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Sonoita and Elgin

Sonoita and Elgin, neighboring towns in the high desert grasslands, are one of Arizona’s best kept secrets! Considered a part of the “Sky Islands,” visitors may feel they’re in the heart of a biologically diverse fishbowl, surrounded by stunning views of 5 mountain ranges. The area offers cooler temperatures than you’ll find in Tucson and Phoenix, thanks to the elevation. There’s no shortage of friendly faces and natural beauty, making this a perfect place to stop and smell the roses.

Things to do in Sonoita and Elgin

Wineries, Breweries, & Distilleries:

The Sonoita-Elgin area is Arizona’s first region to earn the designation of an American Viticultural Area (AVA) with its rolling hills and cooler climate that distinguish it from the surrounding regions and create unique growing conditions. You’ll find more than 20 wineries, distilleries, and breweries in this beautiful town.

Birding:

Southern Arizona is a hot spot for bird watchers from around the world! From hawks (the red-tailed is of course our favorite) to hummingbirds, Sonoita-Elgin won’t disappoint. You’ll find many conservation areas in the Mountain Empire, including the San Rafael Valley, one of the last high desert short-grass prairies in America.

Sonoita Fairgrounds:

Most famous for the Labor Day Weekend Rodeo, the Sonoita Fairgrounds at the intersection of Routes 82 and 83 in Sonoita, offers year-round fun with multiple rodeos, horse shows, and horse races. The Santa Cruz County Fair in the fall also draws crowds from far and wide for food, rides, entertainment, livestock competitions, and more.

Schools

  • Elgin School

Restaurants

  • Dos Cabezas
  • The Café
  • The Steak Out
  • Tia Nita’s Cantina
  • The Copper Brothel

Events

  • Second Saturdays in Sonoita
  • Labor Day Rodeo
  • Monsoon Party
  • Sonoita Horse Races
  • Twisted Union Communion
  • Blessing of the Vine

Properties for Sale

1403 Fernando Ct Unit 10, Rio Rico, AZ 85648
$25,000
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23 Harvest Dr #13, Sonoita, AZ 85637

$59,000

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Hillcrest Dr #7, Sonoita, AZ 85637
$125,000
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Harrison Ln #0, Elgin, AZ 85611

$235,000

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75 Lone Mesquite Court, Elgin, AZ 85611

$250,000

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7631 Baldwin Ln, Taylor, AZ 85939
$1,100,000
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33 Red Man Dr, Elgin, AZ 85611
$750,000
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TBD Elgin Rd, Elgin, AZ 85611
$1,825,000
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3119 AZ-83, Sonoita, AZ 85637
$500,000
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42 Fairview Ln, Elgin, AZ 85611

$699,900

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2 and 22 Pony Trl, Sonoita, AZ 85637

$225,000

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Wild Antelope Pl Unit 6, Sonoita, AZ 85637

$415,000

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50 Casas Arroyo Rd, Sonoita, AZ 85637

$525,000

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9065 W Canelo Hills Trl, Elgin, AZ 85611

$250,000

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N Ranch Trl, Whetstone, AZ 85616

$45,000

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Az-83 Unit 6, Elgin, AZ 85611

$660,000

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370 Elgin Rd, Elgin, AZ 85611

$2,350,000

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Ranch Oasis Ct #8, Sonoita, AZ 85637

$160,000

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1403 Fernando Ct Unit 10, Rio Rico, AZ 85648

$25,000

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Harrison Ln #0, Elgin, AZ 85611

$235,000

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75 Lone Mesquite Ct, Elgin, AZ 85611

$1,600,000

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7631 Baldwin Ln, Taylor, AZ 85939

$1,100,000

Click to view

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Josh Mentesana

Broker
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Josh has been involved in real estate and construction project management for over 10 years in Florida and Arizona. Prior to moving to Arizona in 2018, Josh was also licensed in general lines insurance including life, health, and annuity for 5 years in Florida.

