Updated June 2023
Rogue Valley and Applegate Valley wineries
When the average person thinks of wineries in Oregon, they’ll likely land in the Northern Willamette Valley. However, there are lots of other lesser known regions including the Umpqua Valley, Columbia River Gorge and Rogue Valley which envelopes the Applegate Valley.
Whereas Willamette’s climate is cool, damp and is dominated by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, teathe Rogue Valley is almost completely opposite; Warm temperatures, diverse geology, various microclimates and prevailing coastal winds produce a wide range of varietals.
It’s one of the reasons we consider this region to be one of the most overlooked and underrated wine regions. In fact, we probably would have never found out about it without our friend and fellow winemaker, Joseph Shaughnessy.
Quick Facts: Oregon’s Rogue Valley
- Grape Varieties grown: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, , Grenache, Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris,
- Location: Surrounded by the Siskiyou mountains, stretching 50 miles north of the California / Oregon border.
- Climate: Cold winters and hot summers with wet shoulder seasons, reminding us of Walla Walla in the northwest.
- Soil: Mix of Alluvial fans (including granite from the Siskiyou mountains) and ancient river sediment
- Best time to visit: May – October
How to visit Rogue and Applegate Valley AVA’s
The Rogue Valley is situated near the border of California and Oregon. While driving north on the I-5, you’ll start to encounter wineries about 20 minutes past the border. If driving south on I-5 at Grants Pass, continue on the 238 highway to start the wine trail in the Applegate Valley.
Those who prefer flying can drop themselves into Rogue Valley international airport in Medford. We’d recommend renting a car here to begin your journey.
Where to stay in Rogue Valley and Applegate Valley
As you can see on the map, hitting both AVA’s in one day would be a tall feat. We’d recommend spending a few days in each, and staying in either Jacksonville or Ashland (or split it up and stay in both).
Ashland is a beautiful quaint town on the southern end of Rogue Valley, filled with lots of coffee shops and restaurants. We recommend the Ashland Springs hotel. Note that if you’re visiting in the Summer, the town hosts the Shakespeare festival and may be very busy with inflated hotel prices.
Jacksonville is closer to the Applegate AVA wineries and is quite smaller than Ashland. For this location, we recommend looking on Airbnb for housing, as there are limited Hotels in the area.
Best wineries in the Rogue Valley
Let’s start with our favorite wineries in the Rogue Valley AVA. Many are conveniently located off the I-5 freeway and within short driving distances to Ashland.
Weisinger
The most southern winery in Oregon stays boutique, producing merely 1500 cases a year. We enjoyed the long finish on the Gewurtztraminer as well as the robust, yet aromatic and fruity Pinot.
Irvine & Roberts
We rarely recommend wineries based on the view and atmosphere but these folks have that dialed in. We loved the firepits and wrapping ourselves in blankets sipping on their Pinot and Chardonnay.
Edenvale
Small family-run winery with a sneaky-cool library selection. We enjoyed the 2011 Chardonnay, 2008 Tempranillo (baking spices and leather mmm). Pro tip: go on Sundays and catch the live music while you taste.
Upper Five
Limited production high-altitude vines (1800 ft elevation) with non-standard winemaking techniques: acacia barrel-aged Sauv Blanc, Amphora-aged Grenache etc. Delicious and intriguing -tasting reservations required as they are a small team.
Wineries to visit in the Applegate Valley
Next up let’s take a look at our top wineries in the Applegate Valley AVA. As mentioned before, we recommend basing yourselves in the darling little town of Jacksonville.
Quady North
One of the most revered wineries in the Applegate is also a fairly large custom crush facility. The mainly Bordeaux and Rhone varietals are extremely expressive, fruit forward and are approachable young. We like the Arsenal Cab Franc + Merlot blend the most.
Red Lilly
3,000 case production facility with a nice tasting room ambiance. At $6 a flight, it’s a great bargain; we love the elegant and complex 2015 Tempranillo that had aromas of incense and tea leaves.
Woolridge Creek
We recommend having lunch here; feasting on a charcuterie board on the vines is perfect for a mid -day food stop that doubles as a winery visit. The 5,000 case production facility is entirely organic and we enjoyed the Sparkling brut as well as their crisp, yet well-structured barrel-fermented Chard.
Longsword
Scenic setting with a mountain backdrop and paragliders coming in hot. We enjoyed the dry Gewurtz as well as the Viognier. These wines are not sterile filtered so one must be ok with non-polished wines (we think aroma and taste matters most)!
Where to eat in the Rogue Valley
Dancin – a winery itself close to Jacksonville. Eat overlooking the vines and enjoy their fresh basil Margherita pizza. Pairs nicely with their house Barbera.
Gils – a Gastropub restaurant in Ashland serving up delicious beer, cider and Brisket Banh Mi.
Rogue Creamery – Located just north of Medford is a fantastic creamery. Must get their in-house blue grilled cheese alongside their homemade tomato soup.
Umi Sushi – We always love a good Sushi spot.. so don’t miss this local jaunt if you are staying in Jacksonville.
