Daily Inspiration: Meet Lori Reynolds

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Reynolds.

Hi Lori, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story begins with my Granddad, the Father of the Arizona Wine Industry. I quite literally grew up in the vines — in the vineyard and winery that helped shape Arizona wine as we know it today.
I attended the University of Arizona, earning a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science with a minor in Chemistry — much to the chagrin of my Granddad, who always reminded me that I was born to make wine. At the time, I wasn’t sure he was right.
After getting married and welcoming my second son, I felt the pull back to my roots. I enrolled in the UC Davis Extension Certificate Program in Enology and Viticulture. I absolutely loved the program and knew without a doubt that winemaking was where I belonged.
I returned home to Sonoita Vineyards full-time in 2011 and became Head Winemaker in 2013. Since then, I have poured my passion into every bottle, honoring tradition while continuing to grow and evolve Arizona wine.
Today, I am raising three sons and a daughter the same way I was raised — among the vines, in the cellar, and around the table. My greatest hope is to instill in them the same love and respect for the land, the craft, and our Arizona wine legacy — carrying my Granddad’s vision into the fourth generation.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Farming teaches you quickly that the road is never smooth — it’s always bumpy. Weather shifts, equipment breaks, crops don’t always cooperate, and you have to stay on your toes, ready to solve problems at a moment’s notice. Every vintage brings new challenges, and that’s part of what makes it beautiful. Wine is alive, and so is the land we farm.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a third-generation Arizona winemaker, and wine has truly been a part of my life from the very beginning. Farming is at the heart of everything we do — we spend nearly 80% of our time in the vineyard because we believe great wine starts in the soil. I love the process of nurturing the vines, watching each vintage unfold, and ultimately crafting wines that reflect the land we call home.
I specialize in producing expressive, estate-driven wines that showcase Arizona’s unique terroir. I am especially proud of our Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, as well as our signature blend, MeCaSah. Each of these wines represents not only careful vineyard management but generations of knowledge and passion.
What truly sets us apart is our dedication to sweet wine production — something very few wineries focus on today. I am particularly proud of our Angel Wings, which has been used as communion wine since the 1990s. It’s incredibly meaningful to know our wine has been part of so many sacred and celebratory moments over the years.
Being part of a multi-generational winemaking family in Arizona is both an honor and a responsibility. I am proud to continue building on that legacy while pushing quality and innovation forward for the next generation.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I have always been an avid reader, and I consistently have my head in books—particularly those focused on wine and women in winemaking. I am currently reading The Widow Clicquot, which has been both inspiring and insightful. I especially enjoy learning about different wine regions and their distinct regional styles.
While I am not able to travel extensively at the moment (as many parents of student-athletes understand), I enjoy “traveling the world” through wine—whether that’s exploring selections at Total Wine, studying regional profiles, or reading about emerging winemaking techniques and advancements in equipment.
I also value conversations with fellow winemakers. Discussing stylistic approaches, vineyard practices, and production philosophies is one of the most meaningful ways I continue to grow both personally and professionally.

Pricing:

• My bottles of wine range in price from 22-50

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.sonoitavineyards.com
• Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/sonoitavineyards
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D6VkVQ63f/
• Twitter: https://x.com/SonoitaVineyard

Image Credits
Photos by Sonoita Vineyards and KCRego