Southern Oregon Wines, Rogue Valley

Wine tasting in the countryside of Oregon is like sitting in a postcard surrounded by some of the best grapes in the world. But grapes were not the first fruit grown here. In fact, Oregon is well known for its pear orchards. This plantation like mansion was built between Jacksonville & Ashland by Gordon Voorhies in the late 1800's and is now home to Eden Valley Orchards, "the birthplace of the pear industry & a leader of innovative agrigulture."

"Plant apples for your children, & pears for your grandchildren" is an old saying from this area, and now they have added the grape and labelled their wines EdenVale. Their first vintage (from 2001) was released in 2003 and while they may be a young vineyard, their wines are full of depth and character. My favorite was the 03 Cabernet Franc. It's silky yet sassy. If you are more of a white drinker, the 08 Reserve Chardonnay is not to be missed. 
Overlooking the rogue valley on the hillside lies the vineyards of Paschal. Noted for its panoramic views, it was certainly one I was not going to miss, yet I did. The tasting room was closed so while I can't comment on their wines yet (I did purchase a bottle in town), I can say the property is a beautiful one.




Purchased in 2009 by the Tenuta family, it now hosts the name Paschal Tenuta. I heard it through the grapevine that the Estate Merlot Port is divine. Let's hope I can get my hands on one soon.

My next stop was at Trium Vineyards. It's best to have a back roads map while searching for this winery. I was ever so happy when I finally stumbled upon it until I ran into the locked gate. Apparently, winter isn't the best time to visit wineries in the Rogue Valley.



Fortunately, Liquid Assets, a wine bar in downtown Ashland carries many local wines and so I put Trium (and a few others) to the test. Once again, my palette surprised me. Who knew a viognier could wow my tastebuds the way the 2010 Trium viognier did! Fresh, crisp, fruity, and delicious. A great white for the great outdoors.

On the outskirts of town is where I found the finest of red wines at Weisinger Vineyards. Founded by John Weisinger in 1979, this family vineyard is home to some pretty amazing red blends including the 2006 Mescolare, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, & Nebbiolo. If you like a little spice with your wine, try the 2006 Pompadour with Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Merlot, & Malbec.

Of course, I couldn't have brought any of these fine wines home without the help of my new friend Misty from Enoteca (Italian for Wine Library)  in the Ashland plaza. Brought to you by EdenVale (as mentioned above) the Enoteca is a member of the Ashland Gallery Association and features local artists. Stop in for a glass of vino, I guarantee you'll go home with more.


Check back in a few days for my next blog on Applegate Valley... Cheers!



"Good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used"  William Shakespeare