So, why AZ?

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Vineyard: Dragoon Mountain Vineyard est. 2001

Appellation: Willcox A.V.A.

Winemaker: John McLoughlin 

John McLoughlin is Arizona born and raised. 

The Path

John McLoughlin started in the wine industry in the early eighties. He received his training throughout Europe and California where John had the opportunity to work with talented, passionate professionals as an assistant winemaker, offering his time and service for free with the condition that they hold back none of their secrets. 

The History 

While obtaining his Masters Degree in World History from Arizona State University he started as a busboy with the well-known Phoenix icon Rustler’s Roost, a five-star restaurant owned and operated by Hilton Hotels where he eventually earned the position of Manager of Floor Staff, overseeing three-hundred plus individuals for the resort. It was through this hands-on operation that he saw the importance and positive impact of supporting local producers and vendors. From there he moved on to overseeing events at Westworld and for Nascar. Seeing people happy, enjoying life and spending time together drove him to creating great experiences for people as a profession.  

John loves talking with people, learning about them and hearing about their life experiences. His compassion and personal desire to connect with people eventually led him to build a successful insurance agency in the Mesa area, but his dream of being an independant grape grower and winemaker never left him.

The Vineyard

John began planting Dragoon Mountain Vineyard in 2001. John personally inspected every vine being placed into the Arizona soil, wholeheartedly believing that Arizona is the best kept secret in the world’s wine industry. To this day, John McLoughlin is committed to personally walking and inspecting the vineyard throughout the growing season and decides to harvest only when the grapes tell him they are ready. 

Dragoon Mountain Vineyard near Willcox, AZ is meticulously attended by John himself. Stark contrast between hot desert days and cool valley nights shape one of the world’s most unique growing
regions in SE Arizona at 4300 feet. Climate and soil studies show this specific region in Willcox, AZ to be similar to Ribera Del Duero, Spain, Southeastern Australia, and Southern France and is almost identical to Paso Robles, CA.

The Result

Experience, passion and hard work have given John the skill and dexterity to create a collection of diverse, incredible wines that demonstrate Arizona’s abilities as a wine region worthy of the world stage, yet welcome all wine seekers, novice and connoisseur alike.