From stunning scenery to diverse wineries and welcoming hospitality, here’s how to sip, stay and explore in Oregon’s Applegate Valley
Lush green valleys, towering mountain peaks, herons skimming the gently flowing rivers, and more than a dozen wineries from which to take it all in — welcome to the splendor that is the Applegate Valley in Southern Oregon.
Home to Oregon’s first wine grapes planted in the mid-1800s, the Applegate Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) was officially established in 2000. Today, the more than 275,000-acre appellation sits within the Rogue Valley and overarching Southern Oregon AVAs. The Applegate Valley runs 50-miles north from the California border to the Rogue River just west of Grants Pass, Oregon, an ideal location to explore the region’s 18 wineries, most of which are small and family-owned.
The Applegate Valley Difference
While many wine lovers know Oregon for the Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays of Willamette Valley, the Applegate Valley is located within the confluence of three mountain ranges: the Cascades, Klamath and Siskiyou Mountains. This creates a set of microclimates so diverse it is capable of hosting a diverse array of flora and fauna, including around 70 different types of wine grapes. Among myriad grape varieties and wine options including Syrah, Grenache, Tempranillo and Mourvèdre, you’ll also find Roussillon, Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewürztraminer. There is even a smattering of Bordeaux grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. In other words, if you thought you knew Oregon wine, think again!
The diversity of Applegate Valley wine is all due to the very things that make the region so picturesque. The vineyards in Applegate Valley are planted up to 2,000 feet in elevation and are found primarily along the Applegate River in the Siskiyou Mountains. These towering, rugged, and pine-laden mountains shield the AVA from the cooling Pacific winds, giving the grapes grown here more warmth and longer ripening times. And instead of the cool climate conditions to AVAs further north, the Applegate Valley features a warm, dry Mediterranean climate. Here the hot days and cool nights help the grapes develop deep aromas, flavors and sugars, while also maintaining their acidity to make for well-balanced wines. The granite-based, well-draining soils with their river deposits, clay, loam and silt, further foster the growth of a wider range of grape varieties.
In other words, it comes down to that often referenced French wine term used to describe a wine’s sense of place, “terroir.” But it’s more than climate, weather, elevation and soils that impact that sense of origin. It’s also the culture and the community. In the Applegate Valley, that community is as approachable as it is passionate and knowledgeable about the diversity and integrity of its land, and their desire to share its abundance with others. And that’s exactly what you’ll experience when you visit this unique wine country, a warm welcome and a bounty of tasting options. In fact, walk-in tastings are still the norm and enjoying a glass with a view (and pets) is commonplace.
Getting There
Applegate Valley and Grants Pass, Oregon, are easily accessible from Interstate 5. But if you’re coming from further out, or want to save a few hours, the Rogue Valley International Medford Airport, a short, scenic drive from Grants Pass in Medford, Oregon, offers direct flights from 11 destinations including Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Denver and Phoenix.
Where to Stay
Grants Pass, Oregon, makes for the most convenient place to stay when visiting the Applegate Valley. A small community with a thriving art scene and a plethora of dining and hospitality options, Grants Pass sits at the northerly end of the region and is within easy driving distance of the numerous wineries (and breweries) of the Valley. It’s also situated along the Rogue River, which provides a scenic backdrop with outdoor activities available year round. And perhaps best of all, as it’s a small, more rural community, your vacation budget will stretch further from restaurants and hotels, to wineries and breweries, and to museums and shops, leaving you more to spend on the also reasonably priced wines.
Uncorking the Wineries of Applegate Valley
Whether you’re looking for an educational experience about biodynamic viticulture, a patio from which to take in the views, or some delicious lunch options to complement your wine tastings, the wineries of Applegate Valley will deliver. The local wine association offers readily available online descriptions of the local wineries and sample itineraries. It’s easy to browse through and find what might be to your liking, but it’s also just as easy to explore with an open mind and make new discoveries.
One of the easiest ways to make new discoveries is the region’s bi-annual “Uncorked” wine events that take place each spring and fall. “Uncorked” is a ticketed event where the Applegate Valley’s wineries open their doors to guests offering barrel samples of wines still in the works as well as current vintages, each paired with a small bite of often locally sourced delights. It’s a fun, self-guided, communal afternoon, and a great way to explore the wines of the region. In fact, you may discover new favorite destinations to visit for full tastings or at which to enjoy a bottle during your stay.
Applegate Valley is a hidden gem in Oregon’s wine country, worth discovering at any time of the year. You’ll find food and wine pairing experiences, live music, traditional tastings, and many wineries with beautiful grounds to enjoy a bottle with friends and family, or even a glass with a book. Most wineries are also open to both families and pets, but as a courtesy, always check with the winery first. Reservations are often appreciated, but most wineries also accept walk-ins if space allows, making it easier to be spontaneous, follow in-the-moment recommendations, and move at your own pace. As the region boasts such an array of wines from a unique terroir, the ability to create your own wine lover’s adventure is just what you need!
In partnership with Visit Grants Pass
