Photo courtesy of Travel Southern Oregon.
There are many famous wine regions, and Southern Oregon has dazzled on the world stage of wine again and again. Whether you are visiting or live here year-round, experience Southern Oregon’s local wineries and partake in our exceptional award-winning wines. Looking for a wine tour? Check in with our friends at BRAVO Outings to organize a custom wine tour for your group.
A Tale Of Trails
Southern Oregon is home to four official wine trails: Upper Rogue, Bear Creek, Jacksonville and Applegate. Each one boasts numerous wineries, with their own unique flavors and flair. A fifth, wine trail, The Exit 24 Wine Trail, features wineries located within the vicinity of Indigo Creek Outfitters in Phoenix, Oregon, and offers the closest wine tasting for those who join us for a day rafting trip on the Rogue or Upper Klamath.
UPPER ROGUE WINE TRAIL
You could easily visit all four wineries located on this trail in one day, but we recommend starting with Bayer Family Estate in Eagle Point. Each bottle of their artisan wines are produced from high quality grapes taken from their own estate and other local vineyards. Every one of their wines is a master class in beauty, flavor, excellence and elegance. After you have your fill at Bayer Family Estate, make your way to Cliff Creek Cellars, Del Rio Vineyards and Kriselle Cellars.
BEAR CREEK WINE TRAIL
This trail is in the southernmost part of the Rogue Valley, cradled in the hills along Bear Creek. When you’re on the Bear Creek Wine Trail, visit RoxyAnn Winery. It was founded in 2002 at the historic Hillcrest Orchard, one of the oldest orchards in Southern Oregon. Their wines are sure to delight as you enjoy beautiful views of the Rogue Valley. Other wineries along the trail are Aurora Vines, Belle Fiore Winery, Dana Campbell Vineyards, Grizzly Peak Winery, Ledger David Cellars, Paschal Winery, Pebblestone Cellars, StoneRiver Vineyards and Weisinger Family Winery.
JACKSONVILLE WINE TRAIL
Five exquisite wineries offer a variety of wines, all located within a mile of Jacksonville — Oregon’s famous gold rush era town. Rellik Winery, one of the wineries along the trail, is owned by Delando and Zoey Pegan, and Bay Area partners Christopher and Jessica Wallace. With indoor and vine-covered patio seating areas, a scenic pond and an onsite bed and breakfast, you will be tempted to stay all day — or longer! Other wineries on the trail include DANCIN Vineyards, South Stage Cellars, Daisy Creek Vineyards and Quady North.
APPLEGATE VALLEY WINE TRAIL
Rolling hillsides surround the fertile Applegate Valley, creating a perfect place for vineyards to flourish. With numerous wineries on this trail, we suggest starting with Schmidt Family Vineyards. This winery has luscious gardens, a tranquil pond, and a unique, craftsman-style tasting room. The owners, and the entire Schmidt family, invite you to spend an afternoon exploring the grounds and sampling their spectacular wines. Other wineries you can visit are Augustino Estate and Vineyard, Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden, Cricket Hill Winery, Devitt Winery, John Michael Champagne Cellars, Longsword Vineyard, Plaisance Ranch, Red Lily Vineyards, Rosella’s Vineyard, Schultz Wines, Soloro Vineyards, The Academy of Wine, Troon Vineyard, Valley View Winery, Walport Family Cellars and Wooldridge Creek Winery.
THE EXIT 24 WINE TRAIL
For those who visit Indigo Creek Outfitters for a day of rafting, the Exit 24 Wine Trail is the perfect way to end an active day on the river. Our day rafting trips meet in Phoenix at The Shoppes at Exit 24. The Exit 24 Wine Trail kicks things off just a few minutes from our Rafting Center. Click here for a map of the Exit 24 Wine Trail.
Famous Wines, Welcoming Wineries
Southern Oregon’s wineries are a feast for the senses. Views for miles, cozy tasting rooms, the quiet sounds of nature, tantalizing aromas, and strong, beautiful flavors. When you are in the Rogue Valley, visit one — or all — of the local wine trails and experience the ultimate in viticultural perfection.