When family ties brought him to southern Arizona, Josh recognized the incredible growth potential of the market around him and began fixing and flipping houses. Fixing and flipping turned to fixing and holding and the pursuit of larger development projects. He was also fortunate to serve many wonderful buyers and sellers, and to establish long-standing relationships with multiple investors during that time.

A few years and several millions of dollars in real estate transactions later, Josh decided to open a brokerage with the goal of helping others accomplish their goals and find financial freedom through real estate.

Josh lives in Sonoita, Arizona with his wife and business partner, Kathryn. Josh and Kathryn have fallen in love with the Sonoita/Elgin area with its rolling hills, mountain views, breathtaking sunsets, and of course, incredible vineyards and wineries.

Outside of business, Josh is an accomplished martial artist. He holds a second-degree black belt in Krav Maga (Israeli combat). Josh carries the core values of Krav Maga, courtesy, modesty, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and the indominable spirit in every area of his life. It has been his privilege to train hundreds of adults and children in his nearly 20 years of practice.

With over a decade of comprehensive experience in the real estate and construction sectors across both Florida and Arizona, Josh Mentesana is a seasoned professional with a proven track record of success. His expertise is further broadened by a five-year background in general lines insurance, including life, health, and annuities, providing him with a unique and holistic understanding of the financial landscape.

Since relocating to Arizona in 2018, Josh has become a key player in the state’s burgeoning real estate market. He began by successfully fixing and flipping residential properties, a venture that quickly evolved into a sophisticated strategy of fixing and holding properties for long-term investment and pursuing larger-scale development projects. This hands-on experience has given him a deep understanding of the entire real estate lifecycle, from acquisition and renovation to long-term asset management.

As a licensed Arizona Real Estate Broker and the Principal of his own brokerage, Red Tail Real Estate & Development, Josh has managed an investment portfolio exceeding $5 million, consistently delivering impressive returns. His entrepreneurial drive led him to establish his own brokerage with a clear mission: to empower others to achieve their financial goals and build wealth through real estate. His commitment to his clients and partners is evidenced by the long-standing relationships he has cultivated with a diverse network of buyers, sellers, and investors.

Josh’s leadership extends beyond his professional endeavors. He is an active member of his community, serving as a Commissioner on the Santa Cruz County Planning and Zoning Commission and as an Advisory Committee Member for the District 3 Supervisor. This deep community involvement, combined with his extensive market knowledge provides him with a unique perspective on the development potential and regulatory landscape of Arizona.

A strategic and results-driven professional, Josh Mentesana is dedicated to leveraging his extensive experience in land acquisition, construction management, and investment strategy to drive growth and create value for his clients and partners.

Kathryn Mentesana

Acquisitions Manager/Administrator
Linkedin

Kathryn brings over a decade of marketing, technology, sales, and contracting experience to the brokerage. After graduating with honors from the University of Florida, she began working in digital marketing with a focus on automotive and hotel groups for several years before being drawn to technology for real estate and construction.

That draw led Kathryn to work in software for REITs and serial builders, most notably with e-Builder, Inc., a Trimble Technologies company, and Aurigo Software Inc. Kathryn focused primarily on helping developers, state, and federal government agencies manage multibillion-dollar capital programs with capital planning, project management, right-of-way, materials and lab testing, and asset management software.

Josh and Kathryn believe that their shared passion for construction and real estate is one of the many reasons they were drawn to each other. After a year of dating long-distance, Kathryn moved to Arizona in 2018 where she and Josh were later married. She assisted Josh with strategic real estate acquisitions for 3 years before taking on her role as Acquisitions Manager with Red Tail Real Estate.

Outside of work, Kathryn loves sports and spending time outdoors. She was a fastpitch softball player for over 10 years and played in the winning ASA World Series game in Olympia, WA. She loves to SCUBA dive, although it’s a little difficult in Arizona, so she’s getting much more into hiking and bird watching.