blog header, your complete guide to medford's wine country, rogue valley wine country: a local's guide
By Emily Hunter | 05/02/2022 | Applegate Wine Trail, Bear Creek Wine Trail, Things to Do, Upper Rogue Wine Trail, Wine, Wine Tours, Winery

ROGUE VALLEY WINE COUNTRY

From the cradle of the country’s beginnings, the Heart of the Rogue has uniquely cultivated wines for the ages from its special soils. The Cascade and Siskiyou Mountain ranges wrap their arms around the hills and slopes, creating a bowl of protected topography that relates closest to that of France.

Whether you are looking to discover the four diverse wine trails that trek the lands, or you seek to uncover your new favorite varietal, the valley has something for every palette.

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A gold rush of $70 million in findings and the Donation Land Act of 1850 brought thousands of settlers to the rugged rogue country. These early settlers recognized quickly that the climate around the area was perfect for farming, and, of course, wine. In 1852, settler Peter Britt began growing grapes and later opened Valley View Winery in 1873 as Oregon’s first official winery. Before unforeseen changes in the industry during its infancy, Valley View closed in 1907 and wouldn’t reopen until 1972.

Prohibition forbidding the sale, transportation and possession of alcohol halted the development of wineries from the beginning of the 20’s to the 30’s in the Volstead Act. This continued until it was ratified by Roosevelt, and entrepreneurs soon traveled down from northern Oregon.

John Wood and Ron Honeyman founded Honeywood Winery in 1934, establishing Oregon’s oldest continuously operating winery. Following this, an OSU professor planted an experimental vineyard in 1968, and this would create a revolutionary wave to revive the valley.

Now home to more than 150 wineries, the valley is home to hundreds of delectable varietalsexciting wine events and beautiful tasting rooms awaiting your exploration.

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Along the enchanting woodlands and lush greenery, the Rogue Valley is flanked on all sides by grand mountain ranges. Cutting through the north end of the valley lives the Wild & Scenic Rogue River, running off into the Applegate, Illinois and Bear Creek tributaries. The rivers and wildlife create delicious, natural soil for grape growing and the cultivation of delightful wines. Varied soils include mixes of metamorphic, sedimentary and volcanic derived soils running from sandy foam to thick clay.

Unlike the average valley, the rogue sits at 2,000 feet, compared to California’s Napa Valley floor at 150 feet. This allows for ranging swings in temperature from day to night, a pivotal factor in the uniqueness of the Heart of the Rogue’s distinct wines. The warm temperatures of the day allow for sugar development through photosynthesis, while the coolness of the night allow the acidity to return from the wine. This process creates a longer ripening period for balanced wines, in both flavor and alcohol level.

From heavy bodied dry-climate wines like Sauvignon, Syrah and Tempranillo to the cooler Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay - the Rogue Valley has something for everyone!

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Looking to begin your journey through the ever-beautiful wine country but you’re not sure where to begin? Allow yourself to be guided along one of the four lovely wine trails! Take this tour on your own, or book a full or half day tour through Wine Hopper Tours for the ultimate tasting experience.

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BEAR CREEK WINE TRAIL

Running along the I‑5 corridor through Central Point, Medford and Ashland, the Bear Creek Wine Trail frames the interstate with lovely estate wineries settled in along the valley’s hills. The welcoming atmospheres and time‑proven wines of each winery provide a respite for both travelers and locals to sample unique blends among the valley’s wide range of natural attractions. Each winery offers an experience as unique as the blends of their wines.

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JACKSONVILLE WINE TRAIL

Just 15 minutes from Medford, the historic town of Jacksonville is home to a select group of winemakers that reflect some of the earliest roots of winemaking in Southern Oregon. With tasting rooms tucked into the heart of the town or only a short drive away, the wineries of the Jacksonville Wine Trail mirror the town's rich history through their aromatic, award‑winning wines in a perfect pairing experience.

Jacksonville has also been a host to the annual Oregon Wine Experience, a summer event that highlights Oregon’s finest wines.

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APPLEGATE WINE TRAIL

Moving into the mountain ranges east and south of Medford, the Applegate Wine Trail travels scenic country roads through wineries that skirt the hills around historic Jacksonville from Ruch to Grants Pass. Every winery boasts a unique microclimate and individual farming practices, each sharing a passion for crafting memorable, quality wines.

