Oregon wine is famous for its sultry, spicy, smooth and sophisticated pinot noir — but there’s so much more to the Beaver State’s fertile wine scene.
The vineyards of Southern Oregon have become known for their diversity of grapes (at least 50 varieties) and their ability to produce so many exquisite types of wine: everything from reds like syrah, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, tempranillo and malbec to mouth-watering whites like pinot gris, chardonnay and viognier and rosés, too.
About 180 vineyards have taken root in the Rogue Valley AVA, the southernmost in Oregon, stretching from the Rogue River south to the California border and situated at the same parallel regions as Spain and Southern France. Visit in the winter for a serene vineyard experience with fewer crowds, intimate tastings, and the unique opportunity to witness the vines in their dormant beauty. Cozy up to fireside and enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the landscape.
The Rogue Valley is prized for its unique terroir — nestled between the Cascade, Siskiyou and Coastal ranges and the Pacific Ocean, the temperature of the seasons enhance the sugar-acid balance and the flavors of the grapes. The hillsides here provide some of the highest elevations in the state, which means that vineyards are planted on hillsides rather than the valley floor. All of that means that winemakers are happily innovating, producing award-winning wine — and visitors to Grants Pass, Medford, Ashland and Jacksonville get to reap the bounty.
For your next trip to the Rogue Valley, here are some other fabulous tasting rooms to explore.
Near Grants Pass
Nibble on made‑to‑order flatbreads and calzones while you sip your flight at Schmidt Family Vineyards, where warm hospitality pairs perfectly with rolling hills, fragrant gardens and long, sun‑soaked afternoons. Wander through landscaped paths, settle into shady patios or simply take in the vineyard views between pours.
If you’re up for a deeper adventure, head off the beaten path to Plaisance Ranch in Williams—a working ranch since 1858 and one of Southern Oregon’s most character‑filled tasting stops. Here, rugged terrain meets the quiet beauty of a thriving vineyard and tasting room. Before you leave, browse their selection of fresh, grass‑fed beef raised right on the property—an authentic taste of the valley to bring home.
Near Medford
Sip your new favorite wine and nosh on wood-fired pizza at Kriselle Cellars, set on a gorgeous property next to the Rogue River. Rocky Knoll Vineyards is known to have some of the earliest modern grape plantings in the Rogue Valley, planted in the mid-1970s. Gather around the fire pit or bocce court at Padigan, powered by solar arrays and other natural viticulture techniques.
Richard and Pat Ellis have been welcoming visitors to their winery, Pebblestone Cellars, at the base of the foothills just west of Medford in Talent since 2006. Pebblestone focuses on their acclaimed tempranillo, viognier, cabernet franc and pinot gris as well as other varieties. The tasting room is hosted in a large barn, with patio tables with ample space outside.
“We built the tasting room in middle of all the vineyards so people get chance to have a mountain view and vineyard view and enjoy wine on the deck,” Richard Ellis says. In the warmer months, the lawn space with picnic tables also provides space for unwinding and soaking up the views.
Near Jacksonville
The Tuscan retreat-inspired Dancin Vineyards was named Oregon Winery of the Year in 2017 by Wine Press Northwest, noted for their chardonnay and pinot noir. Red Lily Vineyards focuses on its all-star lineup of earthy, Spanish-style reds like tempranillo and various blends. LongSword Vineyard is also a family farm and a landing zone for local hang gliders and paragliders, so guests on the tasting patio are often greeted with the spectacle of colorful wings as well as friendly flocks of chickens, geese and sheep.
Mark your calendars in June for Savor Southern Oregon, a two-day celebration of the region’s world-class wines. Participate in expert-led tastings from over 50 Rogue Valley AVA wineries.
Near Ashland
Try the pear and honeydew melon-inspired viognier, a visitor favorite at Paschal Winery and Vineyard. Linger around the fire pit at Dana Campbell Vineyards, with tasting-room views of Pilot Rock, Mt. Ashland and the outskirts of Talent. Lounge outside on the modern and elegant patio at Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, with sweeping views of their estate vineyards as well as the Cascade and Siskiyou mountain ranges.
If You Go:
- Find plenty of options for food, drink and hands-on farm experiences along the Rogue Valley Food Trail.
- Find outdoor adventures, lodging and more visiting tips on the Rogue Valley Wine Country webpage.
- When you’re ready to take a bottle of Oregon wine country home with you, remember that Oregon wines fly free on Alaska Airlines. The Rogue Valley International Airport is located in Medford.
