With a hotter climate than the Willamette Valley, the wineries in the Applegate Valley grow varietals like Syrah, Grenache, and Marsanne Roussanne. You’ll be amazed at the wide variety of wines crafted here and how fun it is to explore the tasting rooms hidden throughout the winding valley roads. The Applegate Valley is located in southwest Oregon, 4 hours down I5 from Portland. The nearest town is Jacksonville, a charming 1800s mining town situated 15 minutes west of these wineries. We recommend staying in an AirBNB in Jacksonville during your tasting trip to this region.
1665 Eastside Rd, Jacksonville, OR 97530
Wines: Viognier, White Blend, Viognier, Marsanne Rousanne, Grenache, Syrah, Rhone-Style Red Blends
Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden is a boutique vineyard and winery known for Biodynamic production of notable Rhone style wines. The first thing you’ll notice about Cowhorn as you drive up is the beautiful modern architecture of the tasting room. This tasting room is the first in the U.S. to meet the zero-energy, toxin-free Living Building Challenge. Not only is it environmentally friendly, the tasting room is simply a gorgeous building to relax in while enjoying the tasting.
The wines are all biodynamically grown and have achieved a cult following among chefs and wine geeks throughout the United States. This is some of the best wine in the Applegate Valley, with Viognier, Marsanne Rousanne, Syrah, Grenache, and several blended wines on the tasting menu.
Why We Love Cowhorn: Biodynamic grape growing is a fascinating practice and Cowhorn offers a great opportunity to learn more!
8555 OR-238, Jacksonville, OR 97530
Wines: Sparkling wine, Chardonnay, Viognier, Gewürztraminer, Syrah, Merlot, Red Blends
Situated in the Applegate Valley between Troon and Cowhorn, LongSword is a family-owned, farmed, and operated vineyard & winery. This tasting room epitomizes Southern Oregon – you may be greeted by sheep, chickens or the vineyard dog. The tasting room is set on 10 acres of Chardonnay and Pinot noir vines, with expansive views of the valley. The wines are unique and include a sparkling Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Viognier, Merlot, and Syrah, amongst others. In back of the tasting room is a field where local paragliders and hang gliders land after jumping from a nearby hilltop. It makes for a fun experience to sip your wine on the outdoor patio as a colorful spectrum of gliders land nearby!
Why We Love LongSword: A joyful tasting room ambiance and sweeping views of Applegate Valley.
1475 Kubli Rd, Grants Pass, OR 97527
Wines: Vermentino, White Blends, Roussanne, Riesling, Orange Wine, Grenache, Tempranillo, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Red Blends, Merlot, Sangiovese, Dessert Wine
Troon Vineyard crafts wines that thrive in the hot Southern Oregon climate. They offer a huge selection of wines to taste at their beautiful winery and tasting room, with bigger red wines including Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah and some refined white wines like Vermentino and Roussanne. All of the wines are matured in three or more years old French Oak Burgundy barrels, with no acids, sugar, enzymes or any additives added to any of the wines. Their vineyards are all LIVE, Salmon Safe, biodynamic and organic certified. The grounds around the winery are gorgeous, with plenty of room to spread out and lawn games to play (Bocce ball anyone?).
Why We Love Troon: Enjoy a huge variety of biodynamically-grown wines and beautiful grounds to spread out
