The next big wine country - Southern Oregon. Move over Napa, Southern Oregon is the next great place for exciting wines, no crowds, and inexpensive tasting fees. Arm yourself with a map from the Southern Oregon Wineries Association and hit the road.
The inside scoop: Head to the smallest, newest wine region in Applegate Valley, Oregon (part of the larger Rogue Valley) to get your wet your palate. Abacela, Troon, and Schmidt Family Vineyards are setting the bar high.
In Umpqua, the northern, oldest wine valley, check out Brandborg Vineyard & Winery and Spangler Vineyards. Ditch your car in historic Jacksonville, of Britt music fest fame, then wander the cluster of tasting rooms, including Quady North.
Our 3 favorite sips:
- Foris Pinot Gris 2008 (Rogue Valley; $14).
- Brandborg "Love Puppets" Pinot Noir 2006 (Umpqua Valley; $30).
- Abacela South Face Block Reserve Syrah 2005 (Southern Oregon; $45).
This is a re-creation of an article in Sunset magazine. Pick up a copy today!
I will really have to go and see this for my self and sample the wine.
Hey Melinda! You didn't even mention Sonoma! I know there are some great vineyards in your part of the world....wineries, too.....and such beautiful scenery. If you ever get to Sonoma, I'll take you on a tour of our wineries. If I get up your way....you can return the favor!
Melinda: How great that would be if Southern Oregon turned into "Big Wine Country." That would be way cool. And just the thing for you... the Real Estate Queen of Grant's Pass... to give to your customers as a closing gift. Yum !
So... I assume you'll be serving wine at "The Real Estate Cafe ?"
Thanks for commenting Elite Home Sales!
Kirsten ~ Sounds like a plan! Your brokerage name says it all :)
Karen Anne ~ As a matter of fact, we do. But, mostly 2-Buck Chuck!
I'm getting thirsty just reading about it. I know they're "setting the bar high", and all that good wine will "sit high on the bar".
Hi Melinda, I love hitting local wineries when I travel. I'm due for a drive down the coast, so I'll have to check some of these out next time.
Melinda:
I didn't realize Oregon had so many wineries. When I lived in Califoirnia, a day in Napa Valley visiting the vineyards was a fabulous outing. I am sure it must be the same in Southern Oregon.
Melinda - Great Localism post! Cheers! I wish I could make it... Never knew that about Oregon... Have fun...