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Celebrate Oregon Wines at The Oregon Wine Experience – Aug 22 – 25

The Oregon Wine Experience® has quickly become the premiere regional wine event with unique activities. Each activity provides a fascinating encounter for wine enthusiasts of all levels.  The Oregon Wine Competition® is the lead event, followed by a wide array of wine-themed classes and exclusive vintner dinners leading into the main events:

  • Medal Celebration – Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019
  • Founder’s Barrel Auction – Friday, Aug. 23, 2019
  • Miracle Auction & Salmon Bake – Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019
  • Grand Tasting on Sunday – Sunday, Aug. 25, 2019

This premier wine and culinary event has vastly grown in popularity and recognition. In 2018, more than 4,500 attendees from across the states and as far as New Zealand reveled in the many activities offered over the multi-day event. And more than $1,300,000 was raised for Children’s Miracle Network and other healthcare programs supported by Asante Foundation.

Produced by the Asante Foundation, 100 percent of all proceeds raised go directly to Asante’s Children’s Miracle Network and other health care programs supported by the Asante Foundation.  In its first three years,  over $1.5 million was raised, directly benefitting the health care of thousands of children. As a Children’s Miracle Network designated hospital, Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center provides the highest level of pediatric care in the region.

The event is looking to build on its philanthropic success, and continue its upward movement to secure the best in health care for our youngest residents.

For tickets and event information, visit www.theoregonwineexperience.com or call 541-789-5025.

2019 Oregon Wine Experience®

Oregon Wine Competition® – July 20-21, 2019

  • A premier wine competition
  • Open to all commercially approved wines using 100% Oregon AVA grapes
  • A world class panel of judges featuring Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers and renowned wine writers

Oregon Wine University® – January 19 – December 26, 2019

  • Anchor Series: Pairing wine with everything from Shakespeare to world famous blue cheese to the perfect glass.
  • Advanced Series: Winemakers guide you to the next level of wine appreciation and education

Medal Celebration – Thursday, August 22, 2019

  • Kick-off celebration of the Oregon Wine Experience®
  • Announcement of Oregon Wine Competition® results and winner recognition
  • Soiree featuring the first taste of the Best of Show and award-winning wines with tantalizing small-plate cuisine

Ultimate Vintner Dinners – August 2019 – A Presenting Sponsor Benefit 

  • Intimate gatherings hosted by winery owners at winery, vineyard and culinary partner locations
  • Unique, multi-course dinners with exceptional, vintner-curated pairings
  • Special features and amenities offered by event hosts

Founders’ Barrel Auction – Friday, August 23, 2019

  • Barrel tastings of exclusive blends and custom crush wine futures ready for auction and to add to your collection
  • A foodies dream featuring the culinary talents of Seven Feathers Casino Resort

Miracle Auction and Salmon Bake – Saturday, August 24, 2019

  • Endless pours of the award-winning wines
  • An opulent dinner, highlighted by the Coquille Indian Tribe’s authentic wild salmon bake
  • Fast-paced, high-end Live Auction followed by dancing under the stars

Grand Tasting – Sunday August 25, 2019

  • An afternoon sampling of wines from all corners of Oregon
  • An array of delectable culinary and entertainment offerings

 

 

 

 

 

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Cricket Hill Winery at McCully House

Cricket Hill Winery is now an additional option for wine tasting experiences right in Jacksonville.  They have opened a tasting room in McCully House Inn at the corner of California & Fifth Streets.

Cricket Hill Winery is a traditional French winery that for 27 years has been solely focused on producing premium quality Right Bank Bordeaux styled wines.  Wines made only from grapes grown on their estate vineyard in Southern Oregon’s Applegate Valley.  At Cricket Hill expressing each wine’s individual personality replaces volume production.  This rustic little winery produces some of the most drinkable wines in Southern Oregon – wines classically crafted in admiration of the most famous Châteaux of France and typically known only to dedicated wine aficionados.

