When thinking of “wine country,” the Rogue Valley is a hidden gem. With over 85 wineries and tasting rooms, and a gorgeous river running through it, this sweet little area will pleasantly surprise you. Nestled in the heart of the Southern Willamette Valley, Rogue Valley’s climate is great for growing varietals, while still producing beautiful pinots and chardonnays.
More than 50 of these wineries will all come together for Savor Southern Oregon’s inaugural two-day event, on June 13th and 14th at the historic Bigham Knoll Campus. The event, created by Travel Medford and the Rogue Valley wine community, came from the need for a signature wine event in the southern Oregon area after the Oregon Wine Experience ended.
“This event was driven based upon industry feedback, and the support has been unwavering,” Carole Skeeter-Stevens, Chief Marketing Officer of Travel Medford, says. “I’m really excited about bringing the industry together, and sharing it with people who may not know how amazing the Rogue Valley is.”
The VIP Experience will kick off the celebration, held on June 13th from 4:00-8:00pm. A hand-selected collection of reserve wines and limited-production vintages will be poured by winemakers and proprietors of the Rogue Valley. This experience offers a more intimate setting than the Grand Tasting by letting wine enthusiasts dive deep into the exclusive wines and get to know the people behind the bottle. Plus, some of these rare wines may only be available at the VIP Tasting.
The Grand Tasting is on June 14th from 12:00-5:00 pm. Held out on the beautiful grassy lawn of the campus under sprawling tents, over 50 wineries will be ready to pour some of their best wines. Light bites, a variety of wines, and an immersive experience with the winemakers themselves—the perfect combination. You can even purchase bottles from your new favorite wineries to start your own at home wine collection.
“There will be brands that are well-known throughout the Rogue Valley, but also some new rising stars and smaller producers,” Carole explains. “It’s a great opportunity for people to explore the Rogue Valley and experience over 50 wineries in one location.”
There is also an educational course for fellow wine-enthusiasts, held from 2:00-4:00 pm on June 13th. The course will start out with Discover Rogue Valley Wines, an interactive introduction to the area’s diverse terroir and varietals. Ten of Southern Oregon’s premier winemakers will take you on an immersive tasting as they talk about their winemaking techniques. Then, the course will conclude with a discussion on What is Southern Oregon’s Signature Grape? where participants will taste, learn, and decide for themselves.
Attendees can make a long weekend out of the event by booking a room at the Compass Hotel at a special room block rate for Savor Southern Oregon ticket holders. Catch a show at Britt Festival, hike to one of the many waterfalls, or catch a ride on the infamous jet boat tours on the Rogue River. Take a morning drive to Ashland for fresh produce, cheeses, and handcrafted goods at The Rogue Valley Growers and Crafters Market. If you’re feeling adventurous, book yourself a Zip, Dip, & Sip Tour: a zipline course with amazing views, a whitewater rafting trip, and a tasting at one of Rogue’s finest wineries, Del Rio Vineyards.
Tickets are available now for Savor Southern Oregon, and spots are limited for the VIP Experience. Enjoy a relaxing evening (or make it a long weekend!) in one of Oregon’s lesser known wine countries.
“It’s a great place for people to visit and explore,” Carole says. “People are always pleasantly surprised about the Rogue Valley.”
For more information, please visit savorsouthernoregon.com.
