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September 21, 2020

Vintastic Voyage- Southern Oregon

One of my last wine country trips was in December on a self-guided press trip to Southern Oregon wine country with Neal and Alyse of Winery Wanderings. We met a few years ago at the Wine Media Conference and became fast friends! This was our second trip together, the first one being to Napa Valley back in March of 2019. 

Southern Oregon: The Other Oregon Wine Country

When you think of Oregon wine country, you think of the Willamette Valley, which spans 150 miles from north to south and is bordered by the Coastal Range to the west and the Cascades to the East. But there are other wine regions in Oregon, specifically the Rogue and Applegate Valleys in southern Oregon. Southern Oregon boasts warmer temperatures and a more diverse assortment of grapes grown in the region. This is in contrast to the sea of Pinot Noir to be found in the Willamette Valley. Below are some of our stops along the way that I would recommend a visit to!

Fences Winery: Home Away from Home

For a true home visit in Oregon wine country, Fences Winery is the place to go, as the tasting room is, quite literally, in Jody and David Lennon’s beautiful house. This is a tiny operation in the Rogue Valley with less than 300 cases made each year. Their lineup is simple. From all estate fruit (8 acres) they make a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon. Private tastings are by appointment only.

The standout wine that I tried that day: 

Fences Winery 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon $30

Came out a bit tight, but quite awesome once it opened up. This wine is powerful and has some oomph…like Jody! Ripe fruit, plus bramble on the back palate. No pyrazines to be found. A warming red.  This is a wine that wraps you in a big hug. 

Irvine & Roberts: Beautiful Inside & Out

This is not the first time I’ve written about Irvine & Roberts in the Rogue Valley. I documented this Oregon wine country stop in a late 2019 blog post. In hindsight, with everything going on in the world, this visit was such a treat. The warm, inviting tasting room. The holiday decorations. The million-dollar vineyard views. It almost feels like a different time. Doug & Dionne Irvine are at the helm of Irvine & Roberts. They are both the type of people that you meet and can spend hours chatting with. A lovely couple and an equally lovely property. And the wines, oh the wines. Read my past blog post for a full run down.

But my standout wine from that day: 

Irvine & Roberts 2017 Estate Chardonnay $32

Earlier this year I tried the 2016 and was blown away. This one also did not disappoint. A focused and acid-driven Chardonnay with notes of stone fruit, white flowers, and wet stone/minerality. This is HANDS DOWN my favorite of the Irvine & Roberts portfolio.

Red Lily Vineyards: Spanish Influence

Red Lily makes their mark with a focus on Spanish grape varieties. Named after the local red lily and their youngest child, Lily, this Jacksonville business is a family affair. We had a nice, intimate visit with Rachael Martin, one of the owners. In fact, she opened up just for us! The tasting room is warm and inviting, and we even got to enjoy some wine in their gorgeous, rustic barn outback. Definitely worth a visit when you are in Oregon wine country!

Troon Vineyard: Oh the Times, They are a Changin’

Having tried Troon’s wines over the years, I was delighted to make a visit to this biodynamic vineyard and winery in Oregon wine country, specifically the Applegate Valley. Craig Camp is the general manager, and really is the face of Troon Vineyard. I wrote a piece a while back focusing on Craig and his commitment to Troon and biodynamics. Troon is a 100-acre property with 50 acres planted to vine. 

As we drove through the property for a tour, Craig told us that within the next six years, all the vines onsite will be replanted. This is due to virus issues and moving out of the varieties they no longer wish to grow (i.e. Zinfandel and Vermentino) and into the varieties they’d like to focus on (i.e. Grenache, Carignan, Mourvèdre, and Syrah). Some other changes coming: apples are being planted (French Normandy style cider anyone?), a barn with an irrigation center and biodynamic prep room is being built. And don’t forget the biodynamic education center for consumers. A visit here will become part of the tasting experience. Craig was the one responsible for the property’s conversion to biodynamics. I think it’s safe to say that Mother Earth thanks you. Oh, and did I mention that their wines are STELLAR. 

My standout from the Troon visit:

Troon Vineyard 2018 Grenache $35

Beautiful blue/floral notes of blueberries and violets. A great acid lift. The perfect cheese and charcuterie wine that is versatile enough to work with both. 

Oregon Wine Country: Cheese Time

A visit to Oregon wine country and the Rogue Valley would not be complete without a stop to Rogue Creamery. This little joint bolted to fame after their Rogue River Blue Cheese took home 2019 Best Cheese in the World at the World Cheese Awards. This cheese is to die for, and worth every penny ($43.99/lb). 

I hope you enjoyed my recap of my visit to southern Oregon wine country, and perhaps I gave you a few ideas for your next visit!

I hope you enjoyed this post. If you’re looking to Up Your Wine Game and Drink Better, consider booking a private in-person or virtual wine tasting experience.
Brianne Cohen Wine Educator
Brianne Cohen is a certified sommelier, wine educator, consultant, and writer based out of Los Angeles.

Since March 2020, Brianne has educated and entertained over 5,000 people through her “Virtual Vino” online wine tastings.

Brianne holds the WSET (Wine & Spirits Education Trust) Diploma certificate, one of the most coveted wine certifications in the world. When she’s not helping others Up Their Wine Game, she can be found judging at international wine competitions.

Brianne aims to make wine approachable and conversational, to surprise and delight with unexpected, distinctive wine finds, and to give people knowledge (and confidence) about wine in their everyday lives.

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Sample Policy

As a wine writer, I frequently accept samples for review on my  website and on my social media channels. Please contact me at brianne@briannecohen.com to discuss sending samples for review. I promise to always be honorable with the samples. I will evaluate all wines in good tasting settings and with no distractions.

All reviews are my opinions, and mine only. Because of the volume of samples I receive, I cannot promise that all samples received will be reviewed, but I will do my best.

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