The Dos Cabezas Legacy: Three Decades Pioneering Arizona Wine

November 13, 2025 — For thirty years, Dos Cabezas WineWorks has helped define Arizona’s modern wine identity, proving that world-class wines can thrive in the high desert. Since its founding in 1995, the winery has been a catalyst for the state’s rise from a little-known fermentation frontier to a respected growing region, shaping the story of Arizona wine through dedication to the land, fearless experimentation, and a belief in the state’s potential.

Under the leadership of Todd and Kelly Bostock, Dos Cabezas has evolved into one of Arizona’s most influential wineries. The Bostocks have refined and expanded the business, advancing quality, sustainability, and creativity. Their forward-thinking approach has positioned them at the forefront of the state’s wine movement, mentoring new winemakers, fostering collaboration, and shaping standards with the Arizona Wine Growers Association.

Through high-elevation vineyards, experimentation, and a commitment to craft, Dos Cabezas continues to set new benchmarks for what Arizona wines can achieve. Every bottle tells a story of the high desert: resilient, expressive, and unmistakably Arizona.

Cultivating Arizona Wine Leadership from Humble Roots

Dos Cabezas WineWorks began in the early 1990s when Army veteran Al Buhl moved from Virginia to southern Arizona, stationed at Fort Huachuca. Fascinated by the emerging wine scene, Al experimented at home, winning a blue ribbon and

$3.65 at the state fair. He and his wife Ann Buhl used that modest prize (along with additional funds) to purchase Arizona’s oldest vineyard, the original Dos Cabezas Vineyard in Willcox. In 1995, Al released the first Dos Cabezas vintage, marking the start of one of Arizona’s most influential wineries.

In 2002, Todd Bostock joined as winemaker, and by 2006, Todd and Kelly Bostock purchased the winery from the original partners, ushering in a new era of innovation and growth. Under their vision, Dos Cabezas strengthened its estate vineyards, refined its winemaking approach, and earned distinction as an Arizona wine leader, emphasizing sustainability and a deep connection to the desert terroir.

Dos Cabezas draws its fruit from two estate vineyards: the Pronghorn Vineyard in Sonoita and the Cimarron Vineyard in Kansas Settlement. In 2004, the Pronghorn Vineyard was planted, and a collaboration with Oregon wine legend Dick Erath led to the acquisition of the Cimarron Vineyard in 2011, uniting two of the state’s premier vineyard sites and solidifying Dos Cabezas’ reputation as a leader in Arizona winemaking.

From Vision to Vintage: The Philosophy of Desert Winemaking

Dos Cabezas WineWorks approaches each harvest with a vision for the wines they hope to craft, while observing the vintage and making adjustments to bring out the fruit’s best expression. Grapes are co-fermented, aged long on lees, and matured in large oak and concrete vessels to highlight freshness, depth, and a true sense of place. Every vintage is crafted to tell the story of Arizona’s high desert terroir.

Sustainability is central to their process. From subterranean drip irrigation that conserves water to regenerative farming practices that integrate fruit trees, mesquite trees, native grasses, and sheep into the vineyard ecosystem, Dos Cabezas ensures that every decision nurtures the land. Their on-site Pronghorn Pizza celebrates regional ingredients, featuring produce grown by the team along with local cheeses, mushrooms, beef, eggs, vegetables, and 4H-sourced meats. The pizza’s creativity and connection to the community even earned it a place on Phoenix Magazine’s Top 100 Dishes in Arizona.

The winery remains proudly Arizona-focused, distributing locally to restaurants and retailers statewide. Its Wine Club offers members early access to limited releases, seasonal pickup events, and a direct connection to the winemaking team, allowing enthusiasts to experience the full story behind each bottle.

Recognition & Accolades

  • San Francisco Chronicle included the 2009 El Campo in its Top 100 Wines of 2012
  • In 2015, Todd and Kelly Bostock were named among the Chronicle’s “10 Winemakers to Watch”, the first inclusion of winemakers outside California.
  • Stuart Pigott featured the 2013 Meskeoli in his “5 Riesling Revelations” list (2014)
  • James Suckling has awarded multiple Dos Cabezas wines 90+ point scores
  • Forbes Magazine listed Principrana 2º among its “21 Sparkling Wines to Welcome 2021”, alongside leading sparkling producers worldwide
  • Phoenix Magazine, Arizona Republic, and Phoenix New Times have consistently recognized Dos Cabezas in their “Best Of” lists, including New Times’ 2024 Best Pink Wine
  • Sunset Magazine cited Dos Cabezas canned wines among the best in the category
  • The White House has served Dos Cabezas wines at state dinners on several occasions, has stocked their wines in the official White House cellar, and highlighted the winery in a book “Wine and The White House: A History” by Frederick J. Ryan Jr.

Quick Facts

Founded: 1995 by Al and Ann Buhl
Winemaker & Owners: Todd and Kelly Bostock: joined 2002, acquired winery in 2006
Location: Sonoita, Arizona Production: ~5,000 cases annually Website: www.doscabezas.com
Focus: Estate-grown Arizona wines that capture the high desert in every bottle and are crafted with sustainability in mind. The team cultivates over 30 grape varieties, selecting those best suited for Arizona’s distinct sun, elevation, wind, soils, and monsoon-influenced climate.

Vineyards and Terroir

Dos Cabezas farms 40 acres between two high-elevation vineyards:

  • Cimarron Vineyard (Willcox, 4,300 ft): Sandy, calcium-rich soils with a uniform profile under open desert skies.
  • Pronghorn Vineyard (Sonoita, 4,800 ft): Brown topsoil, gravelly loam, and clay, including red clay, with some caliche.

Milestones

  • 1995: First vintage produced
  • 2002: Todd Bostock joins Dos Cabezas as winemaker
  • 2004: Pronghorn Vineyard planted in Sonoita
  • 2006: Winery relocated to Sonoita under Todd and Kelly Bostock
  • 2011: Acquisition of Cimarron Vineyard
  • 2015: NextDoor Casitas at Dos Cabezas opened
  • 2020: Launch of Pronghorn Pizza

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