Spring brings many wonderful things to Southern Oregon. The weather is getting warmer, the trees are growing new leaves, flowers are blooming, and most importantly, grape vines are beginning to bud.
May also means Oregon Wine Month! In 2012, Governor Kitzhaber designated May as Oregon Wine Month to celebrate Oregon’s wine growers and accentuate the fine wines that are produced in the state.
During Oregon Wine Month, Southern Oregon wineries make it easy to enjoy their wares by providing several amazing tasting opportunities, such as wine tours, barrel tastings, food and wine pairings, and wine education classes.
In the Applegate Valley, the Spring Uncorked Event takes place on May 18th from 11am to 5pm. The event is comprised of a self-guided tour of the 19 participating Applegate wineries. Participants start at one of three different starting locations, Devitt Winery, Longsword Vineyard, or Woolridge Creek Winery and proceed to any or all of the participating wineries for wine tasting and appetizers. The cost of the event is just $39. This is an amazing value! Where else can you taste wines and food at 19 different wineries for just a little over $2 per winery?
Another opportunity to experience the Southern Oregon wine region is the Roam the Rogue Spring Passport Tour on May 24th. Visitors have the opportunity to visit any or all of the seven wineries in the Upper Rogue Valley. Participants also receive a commemorative Reidel wine glass. Again, visitors pick their starting point and proceed to the different wineries at their own pace. Each winery offers appetizers and wine tastings, and tickets are discounted for the designated driver in the group. Participating wineries include: Agate Ridge Vineyards, Cliff Creek Cellars, Del Rio Vineyard, Folin Cellars, Kriselle Cellars, LaBrasseur Winery, and RoxyAnn Winery.
With so many events occurring in the Southern Oregon region during Oregon Wine Month, it may be difficult to choose which events to attend. The Southern Oregon Wine Association calendar makes it a little easier by listing many of the events available during the month. You can also find events throughout the state at the Oregon Wine Board. Whether you go to an event or just stop by one of the wineries in the area, please come out and celebrate Southern Oregon wines. There are many award winning wines, and wineries in the region would love to share their labor of love!