Fans of Oregon wineries expect quality vintages, beautiful views and inviting atmospheres. You’ll find all that and more at many wineries across Southern Oregon, where scrumptious food menus and cozy gathering spots go along with tasting flights. Any time of year, these wineries invite you to pull up a chair, have a nosh and stay awhile.
Rogue Valley Wine Country
The Tuscan architecture, gardens and patio at DANCIN Vineyards near Jacksonville create a warm atmosphere for enjoying pinot noir and chardonnay. There’s always something wonderful coming out of the kitchen too, whether it’s wood-fired pizza, stuffed mushrooms or items from a seasonal dessert menu that may include semifreddo with chocolate shavings.
Near downtown Medford enjoy a glass of RoxyAnn Winery’s dozen or so wines — including claret, pinot gris, cabernet franc or tempranillo — in the Honor Barn, a historic barn turned tasting room, on a lovely property with a stream running through it.
Take in the lush gardens and Craftsman tasting room at Schmidt Family Vineyards near Grants Pass. Estate-grown albariño, sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and malbec pair with caesar salads, flatbread pizzas and cheese platters.
Red Lily Vineyards near Jacksonville keeps things simple by focusing on tempranillo and tempranillo blends, reflecting the owner’s love of this Spanish grape. The charming, barn-like tasting room is surrounded by scenic pasturelands. Sit outside and enjoy their Rogue Creamery cheese platter, homemade soup or grilled panini. Find more info and inspiration for exploring Rogue Valley Wine Country.
Umpqua Valley Wineries
With nearly 80 acres of vineyards and a heritage orchard near Roseburg, Abacela grows almost 20 different varietals, specializing in Spanish grapes like tempranillo and albariño. Reserve ahead — especially on weekends — for seated service tastings in either the tasting room or on the winery’s outdoor plaza, where you can soak up the views over the hilly vineyards. Pair a glass with one of their meat and cheese plates. Leashed, well-behaved pets can enjoy the patio and grounds. Visit the website for information about expert-led tours of the property.
Cooper Ridge Vineyard sits on 25 acres of prime grape-growing terroir over the North Umpqua River, a great spot for sampling estate syrahs and tempranillos. A two-level deck can seat about 70 people enjoying the panoramic views, the perfect place to nibble on Mediterranean-style hummus and tapenade or a cheese platter with lavender goat cheese from the Willamette Valley. A guest house on-site makes the commute to bed easy.
Situated just west of Roseburg, Melrose Vineyards is well known for its diverse selection of both red and white wines. Enjoy it all in a 120-year-old barn overlooking a meadow and 150 acres of vineyards. Find tips and info about more ways to experience Umpqua Valley wineries during your Southern Oregon adventure.
Each May wineries from all across the state’s wine regions — there are more than 1,000 Oregon wineries now — celebrate Oregon Wine Month. Look for special deals on flights and pop-up events at local restaurants. Visit the Oregon Wine Board to download touring guides and to get ideas on where to go.
