Press Release

“It’s a Throwdown. It’s a Block Party. It’s a Food Drive.“

Wineries and restaurants located in Arizona’s wine country are teaming up to collect much needed items to stock the shelves of the local food pantry this spring. Visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to participating locations between May 1 and May 18.

“The Sonoita food pantry is operated solely by community members and provides essential items to more than 100 residents every month,” said Mary Moran, community volunteer.

“Every can of non-perishable food, every bag of pasta goes directly to helping families and seniors affected by food insecurity. We are very grateful for this amazing wine country collaboration.”

The food drive will cap off on Saturday, May 18 with a variety of activities, including live music and food trucks, at the winery tasting rooms. Some drop off locations also will be offering discounts and promotional deals to encourage visitors to contribute to the drive.

The goal is to collect 100 pounds of food, cooking essentials and household items. Last year’s effort netted nearly 1,000 items, allowing Team SO to just eke out the win in the first year of the drive.

Businesses have been grouped into two teams based on their proximity to either SR82 or 83—the scenic byways that intersect the wine region.

Team SO (Sonoita) includes Dos Cabezas Wine Works, Sunset Ride Wines, Az Hops and Vines, The Meading Room, Rune Wines, Hannah’s Hill Vineyard, Los Milics Vineyards, The Steak Out and Copper Brothel Brewery.

Team GIN (Elgin) includes Autumn Sage Vineyards, Deep Sky Vineyards, Callaghan Vineyards, Twisted Union Wine Company, Salvatore Vineyards, Elgin Winery & Distillery, Sonoita Vineyards, Lightning Ridge Cellars, Vinostache and Wilhelm Family Wines.

In addition to non-perishable foods such as canned meats and vegetables, nuts and nut butters, whole grain cereals, beans, and low-sodium soups, visitors are encouraged to contribute personal hygiene products and cooking essentials, including olive oil. A complete list of items can be found on the SO-GIN Block Party Facebook page.

Sonoita is the birthplace of Arizona wine and the state’s first region to be designated as an American Viticulture Area (AVA). Surrounded by scenic Sky Islands, the area is home to more than 20 wineries, breweries, and distilleries, as well as several cattle ranches that have been integral to shaping the history of the state and the future of the beef industry. The region’s natural scenescapes also have been used as the backdrop for numerous TV shows and films, including “Little House on the Prairie,” “Oklahoma!” and “The Quick and the Dead.” More information is available at sonoitaelginchamber.org.