With soil and growing conditions often likened to those in Burgundy, France, the Sonoita-Elgin grasslands are becoming a well-known and well-reviewed wine-making region. It’s fun to drive through the open landscape and sample wines, but consider taking along a designated driver.

In Sonoita just east of the crossroads on the east side of Highway 82 is the Dos Cabezas Wineworks (3248 Hwy. 82, 520/455-5141), open for tasting Friday–Sunday 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

The tasting room and gift shop at Sonoita Vineyards (520/455-5893, www.sonoitavineyards.com), located three miles south of Elgin on the Elgin-Canelo Road, is open daily 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Also along Elgin Road is Callaghan Vineyards (336 Elgin Rd., 520/455-5322, www.callaghanvineyards.com), with a tasting room open Friday–Sunday 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

The Village of Elgin Winery (520/455-9309, www.elginwines.com) has tastings daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and the Rancho Rossa Vinyards (201 Cattle Ranch Lane, Elgin, 520/455-0700, www.ranchorossa.com) is open Saturday–Sunday 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., as well as Fridays from December to March.

In April locals turn out in Elgin for the annual Blessing of the Vine Festival; check www.elginwines.com for details.