If you visit during the right time, the Applegate Wine Trail hosts Fall and Spring barrel tours to highlight their best known and new wine offerings.

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UPPER ROGUE WINE TRAIL

This beautiful trail is a warm, dry climate zone just north of Medford towards Gold Hill. The rolling countryside's breathtaking scenery provide an unparalleled setting for some of the Rogue Valley’s most expansive growing zones. Discover four family‑founded wineries, offering self‑guided tours, tasty gourmet pairings and a calendar of reasons to visit throughout the year!

SIP IN STYLE

You can also experience sipping wine in true style at any of these wineries with Rogue Picnics. Lounge, dine and sip award-winning wine in the Heart of the Rogue, with all décor and seating completely taken care of.

Rogue valley Wine Country

Established in 1991, the Rogue Valley AVA encompasses nearly 1.15 million acres in the intermountain valleys of southern Oregon. The region is split up into four main growing areas, based on the creeks flowing from the wild rogue. They include: the Bear Creek Valley, the Valley of the Rogue, the Illinois Valley, and the Applegate Valley, which includes the Applegate AVA, established in 2001. Approximately 180 vineyards are nestled along the valleys, growing over 50 different varieties and producing nearly 10000 tons of grapes. 

Within the AVA are the Rogue Valley Vintners - an association building and promoting each other to create harmony and establish Medford as a wine destination. This nonprofit organization focuses on building events, collaborating, and elevating the community and those who visit. This organization is a cornerstone, laying solid ground to the work and experiences the diverse wineries of the region create for their visitors.

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No single varietal defines the Rogue Valley. Its diversity is as endless as its possibilities, with many different experiences and events just waiting for you to attend them!

This delightful event is the perfect way to experience the Upper Rogue region on the Rogue Valley. Savor wine and appetizers on a self-guided tour of all four participating wineries. Your ticket will also include a commemorative Riedel glass to keep, and designated drivers are provided at extra cost for your ease.

May

Enjoy delicious wine and appetizers at 19 diverse wineries on this self-guided tour. Pick your starting location and spend a day exploring beautiful wine varietals with friends and family. Winemakers can also teach you about the wine making process, and the craft and care that go into each bottle.

May & November

The Southern Oregon Classic has something for everyone at there two day event! With live music from premiere bands to the double shotgun tournament, this is an event you won't want to miss! Enjoy award-winning wine and fine cuisine from 12 local chefs as you wander and enjoy each booth and their offerings. 

July

Enter into Southern Oregon's premier wine competition, featuring incredible wines and a world-class panel of judges featuring Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers and renowned wine writers. Unique, multi-course dinners are served with exceptional, vintner-curated pairings for your enjoyment. You won't want to miss this incredible competition and experience!

August

Premier red wine, white wine and champagne are served along with a beautiful farm-to-table style dinner at this beautiful charity event. Local wineries, farms and chefs are all featured throughout the event, and a silent auction is also held towards the end of the evening.

September

Spend the day sampling some of the most deliciously decadent chocolates you have ever tasted from 60 different booths! This festival features delicious chocolate and pairings, and local wines from favorite Rogue Valley vintners

September

Taste up to three different wine varietals and one food item at seven different wineries on this self-guided experience! Select your own starting location and sip at your leisure, with shuttles running between each location for your ease and experience.

September

Taste and enjoy the bounty the Heart of the Rogue has to offer with this lovely event and experience. This culinary festival showcases the talented chefs, restaurants, wineriesbreweries, artisans and farms throughout the valley. Enjoy the different booths and their offerings, or take a culinary class or lesson series to learn more about different culinary topics.

November

The bountiful rogue carries many gems just itching for you to unearth them. Delightful vineyards blanket the valley, stretching their vines in invitation to explore their diverse offerings. Explore all the Heart of the Rogue has to offer with our event calendar, and raise your glass to national wine month in style.

