It may have been a mid-life crisis that led us into the wine business but it was not an accident that we chose Southeastern Arizona to locate our vineyards and winery. Southeastern Arizona and particularly Cochise County, where LDV Winery is located, has a long, rich history of cowboys, Indians, and agriculture. It is the “Land of Legends” because of people like Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Johnny Ringo, and others from the Clanton gang that traveled these parts. In fact, you can visit Johnny Ringo’s grave where he died under a tree up the mountain near our vineyard. 

On the way down to the vineyard, stop at Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson (about an hour from LDV) to tour the amazing cave formed over millions of years with spectacular stalagmites. And it is still forming and changing. Further along your trip as you drive through Texas Canyon with its unique boulders and rock formations, visit the Amerind Museum (40 minutes from LDV) to see exhibits that tell the story of America’s first peoples from Alaska to South America and from the last Ice Age to the present. The Amerind Foundation was founded in 1937 by William Shirley Fulton (1880-1964) as a private, non-profit archeological research institution.

Take a hike in the mountainous area of Cochise Stronghold near Sunsites (25 minutes from LDV) where the great Apache leader Cochise hid from the cavalry. Though LDV Winery’s address is Pearce, Arizona (20 minutes from LDV), it is considered a Ghost Town. Pearce’s post office was established in 1896 and continues today. Gold was discovered nearby and the Commonwealth Mine was established until its closure in 1930. Several historic buildings still stand along the main street.

As you reach the turn from US 191 to SR 181, stop into Mustang Mall to check out the great selection of Arizona wines from Cochise County and a true Western mercantile. You are now on your last leg to LDV Winery (15 minutes to LDV). You will not be passing through vineyards but enjoying grasslands and mountain views. Watch out for deer and other wildlife.

From SR 181, take Turkey Creek Road and a quick right turn onto Kuykendall Cutoff Road for a mile on a dirt road to LDV. We chose to locate LDV Winery in this special place not because of this incredible history and beautiful setting. The following guided the decision:

1. High altitude and proximity to the mountain weather. LDV is at 5,000 feet elevation in the Chiricahua Mountains.
2. Plentiful, pure water.
3. Great air and water drainage. LDV vineyards drain into Ash Creek that flows out of the mountain through the property.
4. An area that currently or has never had production farming nearby.
5. Land with rocky, volcanic soil.



All five criteria were found on the 40 acres where LDV Winery and vineyards are located. Explore Arizona and visit the beauty of Southeastern Arizona. A perfect opportunity is the LDV Winery BBQ and vineyard/winery tours – August 5. Learn first-hand about our vineyards, winery, and see our magical place producing award-winning wines. Learn more HERE and register by calling 480-664-4822 or email info@LDVWinery.com. Contact us for lodging suggestions near the winery. Also plan on visiting the Chiricahua National Monument (15 miles from LDV), Apple Annie’s farm and orchard near Willcox, and the many other area wineries.