Wine

Item Description

One case of 12 bottles of a variety of red wine from Rancho Rossa Vineyards.

Rancho Rossa Vineyards is one of the largest family owned wineries in the Sonoita/Elgin area. We produce about 1100 cases of wine each year from our 24 acres of estate fruit. We are the only winery in the Sonoita Viticultural area that is 100% estate. Meaning we use ONLY the grapes we grow. We specialize in ultra-premium dry varietal wines.

WINEMAKER
After being a home brewer and winemaker for almost 20 years, it was time to try my hand at commercial wine making. I wanted to make ultra-premium varietal wines from grapes that I had planted and raised myself. After looking at various locations in the state of Arizona, I determined that the Sonoita area would be the best place to grow premium fruit. We were able to find a lease on 300 acres of prime land and we began working the soil and establishing the vineyard in 2000. In 2002 we planted our first 12.5 acres of vines to premium Bordeaux and Rhone varietals. In 2003 we planted 4.5 acres of white varietals on our winery property just across the street. We have since added another 6.25 acres of reds and whites.

At Rancho Rossa Vineyards, we prefer the “hands off" approach, using old school techniques and allowing our grapes to make the wine with as little intervention from the wine maker as possible. We opened the tasting room in 2006 with just four wines. Our very first effort, the 2004 Syrah, won the AWGA award for best red wine in the state. We have followed with several other award-winning wines and have developed a small cult following for our Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, which is made only in very small quantities.

 I believe that it is very important to grow all of our own fruit. As a grower/wine maker, I decide exactly when the fruit is at its peak and ready for harvest. Unfortunately, there are years that not purchasing fruit from other sources can bite you in the butt. Normally, we produce 1100 cases annually, but due to inclement weather, we have produced as little as 200 cases per year. Yes, we lose a lot of money when that happens but we keep our standards high and continue our efforts to be the only 100% Estate in the Sonoita area. Quality is at the top of our list. Quality grapes make quality wine. Within two hours after being picked, our grapes are delivered to the winery and are processed, ensuring the highest quality juice for our wines.

When you come to Rancho Rossa Vineyards and taste our wine, you are assured that the wine in your glass was grown, produced, and bottled in Arizona. I know, because I have touched every bottle, made every ounce of the wine, and put on every label. I am the owner, wine maker, and viticulturist.

Chris Hamilton

Item Special Note

Winning bidder must be 21 years of age and pick up wine at KXCI main station during regular business hours, 220 S 4th Avenue, Tucson AZ 85701.

Note: Wine will not be available for pick up until December 17, 2018.