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.

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 varietals, exciting wine events and beautiful tasting rooms awaiting your exploration.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.