Rogue Valley Wine Travel Guide (Oregon, United States)

Welcome to the Rogue Valley Wine Region

Nestled in southern Oregon, the Rogue Valley is an up-and-coming wine destination known for its diverse microclimates and wide range of grape varieties. This picturesque region offers stunning landscapes, from rolling hills to dramatic mountain vistas.

Towns and Villages

The Rogue Valley wine region encompasses several charming towns and villages:

  • Medford: The largest city in the region, serving as a central hub for wine tourism
  • Ashland: Home to the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival and numerous wineries
  • Jacksonville: A historic gold rush town with a vibrant wine scene
  • Grants Pass: Gateway to the Applegate Valley, known for its outdoor activities and wineries

Wine Producers

The Rogue Valley boasts a diverse array of wineries, each offering unique experiences:

  • Del Rio Vineyards: A sprawling estate with panoramic views and a wide selection of wines
  • RoxyAnn Winery: Located in a historic barn, offering award-winning Claret and Viognier
  • 2Hawk Vineyard & Winery: Known for its Tempranillo and Grenache, with a modern tasting room
  • Troon Vineyard: A leader in biodynamic farming, producing Vermentino and Tannat

Accommodations

Choose from a range of lodging options to suit your preferences:

  • Ashland Springs Hotel: A historic downtown hotel with easy access to wineries and the Shakespeare Festival
  • Weasku Inn: A rustic lodge near Grants Pass, offering a peaceful riverside retreat
  • The Willows: A luxurious bed and breakfast in Central Point, surrounded by vineyards
  • Wine Country RV Park: For those traveling by RV, located in the heart of the valley

Dining

Savor the local cuisine at these wine-friendly restaurants:

  • Larks Home Kitchen Cuisine: Farm-to-table restaurant in Ashland, featuring an extensive local wine list
  • Elements Tapas Bar: Offers Spanish-inspired small plates paired with Rogue Valley wines
  • Alchemy Restaurant and Bar: Fine dining in Ashland with an impressive wine cellar
  • The Jacksonville Inn: Historic dining room known for its wine selection and seasonal menu

Wine Shops & Bars

Explore these local wine shops and bars to taste the best of Rogue Valley:

  • The Wine Cellar: Medford’s premier wine shop with an extensive selection of local and international wines
  • Liquid Assets Wine Bar: Ashland’s cozy spot for wine tasting and small plates
  • Beerworks: Despite the name, offers an impressive selection of Rogue Valley wines in Medford
  • Rogue Grape: Jacksonville’s wine bar featuring flights and bottles from local producers

Other Shops

Complement your wine experience with visits to these local stores:

  • Rogue Creamery: Award-winning cheese shop in Central Point, perfect for wine pairings
  • Lillie Belle Farms: Artisanal chocolate maker in Central Point, offering wine-friendly confections
  • Pennington Farms: Farm stand and bakery in the Applegate Valley, known for berry pies and jams
  • Rogue Valley Farmers Market: Various locations, featuring local produce and artisanal products

Attractions

Between wine tastings, enjoy these regional attractions:

  • Oregon Shakespeare Festival: World-renowned theater productions in Ashland
  • Crater Lake National Park: Stunning lake in a dormant volcano, about 2 hours from Medford
  • Rogue River: Scenic rafting and fishing opportunities
  • Jacksonville Historic District: Well-preserved 19th-century architecture and gold rush history

Events

Plan your visit around these wine-centric and cultural events:

  • Oregon Wine Experience: Annual wine competition and tasting event in Jacksonville (August)
  • World of Wine Festival: Showcases Rogue Valley wines in Gold Hill (August)
  • Ashland Independent Film Festival: Celebrated film event with wine-related screenings (April)
  • Britt Music & Arts Festival: Outdoor concerts in Jacksonville, often featuring local wines (June-September)

Appellations

The Rogue Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) includes three sub-regions:

  • Rogue Valley AVA: Encompasses the entire region, known for its diverse microclimates
  • Applegate Valley AVA: A sub-appellation focusing on Bordeaux and Rhône varieties
  • Illinois Valley: Not an official AVA, but a distinct wine-growing area known for cooler-climate varieties

Each appellation offers unique terroir, influencing the characteristics of wines produced in the area.

Grape Varieties

The Rogue Valley’s diverse terroir supports a wide range of grape varieties. Pinot Noir thrives in cooler areas, while Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah excel in warmer pockets.

Other notable varieties include:

  • Tempranillo
  • Merlot
  • Viognier
  • Chardonnay
  • Pinot Gris

Main Wine Styles

Rogue Valley wines are known for their bold flavors and complexity. Red wines often exhibit rich fruit characteristics with firm tannins.

Key wine styles include:

  • Full-bodied red blends
  • Elegant Pinot Noirs
  • Crisp white wines
  • Robust Tempranillos

Food Specialties

The Rogue Valley’s culinary scene complements its wines beautifully. Local cheeses and artisanal chocolates pair exceptionally well with regional wines.

Must-try local specialties:

  • Rogue Creamery blue cheese
  • Locally-grown pears
  • Fresh-caught salmon
  • Wild mushrooms

Drives & Walks

Explore the Rogue Valley’s scenic beauty through picturesque drives and walks. The Bear Creek Wine Trail offers a delightful tour of local wineries.

Recommended routes:

  • Upper Rogue River Trail for hiking enthusiasts
  • Jacksonville’s historic downtown walking tour
  • Applegate Valley Wine Trail for a scenic drive

Itineraries

Weekend Wine Getaway

Day 1: Visit Medford wineries, enjoy dinner in Jacksonville

Day 2: Explore Ashland, attend a play at Oregon Shakespeare Festival

Day 3: Tour Applegate Valley wineries, picnic lunch at a vineyard

Week-long Adventure

Include wine tasting, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences:

  • Day trip to Crater Lake National Park
  • Rafting on the Rogue River
  • Winery tours in different AVAs
  • Culinary workshops featuring local produce

Getting There & Around

The Rogue Valley is accessible by air through Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport. Major highways include I-5 and Highway 99.

  • Rental cars available at the airport
  • Uber and Lyft operate in larger towns
  • Wine tour shuttles for safe winery hopping

Best Time to Visit

Late spring to early fall offers ideal weather for wine tasting and outdoor activities. The harvest season (September-October) is particularly exciting for wine enthusiasts.

  • Spring: Wildflowers and budding vines
  • Summer: Warm days, perfect for outdoor events
  • Fall: Harvest activities and autumn colors
  • Winter: Cozy tasting rooms, fewer crowds

Sustainability Efforts

Many Rogue Valley wineries prioritize sustainable practices. Look for certifications like LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) and Salmon-Safe.

  • Organic and biodynamic farming methods
  • Water conservation techniques
  • Solar-powered wineries
  • Eco-friendly packaging

Language Tips

English is widely spoken. Familiarize yourself with common wine tasting terms to enhance your experience.

  • Terroir: The environmental factors influencing grape growth
  • AVA: American Viticultural Area
  • Tannins: Compounds that create a dry sensation in red wines
  • Legs: The streaks formed on the glass after swirling

Further Resources

Enhance your Rogue Valley wine adventure with these additional resources: