Dr. Gordon Dutt, considered the father of the modern-day wine industry in Arizona and the founder of Sonoita Vineyards, passed away at age 91 at his Tucson home Saturday, Sept. 4.
The history: While working as a soil scientist at the University of Arizona, Dutt sought to prove grapes could be grown in Arizona. He and Blake Brophy established the first experimental vineyard on the Ignacio de Babocomari Ranch in southern Arizona in 1973.
Sonoita Vineyards: Dutt planted Arizona’s first commercial vineyard in 1979 and opened his winery three miles south of Elgin in 1983. It was the third winery in Arizona, but the first to make wine solely from Arizona grapes.
Today: Sonoita Vineyards produces Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Mission, Sangiovese and Syrah.
