46th annual “Blessing of the Vines” at Sonoita Vineyards

All are welcome to join us on Saturday, April 20, for the 46th Annual “Blessing of the Vines” at the Sonoita Vineyards in Elgin, Arizona.

Dr. Gordon Dutt, a retired U of A soil scientist, established this first commercial vineyard in southern Arizona in 1975 and, beginning in 1978, invited local clergy to celebrate a ‘blessing of the vineyard’ each Spring.

The Sonoita Vineyards provides the altar wine for several area parishes.

Though celebrating from 10am to 5pm, the Blessing of the Vines takes place at Noon, and the day includes tastings, tours of the winery and vineyard, and a Procession through the vineyards!
 
There are local food vendors providing good things to eat, and many people pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds!

To reach the Sonoita Vineyards, take Hwy 82 to Upper Elgin Road and go 5 miles south – as you enter Elgin, you go over a one-lane bridge, make a quick left turn onto the paved Elgin-Canelo Road. Travel 3 miles south on Elgin-Canelo Road, take a right onto the road that leads up to the large building – the Winery on the hill!

For more information, you can go online: sonoitavineyards.com

This is a lovely Catholic tradition – to bless the vines from which the wine of the Eucharist will be made – and many other Christian churches are now participating! 

Come enjoy the day and the Blessing!