Callaghan Vineyards, Elgin

Upon planting their first vineyard in 1990, the Callaghan family found their efforts tested by a harsh heat wave that killed thousands of their young vines. But instead of sowing sour grapes for the winemaking business, the Callaghans took it as a learning experience, planting and replanting until they found tempranillo, riesling, and bordeaux varieties perfectly suited to the arid Arizona climate. The hard work in the field also pays off later, as the high-quality grapes require lots of barrels and little else to mature into wines that have been served at three White House dinners and led former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano to dub the winery a state treasure. Since 2008, Callaghan Vineyards has also earned more than 10 medals in the Jefferson Cup Awards, which honors the best US wineries, and—like the party-hosting leg of a triathlon—includes competitors on an invitation-only basis.