Sonoita Winery

Karyl and Kevin Wilhelm met in Saudi Arabia while serving in the U.S. Air Force during the Gulf War. Kevin was a fighter pilot and Karyl worked in aeromedical evacuation. They have been happily married for over 29 years. In 2004 they purchased land in Sonoita, which is one of two American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in Arizona. Because of the unique terroir of the region, they decided to plant a vineyard and produce local wine. Karyl earned her winemaking certification at UC Davis and began the process of growing grapes and creating wines. Her biomedical engineering degree and knowledge of chemistry are immensely helpful, as is Kevin's experience as a fourth-generation farmer.

Together, they have grown their business and continue to work to make the best wines possible. In 2008, Wilhelm Family Vineyards officially opened. Since then, the Wilhelms have been producing award-winning wines. The winery specializes in Spanish varietals, but also grows French varietals to produce both blended and single-varietal wines including Tempranillo, Graciano, Verdejo, Garnacha, Albariño, Tannat, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.