Best Wineries in Southern Oregon
Southern Oregon wine country is one of America's best-kept wine secrets. The Umpqua Valley, Rogue Valley, and Applegate Valley are significantly warmer and drier than the Willamette Valley — producing Spanish, Italian, and Rhône varieties that have no equivalent elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest. Abacela Winery proved the concept in the 1990s; today a growing community of committed producers has followed.
Southern Oregon vs Willamette Valley
Southern Oregon wine country is warmer, sunnier, and less rainy than the Willamette Valley — conditions that make Pinot Noir difficult but produce extraordinary Tempranillo, Syrah, Grenache, Albariño, and Vermentino. If you want to discover something genuinely new in Oregon wine, head south.
The Applegate Valley
The Applegate Valley, tucked into the Siskiyou Mountains south of Medford, has emerged as Southern Oregon's most artisan sub-region. Cowhorn Vineyard (biodynamic Rhône varieties) and Troon Vineyard (organic natural wine) represent winemakers who have brought serious commitment to a still-developing region.
Planning Your Southern Oregon Wine Trip
Southern Oregon wine country pairs well with Jacksonville (National Historic Landmark, excellent restaurants), Ashland (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), and Crater Lake National Park. Allow 2–3 days minimum. Roseburg is the base for Umpqua Valley; Medford/Jacksonville for the Rogue and Applegate Valleys.