MAY
22
Line Dancing Class @ Dos Mariposas Vineyards
Kick up your heels and join us for Line Dance Lessons at Dos Mariposas, led by our very own Maddy…
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MAY
23
12 Bars Deep Live @ Dunbar Farms
With a deep love of blues, these seasoned musicians have backgrounds in a wide range of musical styles. 12 Bars…
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MAY
23
Jeff Kloetzel at Hummingbird Estate
Join us for live music and wine on our terrace!
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MAY
23
Jeff Kloetzel at Hummingbird Estate
Join us for an evening of music with Jeff Kloetzel from 6:30-8:30pm on our side lawn, now featuring a brand…
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MAY
23
Rogue Suspects: Bonnie Raitt Tribute
Come and spend your Friday night sipping on your favorite Del Rio wines and dancing the night away with Rogue…
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MAY
24
Shine On Band @ Dunbar Farms
The full SHINE ON Band will be performing 2 BIG SETS of GRATEFUL DEAD music on the new outdoor stage.…
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MAY
24
Steve Keim @ StoneRiver Vineyards
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MAY
25
Danielle Kelly Trio @ Del Rio Vineyards
Every Sunday through the summer, we will be featuring complementary live music* along with a local food truck. Come hungry,…
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MAY
25
Nick & Shae @ Daisy Creek Vineyards
Come enjoy Nick & Shae this Sunday @ Daisy Creek Vineyards 2-4pm on the Patio. Located in beautiful Jacksonville, OR.…
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MAY
25
Sunday Slowdown @ Del Rio Vineyard
Danielle Kelly Trio Sunday, May 25th, 3 - 5 p.m. Food Truck: Blaze 'n Monkey's Join us for an afternoon of music in…
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MAY
29
The Brothers Reed @ Del Rio Vineyards
The Brothers Reed at Del Rio Vineyards, Sunday, June 29th, 4-6 p.m.!! Bring your picnic blankets and camp chairs with you…
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MAY
30
Redwood Empire at Hummingbird Estate
Live music and wine on our terrace!
MAY
31
Aaron Reed @ StoneRiver Vineyards
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MAY
31
Alquimistas @ Resistance Wine Company
Join us for an unforgettable evening of live music, bold wine, and street tacos under the Rogue Valley sky. Alquimistas takes…
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MAY
31
Rogue Valley Lions Wine Walk
Indulge in an evening of wine tasting at the Rogue Valley Lions Club Spring Edition Wine Walk. Sample a wide…
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MAY
31
Simple Dreams @ South Stage Cellars
Join us for the world premiere of Linda & Friends, Simple Dreams' latest tribute night—a heartfelt celebration of the legendary…
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JUNE
1
J Brothers Quartet @ Daisy Creek Vineyard
J Brothers fans love our eclectic song selection and engaging original tunes. Enjoy great wine and tell us your favorites. This…
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JUNE
1
Mountaintop Sound
Wild Wines and great times! Excited to play this fantastic location! Come gather at the garden stage for fantastic music, food,…
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JUNE
1
Sunday Slowdown @ Del Rio Vineyard
Broadway Phil & The Shouters Sunday, June 1st, 4 - 6 p.m. Food Truck: The Food Lab Join us for an afternoon of…
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JUNE
6
Daniel Nickels Band @ Dos Mariposas Vineyards
The Daniel Nickels Band brings its signature Rockin' Americana sound to Dos Mariposas Winery. Grab a glass of wine, relax,…
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JUNE
6
First Friday Happy Hour @ Del Rio Vineyards
Sometimes, there aren't enough days in the week or hours in the day to come out and have a glass…
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JUNE
6
The Rosa Lees at Hummingbird Estate
Live music and wine on our terrace!
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JUNE
7
Southern Oregon Classic - The Feast
On Saturday beginning at 5 p.m. at Centennial Golf Club’s event lawn, guests will be allowed to enter a culinary and…
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JUNE
7
Steamkettle String Band @ Dunbar Farms
Steamkettle Trio features Heidi Martin on rhythm guitar and lead vocals, Dan Fellman on lead guitar and Eric Nelson on…
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JUNE
8
Sunday Slowdown @ Del Rio Vineyard
Mike Brons Band Sunday, June 8th, 4 - 6 p.m. Food Truck: Got Balls? Meatball Truck Join us for an afternoon of music…
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JUNE
13
Jared Gutridge at Hummingbird Estate
Live Music and wine on our terrace!
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JUNE
