BACKGROUND
My foray…read moreinto Arizona Wines sort of started as a fluke two years ago, when my mom suggested we go to Wilcox, Arizona, to check out their biannual Wine Festival.
I vaguely remember Wilcox as a town we've passed by several times in the past, as it is right off the I-10, south of Tucson, past Benson.
As a sleepy town located in Cochise County, Arizona, with a recorded population of 3,757 as of the 2010 Census, it's easy for state residents, travelers, and tourists to overlook the town of Willcox, Arizona, especially as wine country.
WILCOX (THEN)
Originally named Maley, Willcox was founded in 1880 as a stop along the famous Southern Pacific Railroad, later renamed to Willcox to honor the visiting of General Orlando B. Willcox in 1889.
Come the 20th century, Willcox had risen to prominence as a major producer of cattle, with agriculture remaining integral to the town's success and longevity today.
Famously, Willcox is known as the birthplace of Rex Allen, also known as the Arizona Cowboy.
He wrote songs, acted, starred in Westerns made in the 1950s, and acted in Frontier Doctor from 1958 until 1959.
WILCOX (NOW)
Today, much of the town's traffic is linked to Interstate 10, running immediately north of the town.
Major employers located within the town include Willcox Unified School District, TravelCenters of America, Northern Cochise Community Hospital, the Border Patrol, and Safeway.
However, the town is also home to an up-and-coming winery industry that is drawing in wine lovers, tourists, and in-state residents.
WILCOX WINE COUNTRY
Willcox is making quite a name for itself as a must-see winery destination.
Responsible for growing 74% of the grapes grown in the state of Arizona, Willcox relies on what it calls the "Willcox Bench:" just the right soil and climate to grow grapes and make wine that wins national competitions annually.
Grape varietals grown in Willcox include: Petit Sirah, Malvasia Bianca, Sangiovese, Chenin Blanc, Syrah, Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc, Corvina, Merlot, Malbec, Tannat, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Mourvedre.
WILCOX WINE FESTIVAL
Every year, Willcox hosts the Willcox Wine Festival (twice per year).
This first event of this year will take place May 19th and 20th, 2018, with individuals from around the country coming to experience what is hailed as some of the best wine made in the entire U.S. at this time.
This spring's upcoming festival will feature tastings from local vineyards, like: Aridus Wine Company, Arizona Stronghold Vineyards, Bodega Pierce, Caduceus Cellars, Carlson Creek Vineyard, Coronado Vineyards, Deep Sky Vineyards, Kief-Joshua Vineyards, Golden Rule Vineyards, Four Tails Vineyard, Pillsbury Wine Company, Sierra Bonita Vineyards, and the list goes on.
WILCOX AREA HIKING
Some of the best hiking and site seeing the area, includes, Chiricahua National Park, Apple Annie's Orchards, Apache Springs, Heart of Rocks, and Fort Bowie National Park.
THE STORY
On my first trip to Wilcox, I was with my mom, and enjoyed spending quality time with her. It reminded me of the time I spent with her exploring Arizona when I was growing up. So, I think I was crushing on Wilcox a bit on my first trip, because of my mom and my memories with her.
I say that, because I was there again yesterday, and the main downtown area seemed olden-timey cute, but a lot less romantic than I had remembered.
I think that is also due in part to the fact that the wine festival had not been set up yet, as it's starting on Saturday, May 19, 2018.
Wilcox is dry and sparse, and I mentioned to several people that it would be a great place for people in the witness relocation program to start a new life.
CONCLUSION
I like the City of Wilcox. I think it's definitely worth a visit, especially for the biannual wine festivals.
Wilcox is one probably of the few places left on earth with a genuine small town vibe.
3/5 RECOMMEND
OF NOTE
*For more information: https://www.visitarizona.com/cities/tucson-and-southern/willcox