Heading south from Tucson on a beautifully scenic drive, tall steel monoliths appear in the distance surrounded by lush vineyards. As one draws closer it becomes clear this is not a large-scale art installation or a modern Stonehenge but the tasting room for Los Milics Vineyards. Steel panels and mirrored windows reflect the vineyards and surrounding Mustang Mountains. Arguably, it is the most unique and stunning tasting room in the United States.
Designed by Chen Suchart Studio’s husband and wife architectural team Thamarit “Tommy” and Patricia Szu-Ping Suchart, the tasting room’s minimalist palette enhances rather than detracts from natural surroundings. Throughout the day from sunrise to sunset the aesthetic changes and low nighttime light does not take away from the breathtaking night sky.
Los Milics Vineyards Unique Wines
Los Milics Vineyards located in the Sonoita AVA, the first in Arizona, benefits from the unique microclimate. The southern Arizona terroir of high desert and a 5,000 feet elevation produce grapes that thrive in the gravelly loam soil. Owner and winemaker Pavle Milic and wife Ita Milic, also a gifted winemaker, craft wine from the 17 varieties of grapes grown on the 20-acre estate vineyards and on an additional 50 acres near Elfrida. They grow a mix of familiar grapes such as cabernet franc, grenache and tempranillo along with the lesser known counoise, malvasia bianca, vermentino and vranac. Currently their line up includes 14 wines, three whites, three roses and eight reds and all are named after members of the Los Milics family.
Enjoy a flight of five wines in the tasting room or order wine by glass or bottle. Chef Ana Borrajo creates a tapas-inspired, small-plates menu influenced by her birth city of Granada in Spain. She uses fresh, regional ingredients with menus changing seasonally.
Los Milics Vineyards
Los Milics Vineyards
The Biscuit at Los Milics Vineyards
Named after the iconic domed shaped Mt. Bruce which locals call “The Biscuit,” the restaurant features a creative menu that harmonizes with Los Milics wines. Tastings can be ordered at dinner and feature two whites, a rose, and two reds with two-ounce pours. Create your own chef’s tasting menu by ordering courses to pair with the tasting. Chef Borrajo’s cuisine uses seasonal ingredients, locally sourced. Her influences include the culinary traditions of Spain, the Mediterranean, family recipes and the unique flavors of the Sonoran desert. The seasonal vegetarian entrée is a menu standout that even carnivores will enjoy.
Los Milics Vineyards
Los Milics Vineyards
The Casitas at Los Milics Vineyards
The cozy casitas at Los Milics Vineyards make the perfect base to explore this rural wine region. These unique, modular homes are designed and constructed by ZenniHome which focuses on creating compact and efficient smart homes. The casitas are communal space during the day with a living room, kitchen, dining room and office. In the evening with the press of a button a bed comes down from the ceiling and converts the living room into a bedroom. The office transforms with a fold down murphy bed. Make sure to take the offered tour to learn how all the features work.
Where the casitas really shine is with the floor to ceiling windows and a staggered property layout, so each one has an incredible view of the Mustang Mountains and the iconic “Biscuit” mountain. During your stay plan to get up early to watch the sun rise over the mountains with a fresh cup of coffee—simply stunning from the porch or snuggling in the bed. And all the lighting onsite is designed so it does not detract from the gorgeous plethora of stars.
Plan your visit to Los Milics Vineyards at losmilicsvineyards.com. Learn more about visiting Tucson and Southern Arizona at visittucson.org and visitnogalesaz.com.