"Sunday Drive" Wine Country Cruise - Pictures

What a wonderful day!  We had great people, great cars, perfect weather, fun roads, and - oh, yeah - WINE!

Our first rendezvous point was at the Vail Steakhouse just northeast of I-10 & Wentworth in Vail, AZ.  A few of us got there early and had breakfast. They serve up a a respectable breakfast of ranch hand proportions.  You won't go away hungry!

After everyone arrived and had a photo shoot we headed south to Sonoita via AZ 83.  It was a beautiful drive and the cars had a chance to "stretch their legs."


In Sonoita we met up with Ron and Shirley and their '78 Fiat Spider in front of the Sonoita Mercantile.  They came to say "howdy" but were not able to do the drive with us due to emergent family obligations.  It was great to see them and have a chance for folks to meet up with them.

BTW - This is where the Fiat lost its co-pilot to the Ferrari 365 GTB "just until we get to our next stop."

We were not the only ones cruising southern Arizona's wine country - there was a group of vintage Mercedes enjoying the area, too.  Turns out one of the members in the group races a Pantera.

Our first winery was Arizona Hops & Vines.  This was just short trip down the road from Sonoita crossroads.  The wine was tasty and interestingly paired with various potato chips, cheese curls, and spicy tortilla chips.  It may sound whacky but it was actually pretty good!  The Fiat lost its co-pilot to the Ferrari again.  Who could blame her? 

Could not have said it any better myself!

Our trip to the second winery - Lightning Ridge Cellars - took us to the eastern edge of Elgin and south to meet up with 83 again and then west to the winery.  This leg of the trip gave everyone a little bit of everything from nice straights to open up the throttle to some hilly portions and some nice corners.  Lightning Ridge specializes in Italian style wines.  We were in heaven!  After sampling some wine we noshed on fruit, cheese, and some crackers under the umbrellas on their bocce ball court while soaking up the views and enjoying each others company.  The Fiat got its co-pilot back for the remainder of the trip!

The route to the third winery started off well but took a slight turn when one of the main roads turned out to be gravel for a stretch.  We turned around and did a bit of back-tracking but eventually made it to our destination - Wilhelm Family Vineyards via paved roads.  The place was packed and we found out a bit late that the winery had a Groupon going.  YIKES!  They were understaffed (1 person!!!) but the lone wine steward was busting her butt to keep things moving along (she deserves a raise!).  The wines were interesting and there was quite a variety.  In addition to traditional offerings they also had several Sangria wines to sample and a variety of Port styles to tempt your palate.

Yes - It is a REAL Ferrari 365 Daytona.

We departed into the late afternoon to get home before dusk.  It was another beautiful drive.  Everyone seemed to enjoy the day for the most part and I'll bet we do it again!

A link more pictures taken by the Southern Arizona Panteras club can be found > here.<

Ciao!