If you’re ready to try a new-to-you wine, enjoy the bounty of varietals being poured at the
Savor Southern Oregon
festival June 13-14 in Jacksonville, with more than 50 Rogue Valley wineries pouring small-batch and best-selling vintages.
Festival organizers predict no one will have pinot noir fatigue at the grand tasting Saturday. With more than 70 varieties produced in the region’s mountain and valley microclimates, “people will discover something they have never tasted before,” said Carole Skeeters-Stevens, who works for event producer Travel Medford.
An exploration of Rogue Valley’s terroirs reveals there is no signature variety, “and that’s the fun part,” she said. “There is a wine for everybody, from fortified dessert and sparkling wines to big reds, elegant chardonnays even mourvedres and chenin blancs.”
The wide spectrum prompted festival organizers to gather experts to teach an educational course on the question: What is the Rogue Valley’s signature grape?
Skeeters-Stevens shrugs and said Belle Fiore Winery winemaker
Rob Folin
would say tempranillo,
Herb Quady
of Quady North would answer syrah and
Chris Jiron
at DANCIN Vineyards would promote pinot noir.
The festival takes place at the sprawling Bigham Knoll Campus overlooking Jacksonville’s historic downtown.
“It’s an opportunity to explore” the
Jacksonville wine trail
, Skeeters-Stevens said, and connect with winemakers in the nearby
Applegate Valley
,
Bear Creek
and
Upper Rogue
.
The festival will feature well-established wineries such as
Del Rio Vineyards
,
Schmidt Family Vineyards
and
Troon Vineyard
alongside emerging brands such as
Sound & Vision Wine Co.
,
Twelve 32 Wine
and
Grit Cellars
. “The Rogue Valley is about tradition and innovation, and that’s really exciting,” said Skeeters-Stevens.
Her tip: Don’t rush and enjoy the full weekend.
A ticket
to Friday’s VIP tasting of rare and limited-edition vintages paired with appetizers from 2 to 8 p.m. is $98. Saturday’s grand tasting and meeting winemakers from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. is $48. And Friday and Saturday’s educational courses start at $75.
There will also be time to visit some of the region’s family-owned tasting rooms, some run by members of the second generation, like
RoxyAnn Winery
in Medford and
Weisinger Family Winery
in Ashland.
Stroll the scenic vineyards, listen to live music, savor the culinary offerings and be spontaneous, Skeeters-Stevens said.
“We are halfway between Napa Valley and the Willamette Valley, but our tasting rooms don’t require reservations,” she said. “The hospitality is top notch, and this tight-knit community will recommend another winery down the road.”
If you go:
Bigham Knoll Campus,
525 Bigham Knoll Drive
, Jacksonville. For more information, visit
savorsouthernoregon.com
.
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— Janet Eastman covers design and trends. Reach her at 503-294-4072,
jeastman@oregonian.com
and follow her on X
@janeteastman
.
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This Rogue Valley festival will allow you to taste your new favorite wine
This Rogue Valley festival will allow you to taste your new favorite wine
This Rogue Valley festival will allow you to taste your new favorite wine