When people think of wine country, Arizona might not be the first place that comes to mind. But tucked between desert landscapes and mountains sits a growing wine scene full of character and history.
At the heart of the Southern Arizona wine experience is Old Pueblo Cellars, a winery that is committed to providing guests with more than just a glass of wine.
The History
Roger Pelton, owner of Old Pueblo Cellars, began his winemaking journey in California with his family. After purchasing a 2,200-acre ranch in Mariposa County, his sons made a surprising discovery one summer that set the Pelton family on a new path.
“They were out exploring and they came back with handfuls of grapes,” Pelton said. “We asked them where they got the grapes and they said there is a grape orchard down there.”
The boys had stumbled upon a small, mostly forgotten vineyard planted in the 1890s. Although much of it had died off, many of the old vines were still alive. A neighbor down the road who made his own wine showed Pelton how to produce wine naturally, without sulfites or chemicals. That same chemical-free process remains a core part of Old Pueblo’s wines today.
In the 1990s, the Peltons left California and moved to Texas, stepping away from winemaking for a time. In 2008, they relocated to Tucson, where Pelton purchased the 7.5-acre property that would eventually become Old Pueblo Cellars.
“I asked the people down at the university if this would be a good soil for grapes,” Pelton said. “They said it was great and you’re on Oasis Road which is the best water in the city.”
Experts advised him on the best grape varieties to plant in Arizona’s heat. Vines were planted in 2013, and the first harvest came in 2016. Pelton began selling wine during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“People drank a lot of wine during COVID because life was kind of boring,” Pelton said.
Since then, the business has grown. Pelton also opened a second winery in Willcox, located on 40 acres, which now supplies most of the wine for Old Pueblo Cellars.
The Tasting Experience
With two tasting rooms — one in Tucson and the other in Willcox — guests have the opportunity to explore Old Pueblo’s finest selection of wines.
“Guests are surprised that there is such good wine in Arizona because they have tasted wine all over the world,” Pelton said.
To book the tasting experience, guests simply call Pelton directly. The experience includes five wines: two reds, two whites, and a rosé. As each wine is poured, the staff shares insights about its production, the grape variety, and what makes each unique.
“We will go through the five C’s: see, swirl, sniff, sip, and savor,” Pelton said.
After the tasting, many guests enjoy a full glass of their favorite selection — and often take home a bottle to remember the experience.
The Southern Arizona wine experience
While Southern Arizona’s wine industry is relatively new compared to California’s, it is quickly gaining recognition. Thanks to its favorable soil and ideal growing conditions, around 80% of Arizona’s wine grapes are grown in the Willcox region.
However, the desert climate does pose some challenges — especially the intense heat. Harvesting grapes during the heat of the day is avoided to preserve the quality of the fruit. Wineries like Old Pueblo prefer to harvest in the cooler evening hours. The harvest season typically begins in July, marking the start of a unique winemaking journey in the desert Southwest.
What began as a personal passion has grown into a thriving family venture — Pelton’s wine journey is now a shared legacy, with most of his family members actively involved in the business.
The Tucson location is open for tastings daily—reservations are required. It is located on Tucson's northwest side at 10088 N St Patrick Road. The Willcox location does not require reservations. It is open Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 5:30 p.m. The Willcox Location is at 4923 E Arzberger Rd. Tastings are at noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m.
Guests are surprised that there is such good wine in Arizona because they have tasted wine all over the world.