Beyond the Grand Canyon and its stunning red rock landscapes, small towns in Arizona are arguably our best-kept secret.

Sonoita-Elgin Fire District Capt. Aaron Sapienza at the Vein Fire scar, March 25, 2025, east of Sonoita, Arizona. The fire burned over 1,400 acres in October 2024 before being contained.

SONOITA, AZ — There are very few trees in this southern Arizona town. Golden hills roll for miles, studded with soaptree yuccas and prickly pear.

Arizona's wine regions are some of the most up-and-coming in the country. In May, Wine Enthusiast named Sonoita, Arizona, as one of the five regions vying to become the next Napa Valley.

The fast-growing Vein Fire near Sonoita expanded Saturday from 300 acres to roughly 1,400 acres, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. The fire, which was 10% ...