13
Jeff Kloetzel & Bob Evonuik @ Dunbar Farms & Winery
C'mon out for some upbeat twang with these guys! This guitar/dobro duo has lots of energy, and covers all kinds…
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JUNE
13
Savor Southern Oregon
Join Us June 13-14 at the historic Bigham Knoll Campus in Jacksonville, Oregon. This two-day celebration brings together the finest wines,…
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JUNE
15
Sunday Slowdown @ Del Rio Vineyard
The Giantess Sunday, June 15th, 4 - 6 p.m. Food Truck: Blaze 'n Monkey's Join us for an afternoon of complimentary music. Seating is…
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JUNE
18
Discover River Cruising with AmaWaterways
Welcome to Edenvale! Edenvale will provide a host dedicated to sharing some history about the Historic estate, introducing a mixed flight…
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JUNE
19
Red Lily Beach Concert Series featuring Brothers Reed
The Brothers Reed are on tour from Southern Oregon! Folk/Bluegrass/Americana with edgy sibling banter, The Brothers Reed are guaranteed to entertain.
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JUNE
20
Mayple Lynx at Hummingbird Estate
Live music and wine on our terrace!
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JUNE
20
Rogue Suspects: Santana Tribute
Friday Night Concert Rogue Suspects: Santana Tribute Friday, June 20th, 6 p.m. Food Truck: The Food Lab   Tickets: $8 for Wine Club members…
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JUNE
20
Southern Oregon Lavender Trail Festival Weekend
The Southern Oregon Lavender Trail is made up of 8 lavender farms in the Rogue and Applegate Valleys. At…
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JUNE
20
The Brothers Reed @ Bayer Family Estate Winery
The Brothers Reed are on tour from Southern Oregon! Folk/Bluegrass/Americana with edgy sibling banter, The Brothers Reed are guaranteed to entertain.
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JUNE
22
Alice Di Micele
Alice Di Micele returns for another not-to-be-missed evening show at the outdoor garden stage at Wild Wines. Bring your friends or…
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JUNE
25
J Brothers Trio @ Local Vines Wine Bar
J Brothers Trio featuring David Bolen on drums returns to the fabulous wine bar known as Local Vines.
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JUNE
27
Alissa Weaver Band at Hummingbird Estate
Live music and wine on our terrace!
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JUNE
29
Simple Dreams @ Naumes Suncrest Winery
Fleetwood Mac & Journey Fans – This One’s for You! Get ready for an epic night of nostalgia with…
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JULY
4
The Bluebirds at Hummingbird Estate
Live music and wine on our terrace!
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JULY
11
Southern Oregon Lavender Trail Festival Weekend
The Southern Oregon Lavender Trail is made up of 8 lavender farms in the Rogue and Applegate Valleys. At…
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JULY
18
Lisa & Dean at Hummingbird Estate
Live music and wine on our terrace!
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JULY
25
Highway Bound at Hummingbird Estate
Live music and wine on our terrace!
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AUGUST
1
Daniel Nickels band at Hummingbird Estate
Live music and wine on our terrace!
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AUGUST
8
Sterling Jazz at Hummingbird Estate
Live music and wine on our terrace!
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AUGUST
15
Niesja at Hummingbird Estate
Live music and wine on our terrace!
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AUGUST
22
Ambrose & Galfano at Hummingbird Estate
Live music and wine on our terrace!
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AUGUST
29
John Johns at Hummingbird Estate
Live music and wine on our terrace!
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SEPTEMBER
5
Bim Jeam and the Sadness at Hummingbird Estate
Live music and wine on our terrace!
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SEPTEMBER
19
Dave Brendlinger at Hummingbird Estate
Live music and wine on our terrace!
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SEPTEMBER
21
Simple Dreams @ Dos Mariposas Vineyard
As the season changes, join us for an afternoon of heartfelt music by Simple Dreams at Dos Mariposas Winery. Linda…
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SEPTEMBER
26
Jones at Hummingbird Estate
Live music and wine on our terrace!
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SEPTEMBER
28
Simple Dreams @ Belle Fiore Winery
Simple Dreams – Linda & Friends A Tribute to Linda Ronstadt, Fleetwood Mac, Journey & Heart Live at Belle Fiore…
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