Charming wineries are found in many parts of the country, but the Rogue Valley in Southern Oregon presents unique wineries that please the palate, enchant the eyes and delight the psyche. There are a number of personal favorites, but here are three that you will enjoy as much as I do.
Roxy Ann Winery is one of the Rogue Valley gems. Located on land occupied by Hillcrest Orchards since 1908, the winery was opened in 2002 at the site of the Hillcrest Orchards produce store, 3285 Hillcrest Rd. Medford Oregon. Since I knew it is record number 397666 in National Register of Historic Places, I felt the history and culture the minute I walked on the original beams and hardwood plank floors that remain in the Tasting Room, the site of the original Honor Barn. Named for the custom of paying for fruit from the orchards by putting money into an “honor box”, the custom still prevails and I loved choosing from the wealth of peaches, pears and apples just outside the doors of the Tasting Room.
Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources (The National Historic Places Web site)
For red wine lovers, the Honor Barn reds, claret, Merlot and Syrah definitely please the palate. However, I believe you have not tasted a great Pinot Gris until you try the 2009 Roxy Ann Pinot Gris. The incredibly smooth flavor brings to my mind the fresh fruits and clean taste that exemplify the great Pinot Gris wines.
Eden Vale Winery is located on the Eden Valley Orchard site in existence since 1885. It is record number 346288 in the National Historic Register. The Voorhies Mansion at 2310 Voorhies Road, Medford Oregon, is the centerpiece of Eden Valley Orchards. The formal gardens are a magical setting. During the Jazz in the Garden series in the summer months, I love sitting with a sampling of the award winning wines, listening to the great musical combos and munching on satisfying hors de oeuvres that combine with the smooth wines in a gastronomical delight.
The list of awards for Eden Vale is extensive and range from the Pearhouse Reserve Tempranillo, Malbec, and Syrah to the Viognier. The Eden Vale Web site contains a full list of the many awards the winery has received. It is difficult for me to choose a favorite wine from Eden Vale winery because so many are truly outstanding.
A newcomer to the historic wineries of the Rogue Valley is an upstart winery that quickly became a favorite of mine. Red Lily Winery is just a short drive out highway 238 from Jacksonville. From the minute I turned off the highway and crossed the bridge over the Applegate River, I entered a world apart from every day humdrum.
Les and Rachael Martin and their family planned the Red Lily Winery to be a work of art. The metal sculpture of a red lily that greets visitors is by Cheryl D. Garcia, Great Metal Works, in Jacksonville, Oregon. It sets the stage for the warm and friendly atmosphere of the winery. I felt hugged from the moment my foot hit the gravel of the ample parking lot until I was seated on the cozy patio sipping the selections of wine that range from crisp whites to tantalizing reds. I especially liked the Tempranillo, but the other Spanish varietals, Verdejo, Grenache and Graciano, are equally pleasing.
I enjoy a lounge chair at the shore of the river with a lovely glass of my favorite red or white wine to spend some relaxing and quiet moments.
The Rogue Valley is a great central location for exploring the scenic area around Medford where you can choose from literally dozens of fine wineries and some amazingly good wines. Eden Vale, Roxy Ann and Red Lily all have ample parking even for big rigs. All three wineries are open all year with summer hours extended to enjoy the delightful Rogue Valley summer evenings.