidity.  

Food at the Winery

Dos Cabezas WineWorks features an on-site pizza kitchen that serves artisan, wood-fired pizzas.  Each is crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. These pizzas are designed to pair beautifully with their wines.

The Dos Cabezas Property

The tasting room is warm and inviting, with rustic charm and several seating areas.

Outdoor seating provides views of the surrounding vineyards and rolling hills. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon.

The Best Time to Visit Arizona’s Wineries

The most popular times to explore Sonoita’s wineries are spring and fall, but they’re open and enjoyable year-round.

Spring (March-May)

• The weather is mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from the 60s to 80s°F. The vines are just starting to sprout, and wildflowers are often in bloom.

Fall (September-November)

• Fall is harvest season, the most exciting time for wine enthusiasts. Temperatures are cooler than summer but still comfortable, averaging 70-85°F.  The vineyards and wineries host harvest festivals, grape stomps, and special winemaker dinners. 

Summer (June-August)

• While summer can be hot in much of Arizona, higher-elevation wine regions like Sonoita and Willcox are cooler and more comfortable, usually staying in the 80s°F.

Winter (December-February)

• Winter is the quietest time in Arizona wine country, making it ideal for those seeking a relaxed, crowd-free experience. Temperatures range from 50-70°F.

Is Dos Cabezas Wineworks Worth Visiting?

Arizona’s wine country in the Sonoita area is well worth visiting, for the scenic landscapes, unique wines, and charming small-town vibes.

The Sonoita AVA (American Viticultural Area) is Arizona’s first designated wine region. Many wineries in the area offer varietals you won’t find elsewhere.

Unlike crowded wine regions in California, Sonoita offers a more personal and welcoming experience. Tasting rooms are often small and family-run, giving you the chance to chat directly with winemakers.

The picturesque rolling hills of Sonoita are framed by mountain ranges and expansive skies, making the area as visually stunning as it is serene. The sunsets alone are worth the trip, especially when enjoyed with a glass of locally crafted wine.

If you’re driving around Southern Arizona, consider making a stop at some of these iconic destinations:

• Saguaro National Park
• San Xavier Mission
• Picacho Peak State Park
• Kartchner Caverns State Park
• Chiricahua National Monument
• The other wineries in Sonoita & Elgin, including Los Milics and Rune Wineworks
• Bisbee
• The retro town of Lowell, AZ (near Bisbee)
• Tombstone

Sonoita is a short drive from other Southern Arizona attractions like the retro town of Lowell, Kartchner Caverns, Saguaro National Park, the San Xavier Mission, Chiricahua National Monument, and the charming artist town of Bisbee (photo below). It’s easy to turn your wine tour into a full weekend adventure.