Welcome to Oregon’s Rogue Valley region. The Rogue Valley produces world-class wine.
Surrounded by forested mountains and rivers. The Rogue Valley has the micro-climates necessary for a world-class viticultural district. This is due to the Illinois and Applegate valleys of Josephine and Jackson counties. The vineyards thrive on the laced hillsides of Ashland and the sun-soaked valleys of the Rogue.
The Rogue Valley Region of Southern Oregon has three distinct subregions for grapes: the Rogue River subregion along Interstate 5 from Ashland to Grants Pass, the growing area of the state with the steepest elevation; the westernmost Illinois Valley, at a high elevation and more heavily influenced by the marine climate of the Pacific Ocean; the smaller Applegate Valley, locus for part of the Southern route of the Oregon Trail, further inland and sheltered from Pacific marine air. The Applegate Valley region was approved as an official American Viticultural Area (AVA) in December 2000.
The Rogue Valley is the most elevated, warm and dry wine growing region in Oregon. Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot gris are grown in all parts of the Rogue. The inland subregions of the Rogue, including the Applegate Valley, have a dry and warm climate suitable for production of the best Bordelais varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Semillon and Cabernet franc. The Illinois subregion is noted for its high quality Burgundian varieties Pinot noir, Pinot gris, Merlot and Chardonnay.
