Discover Rio Rico

The Villages of Rio Rico embrace the unique desert landscape with homes that respect nature, not replace it. Every detail is carefully planned to enhance your enjoyment of one of the Southwest’s last truly great environments. Take relaxing walks through majestic mesquite-adorned knolls, spend quiet summer nights counting stars with your children and wake to the bluest skies you’ve ever seen. It’s all right outside your door, and it’s all yours to enjoy.

What’s close?

You’ll find plenty to enjoy in the area surrounding the Rio Rico community. If big-city attractions are the order of the day, all of the amenities of Tucson are only about 45 minutes away. Or escape to the slower pace and charm of Old Mexico, just 12 miles to the south. Restaurants, shopping, health care services and more are available at nearby Nogales, and delightful discoveries await you at the artists’ community of Tubac.

Tubac, Arizona
A beacon for history buffs and art lovers alike, Tubac was the original Spanish colonial garrison in Arizona. The storied past of this art colony includes ill-fated gambler Jack Powers and the remains of the Old Spanish presidio, which are preserved by Tubac Presidio State Historic Park. Inspired galleries and boutiques now line the winding roads, where you can shop for hand crafted gifts, then relax with regional and Mexican cuisine.  

Madera Canyon
Nestled on the northwestern face of the Santa Rita Mountains, Madera Canyon quietly embraces the natural beauty of Arizona. In addition to quaint picnic areas and extensive hiking grounds, this portion of Coronado National Forest is used as a resting place for migrating birds. Seldom seen species like the Golden Eagle and Red-Tailed Hawk draw people throughout the country to Madera Canyon for its premier bird-watching. 

Wine Tour of Nogales, Sonoita and Vail
Just outside of Nogales is the Arizona Vineyard Winery. Offering free tours and samples of their various wines, this favorite of amateurs and connosseuirs uses 19th Century processing techniques for a flavorful experience.

Just 12 miles northeast of Patagonia on AZ-82 are the Sonoita Vineyards. Situated in the first federally-proclaimed viticultural area in Arizona, this is the only Arizona winery producing estate-bottled wines. The winery stands on a hill overlooking picturesque vineyards on the south boundary of the historic San Ignacia del Babacomari Spanish land grant. To set up a vineyard or winery tour call 520-455-5893.

Approximately 25 miles farther down AZ-83 to I-10 in Vail is the R.W. Webb Winery.  This local favorite is nestled at the base of the Rincon Mountains and built in the traditional Spanish mission style. Winemaker Robert Webb pioneered the wine industry in Arizona in 1980. Climate, elevation and soil produce wines of excellent balance, flavor and quality. Call 520-762-5777 for more information.