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Elgin, Patagonia and Sonoita (known as the Mountain Empire of Southern Arizona - MESA) are again opening their doors and inviting fellow Arizonans to a relaxing weekend of wine, food and fun in the cool setting of Arizona’s Wine Country. Located in southeastern Santa Cruz County just 40 minutes from Tucson, Sierra Vista or Nogales, the communities boast an elevation of 5,000 feet above sea level where temperatures are consistently 10-20 degrees cooler than Phoenix and Tucson. The annual Father’s Day event, Wine, Dine & Unwind, is happening on June 18, 19 and 20. All three communities are pitching in to make this the ultimate stay-cation for all those who attend.
Wine, Dine & Unwind is sponsored by the local Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce and Patagonia Business Association who invite fellow Arizonans to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the communities. Keith Barth, President of the Mountain Empire Rotary states, "We hope Arizonans will discover all the treasures that our community has to offer. There is something for everyone-hiking, biking, shopping, bird watching and wine tours. There is a live radio performance broadcast in Patagonia’s park, dancing at Sonoita's SteakOut, a film festival, "Visions of the Southwest", and a bluegrass concert in an Amish Barn. The entire Empire is bursting with activities."
Several organizations are hosting buffet breakfasts, box lunches, or hot dog, lemonade and ice cream stands during the weekend long event. Local residents will be selling handmade wares, cheeses, vegetables and more at Saturday’s Farmer’s market. Artists studios will be open and outdoor enthusiasts can sign up for leisurely bike rides, bird watching lectures or nature walks. Barth continues, "All proceeds from the event go to support community education and philanthropic programs. This is an old fashioned community effort."
"Businesses and restaurateurs who are participating in Wine & Dine this year will all be offering their own economic stimulus package with event only $5 specials. Most restaurants will have a $5 menu item … a Margarita, burger, desert or appetizer. There’s $5 Marta Ortiz pottery at one shop and $5 jewelry at another. Visit any business or winery with an event windsock and you’ll be offered a great value and a fantastic time. No passports or tickets required. This year’s Wine, Dine & Unwind event is the best value ever" explains Barth.
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