“We know many of our McCully House guests consider the wine experience a major draw of their stay in Jacksonville.  To satisfy those needs we are thrilled to have Cricket Hill, one of Southern Oregon’s favorite wine brands, as a part of the unique experience we can offer to our guests,” said Tamara Bushnell, Country House Inns Vice President of Operations.  “With their focus on premium quality wines and a long history in the area, Cricket Hill has the right credentials. We look forward to working together with them to make our guests’ wine country experience something they will remember long after their stay.”

McCully House Inn is a unique Jacksonville property.  Built in 1861, just at the start of the U.S. Civil War by John McCully, it’s a recognized local landmark.  Today the McCully House Inn hosts visitors from America and around the world.  It’s a strong draw for upscale visitors seeking that special Southern Oregon experience.  The shared philosophy of enhancing the visitor’s enjoyment by offering luxury accommodations and unique winery experiences is what brought these two entities together.

“Cricket Hill is bringing our storefront winery tasting room to Jacksonville, offering the authentic winery experience to our guests,” said Duane Bowman, Cricket Hill Winemaker and Owner. “McCully House Inn is packed with guests every week but local wine fans will find the location convenient for their day-to-day wine needs.  The capacity for what’s possible is endless and that’s going to make this relationship ‘great fun’ for Cricket Hill, the McCully House and everyone who loves wine with premium hospitality.”

Cricket Hill has a long-standing tradition of releasing rich and supple wines later than most wineries.  They frequently introduce many of their guests to the pleasures of properly aged wines for the first time. This second Cricket Hill tasting room and the relationship with the McCully House Inn will mean increased scale and grandeur to expose more people to these remarkable wines.

“The Right Bank wines of Bordeaux are a favorite of the French people. They’ve long been recognized for their early drinkability as well as their ability to develop with age, a difficult to achieve combination sought in fine wines.  We fell in love with those wines on our travels to France.  Unfortunately, they can be prohibitively expensive so at its founding we decided to dedicate our winery to creating that amazing style of wine right here in Southern Oregon.” said Cricket Hill Winemaker and Owner Duane Bowman.

Cricket Hill was a pioneer winery in Southern Oregon.  Established 27 years ago in 1991 on a carefully researched hillside it enjoys the singular combination of climate, soils, and slopes needed to grow Grand Cru quality grapes here in the Applegate Valley.

After years of visits to Bordeaux, France’s most famous wine region, this tiny winery decided to follow the French tradition of specializing to produce only one type of wine.  It dedicated itself to producing only Right Bank Bordeaux style wines in homage to the wines of that small region of Bordeaux; premium wines of exceptional character made only from Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes.

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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

 

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Fall “Uncorked Event” on the Applegate Wine Trail

Join wine lovers from all over for the Applegate Valley Wine Trail’s Fall Uncorked Event on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017 from 11am to 5pm.

Tickets are $49 each and include a commemorative Wine Trail wine glass.

How does Uncorked work? 18 wineries in the Applegate participate in this fun, self-guided tour. You pick your starting location from the list below, but you’re free to visit any number of the 18 wineries on the Trail. Each winery will offer both an appetizer and a wine for tasting. We’ll be posting the final list of pairings closer to the event, so check back for details.

This event also provides a great opportunity to stock up on wines for gifts or parties. You are encouraged to bring your friends, designate a driver and enjoy this great event. Its also the perfect opportunity to explore new wineries that you’ve never been to before! Note that the food pairings provided are not meant to be “meals”. We encourage participants to consider dining before or after the event.

Designated drivers don’t need to purchase a ticket and may sample the food.

Please Note – In an effort to conserve natural resources no tickets are mailed. You have your purchase confirmation as a receipt. Simply arrive at the location you’ve chosen, your name will be on a list to check in and start your tour.

For those who have groups who want to start at the same location, please purchase your tickets early and make sure everyone chooses the same start location. Locations fill up so that’s the best assurance of everyone getting your first choice start location.

Ticket Sales will be halted at 9:00 PM on Friday before the event so the wineries can properly prepare for your visit!

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