The Rogue Valley: An Authentic Alternative to Napa and the Willamette Valley

So often when we think of wine country on the West Coast, we think of Napa Valley in California and the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Likely in the same breath, someone will comment about the expense or exclusivity of these regions (“Last time I was there, my tasting cost $100!” or “Did you know that you have to make reservations there nowadays?”). These regions have certainly earned and cultivated an exclusive feel, but is that what wine is all about?

When I first fell in love with wine, it was in my own local wine country of the Sierra Foothills, where you can still find tastings for $15 and you’re welcomed when you walk in on a whim. That’s why when I had my first Rogue Valley wine tasting, I felt right at home.

Oregon has several winegrowing regions: the Willamette Valley, the Columbia Gorge, Walla Walla, the Umpqua Valley, and the Rogue Valley. Both the Columbia Gorge and Walla Walla straddle the Washington-Oregon border, while the other three are entirely within the state of Oregon. The Rogue has the benefit of a warmer, sunnier climate compared to the Willamette Valley, which allows it to grow a wide selection of grape varieties. The dramatic mountain landscape, wide range of altitudes, and meandering rivers also create myriad microclimates.

While the Willamette Valley has made its name in world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the Rogue Valley successfully grows over 70 varieties, representing grapes from across France, Spain, Italy, and Germany, all within about an hour’s drive. This diversity makes the Rogue Valley one of the best wine tasting regions in Oregon for wine lovers who want to try a little bit of everything, all in one place. They haven’t done a great job keeping this a secret: the Rogue Valley was recently named #2 Best Wine Region by USA Today’s People’s Choice Awards.

So, is Southern Oregon wine country worth visiting? Absolutely! Part of what makes the Rogue Valley such a unique area is that it’s home to many indie winemakers and microproduction wineries, so it’s not uncommon for the person pouring your tasting to be the owner or winemaker. You can visit most Southern Oregon wineries without a reservation and discover a new favorite Tempranillo, Syrah, Viognier, Malbec, or Chardonnay—I could go on!

Between the vineyards, you’ll find flower farms, farm stands, and rolling hills of lavender. The region is remarkably biodiverse and temperate, making it ideal for growing many crops. Local restaurants take full advantage of this bounty, featuring seasonal menus inspired by what’s being harvested that week. If you’ve been looking for your next agritourism destination, look no further than the Rogue Valley.

When I got my first tasting room job in the Rogue Valley, I was surprised by the question I got asked every day: “What varieties is Southern Oregon known for?” It inevitably led to a long discussion about our diverse area, defined by rolling mountains and winding rivers. It led me to encourage people not to think of this region in such a limiting way. Instead of asking, “What are you known for?” let’s instead ask, “Is there anything you can’t grow?!”

Peter Britt, who’s credited with making the first grape wine in Oregon, experimented with over 200 different grape varieties in Jacksonville in the mid- to late-1800s, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir, all of which are still cultivated in the Rogue Valley today. Now, the region grows over 70 different varieties, including Syrah, Tempranillo, Grenache, Viognier, and Chardonnay, just to name a few. This doesn’t mean that one plot of land could grow all of these varieties; rather, the diverse topography, climate, and geology mean that you can find the perfect site for almost any grape.

One example is Crooked Barn in the Applegate Valley, pictured to the left. Their vineyard is planted on a steep, south-facing slope, giving the grapes full sun exposure throughout the day, without neighboring vines blocking their light. On this special piece of property, they’re able to ripen Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which notoriously need a lot of warmth to ripen. The grapes we often think of as Napa classics are not out of reach for the Rogue Valley, perfect for lovers of full-bodied red wines.

Another example is Irvine & Roberts in Ashland, pictured right. Their vineyard sits at 2,100 feet elevation on an east-facing slope, meaning the grapes get the morning sun and experience cool, windy afternoons with drastic day-night temperature shifts. This makes their site perfectly situated for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, proof that the Willamette Valley isn’t the only place in Oregon making world-class Pinot!

But is the Rogue Valley the Napa of Oregon? It’s a hard comparison to draw. While the Rogue Valley is experiencing much of the same collaborative, innovative spirit that Napa Valley saw in the 1970s, it’s still a small, rural area. With only dozens (not hundreds) of wineries in Southern Oregon, and thousands (not tens of thousands) of acres of grapes, each Rogue Valley wine is that much more precious and unique. Even the largest producers make fewer than 10,000 cases, so if you find a new wine to love, stock up, because it won’t be around forever.

Many estates are family-run, with tasting rooms set up in old dairies (Plaisance Ranch) or even on the owners’ patios (The Punch House). You can also find the beautiful chateaus with serious culinary programs (DANCIN and Kriselle). You could say the Rogue Valley feels like Napa’s past, before the crowds, before the expense, and before the exclusivity. The Rogue Valley is Oregon’s wine country alternative for the explorer seeking authentic, delicious wines and meaningful connections.

So when you start planning your next West Coast wine country adventure, look beyond the Willamette Valley and Napa. If you want to shake the winemaker’s hand, meet the family farmers, and touch the vines, the Rogue Valley is the place for you.

And Latitude Wine Tours can curate that personal, authentic experience for you! Whether you’re looking for a private wine tour, small-group wine tasting tours, or a customized itinerary of the best wineries in Oregon, we can make it happen. You can learn more by calling or sending us a message—or book directly through our website. Let us curate your perfect day exploring the wineries in Southern Oregon and discovering why the Rogue Valley is one of the most exciting Oregon wine tours you’ll ever take.