We Rank The 2 Best Wine Tours In Tucson

The 2 Best Wine Tours in Tucson

Arizona’s Tucson might not be the first place you think of for wine, but this city offers surprising options for lovers of good vino. The Sonoran Desert isn’t just about cacti and mountain vistas—it’s also home to a thriving wine scene. Southern Arizona’s Sonoita and Elgin regions boast full-bodied desert varietals grown amid wild critters like javelinas and rattlesnakes, creating a unique wine-tasting environment.

In this guide, we’ll explore two of the top-rated wine-related experiences in Tucson. One takes you on a relaxing journey through desert vineyards with tastings and lunch, while the other offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to soar over the desert in a hot air balloon with champagne and breakfast. Whether you’re after a full-day wine tour or an unforgettable aerial adventure, these options showcase the best of what Tucson has to offer.

Quick Overview

Our list features two standout tours. The first is a full-day wine tour in the nearby wine country, including visits to three wineries, a gourmet lunch, and scenic desert views. The second is a hot air balloon ride, combining breathtaking views of the Sonoran Desert with champagne and breakfast. Both tours have earned perfect reviews and offer very different ways to experience Tucson’s unique landscape and wine culture.

1. A Wine Tasting Experience in the Vineyards of the Desert

This full-day tour transports you from Tucson to Southern Arizona’s renowned wine country—Sonoita and Elgin—about an hour’s drive away. The tour includes visits to Callaghan Vineyards Flying Leap Vinyards and Distillery, Deep Sky Vineyards, and Dos Cabezas WineWorks. You get to sample five wine flights across three different wineries, each offering unique flavors shaped by the desert environment.

What makes this experience special is not just the wines, but the setting—grapevines grow among cacti, javelinas, rattlesnakes, and gila monsters. At Dos Cabezas, you’ll enjoy a gourmet pizza or salad lunch, included as part of the package. The tour emphasizes comfort, with transportation provided, and the itinerary is designed for relaxed tasting rather than rushing.

Reviews show a consistent 5-star rating, with visitors praising the knowledgeable guide and beautiful scenery. One review notes, “The wineries and wine were great, and the scenery made it even more special.” This tour is ideal for wine lovers who appreciate a relaxed pace, scenic drives, and the chance to taste Arizona-grown wines in their native setting.

Bottom Line: A well-rounded, scenic tour that combines the pleasure of sampling three wineries with the serenity of the desert—perfect for a full day of wine, scenery, and good company.

2. Tucson: Hot Air Balloon Ride with Champagne and Breakfast

For a completely different kind of adventure, this hot air balloon ride lifts you high above the Sonoran Desert for 4 hours of breathtaking views. The experience begins at Marana Regional Airport and includes a safety briefing, a 30-minute ascent, followed by a champagne toast and continental breakfast upon landing.

What sets this tour apart is the aerial perspective you gain—sweeping 360-degree views of the desert landscape, mountain ranges, and distant cityscapes. Your pilot shares insights about local wildlife, plant life, and landmarks, making it both a sightseeing and learning experience. Reviews highlight the professionalism of the crew and the beauty of the sunrise or sunset flights. One reviewer mentions, “The views and the champagne breakfast made it unforgettable.”

This tour is best suited for those looking for a luxurious and memorable experience. It’s perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting to see Tucson from above. The price reflects the exclusivity, but many find it worth every penny for the once-in-a-lifetime perspective.

Bottom Line: An exceptional experience for those who want an unforgettable view and a peaceful, scenic adventure combined with a celebratory breakfast in the skies.

How to Choose

Picking between these two Tucson experiences depends on your interests and schedule. If you’re a wine enthusiast eager to explore Arizona’s desert vineyards, the Wine Tasting Experience offers a full day of tasting, scenic drives, and gourmet lunch. It’s ideal if you like tasting multiple wineries and enjoying the countryside at a leisurely pace.

On the other hand, if you’re seeking a spectacular view and a thrill, the Hot Air Balloon Ride provides an elegant, memorable adventure with panoramic desert vistas, perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a peaceful flight.

When booking, consider the best times—early morning flights are weather-dependent but often clearer, and the wine tour runs most days with some flexibility. Early reservations are recommended, especially for the balloon experience, which is weather-sensitive and popular.

Final Thoughts

Both of these Tucson tours offer unique ways to experience the desert landscape and local culture. For a relaxed wine country journey, the Vineyard Tour provides a taste of Arizona’s burgeoning wine scene within scenic surroundings. If you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime visual experience, the hot air balloon ride offers breathtaking views with a splash of luxury.

For those traveling with time and an adventurous spirit, combining both could give a well-rounded taste of Tucson’s diverse offerings. The wine tour is perfect for a relaxing day immersed in local flavors, while the balloon flight elevates your experience—literally—to new heights. Booking early is advised to secure your spot, especially for the balloon ride, which tends to fill quickly. Whatever you choose, Tucson’s wine and sky-high adventures are sure to leave you with memorable stories to tell.