You are here: / / / December
,

Jacksonville – the Heart of the Southern Oregon Wine Region

Wine lovers can embrace Jacksonville, Oregon as the Heart of the Southern Oregon Wine Region. With over 100 wineries, this region is establishing it’s reputation as being the next big thing in the world of wine.

Noted in Wine Enthusiast Magazine (February 2016) as one of the Top 10 Wine Destinations in the World and in Sunset Magazine as “the undiscovered wine country of your dreams:  For the wine minded traveler, this destination feels almost utopian.  Here, tasting fees cost less than a latte; hotel rates are actually reasonable; wineries go way beyond water crackers…and unlike any other wine regions in the West- all kinds of grapes thrive.”Schmidt Family Vineyard

Rugged mountain valleys with many diverse climates are perfect for growing a wide variety of intensely flavored wine grapes- over 70 varietals are grown in this region. The cooler areas of Southern Oregon are known for Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer. Warmer, more arid regions produce incredible big reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, Merlot, Malbec, Zinfadel, and Syrah.

Jacksonville is the Gateway to the Applegate Valley Wine Trail, one of Oregon’s newest wine appellations with 18 wineries. The Applegate Valley climate is an alternative to Oregon’s cool- climate viticulture and largely protected from coastal influeSouth Stage Cellarsnces, creating warmer and drier growing seasons than most of the state. Vineyards are located mainly on stream terraces with granite soils which provide excellent drainage.

Combined with higher elevations, the valley is conducive to Chardonnay, Vigonier, Syrah and Bordeaux red varietals, proving that Oregon isn’t just about Pinot Noir. You can take just a couple of hours or easily fill a day or two touring the vineyards and wineries.

(Local Wineries and Tasting Rooms).

 

The wineries are small and intimate and you will often find yourself talking with the wine maker in person. In addition to great wines, the scenery is spectacular. Nothing beats enjoying a glass of wine while letting your eyes feast on the inspiring views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

There are also five tasting rooms right in town – making the Southern Oregon wine tasting experience very convenient.  Okay, two of the tasting rooms are just outside of the city limits, but by no more than a mile.  These  exquisite wineries offer an astounding array of fine wines, from Rhones and Bordeauxs to some of Oregon’s most sensational Pinot Noirs.  The in-town tasting rooms offer music, food and enchanted gardens, while the rural wineries feature expansive views of the valley from outdoor patios.  Jacksonville has become the destination for wine enthusiasts – just 7 miles off of I-5 at Medford and 20 minutes from Ashland.

Valley ViewIn addition to the Applegate Valley Wine Trail, there are the Bear Creek Boutique Wineries, the Upper Rogue Valley, Umpqua Valley that comprise the rest of the Southern Oregon wine region – all within an easy drive.

So plan on several days to fully explore the wines of Southern Oregon from the comfort of small town Jacksonville, Oregon.  All of the wineries and tasting rooms are just minutes from town with some right in town.  You may also want to check out several of the seasonal events that provide you with easy access to multiple wines and wineries.

Applegate Wine Trail Spring Uncorked – May
Jacksonville Wine Cruise – May
The Oregon Wine Experience – August
Applegate Wine Trail Fall Uncorked – November

 

/by

10 Uniquely Jacksonville Gift Ideas

Finding the perfect gift for friends and family can be challenging.  So here are a few ideas if you want to give a gift that is uniquely Jacksonville.

1.  Jacksonville’s History – You will find books on our history at Terra Firma Gifts and the Visitor Information Center.  There are also Jacksonville t-shirts, sweatshirts and magnets at Willow Creek, Shopping bags and tchockes at Scheffel’s Toys & More.tims-412

2. Shared Experience – A gift certificate for an experience to be shared. One is a Segway rental or tour from Segway of Jacksonville.   Or plan on taking some special people on a Beekman House Tour offered through Historic Jacksonville, Inc.  Through the summer they offer themed and living history tours on select weekends.  During Victorian Christmas they also offer special Christmas themed tours.

3. Local Wine – As the heart of the Southern Oregon Wine Region you have many options – and the shopping is especially fun!  DANCIN Vineyards has been raking in the awards on their excellent Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.  Right in town you can also check out Quady North and  South Stage Cellars which features wines made from their grapes by other winemakers as well as their own label.  Valley View is the grandfather of the regional vineyards and Caprice is known for its Cabernet.

4. The Britt Experience: Britt has been a a Jacksonville tradition since 1962. The Britt Orchestra comes together for three weekends in late July/early August.  But all types of concerts run from June through September. Membership or a Britt Gift Certificate to be used for tickets during the regular season can be found at:  Britt Festival

5. Donations – Honor a friend or family member with a donation to an organization dedicated to serving Jacksonville. A couple of ideas  Jacksonville Boosters Club does many projects like restoring the Britt Gardens, Friends of the J’ville Cemetery is the volunteer group that helps to maintain and restore our beautiful pioneer cemetery. Historic Jacksonville, Inc. is helping to maintain the Beekman House and Beekman Bank by providing tours and special programs.

6. Pampering:  A gift certificate for some post-holiday pampering at one of our spas or salon is a sure way of being appreciated twice – at the time you present the gift and then again when the gift card is redeemed!  Check out your options at Spa, Angelica Day Spa, and California Street Skin & Nail Studio.

7. Gift Baskets or Jerky (Beef, Buffalo, Elk) from Gary West Meats. Celebrating 50 years of producing what has become known as the Rolls Royce of jerky.  They can also create customized gourmet food baskets for many different tastes.

8.  Jacksonville Christmas Ornaments from the Visitor Information Center. Three different ceramic ornaments featuring historic buildings – tims-423Beekman House, Presbyterian Church, and the Courthouse.  $10 each or all three for $25.  The center is located at the corner of C & North Oregon Streets by the post office.  Hours are 10 am – 3 pm.

9. Art – It is a pleasant surprised to see the level of artistic talent in this area. For items created by local artists and artisans check out The Woodcarving Place and Art Presence Art Center.  The diversity of offerings will astound you!

10. Locally Crafted Products – You can also find locally crafted items at a number of stores around town. Jacksonville Candles at WillowCreek Gifts, Thomas Gregg Fine Jewelry at Carefree Buffalo to name just a few.

/by