Can easily produce big cabernet sauvignons, malbecs, and syrahs. Red Hill Douglas County AVA (2005) single estate, very warm AVA.Applegate AVA (2001), warm region on the Applegate River with alluvial and granitic soils.Excels at producing many different grape varieties. Rogue Valley AVA (1991), warmer region, sheltered from the cool Pacific by mountains.Known for delicate pinot noirs and award-winning tempranillos. Umpqua Valley AVA (1984), coolest region.Following are the five major AVA’s of Southern Oregon, listed according to the dates they were established: ![]() Photo Credit: Oregon Wine Board The Five AVAs of Southern Oregonĭiversity is the key word of Southern Oregon, and this is clearly reflected in their five AVAs, which exhibit a wide range of climates and soils. Though most people think of the cooler Willamette Valley further north with its award winning pinot noirs, Southern Oregon has also won multiple awards, not only for its pinot noir, which is 40% of their production, but for its delicious tempranillos, malbecs, and white Rhone blends, such as Viognier, Roussane and Marsanne. Now home to more than 150 wineries, with 5 AVA’s, and 70 different grape varietals, Southern Oregon is starting to receive much more attention in the US market. Today that same spirit of entrepreneurship and diversity of winegrapes continues to thrive in Southern Oregon. By the 1880’s, he had acres of vineyards and was making wine from a multitude of varieties, including Riesling, Zinfandel, Malbec, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir. Britt was an immigrant from Switzerland, with skills in photography and horticulture, and he saw that the warm climate of Southern Oregon was perfect for grapevines and fruit trees. Vineyards were first planted in Southern Oregon in the 1850’s by Peter Britt, near present day Jacksonville. ![]() Photo Credit: About the Southern Oregon Wine Region A very nice wine, especially at the dinner table.Vineyards in the Rogue Valley AVA of Southern Oregon. Well done! The wild, gamey side is present but controlled, as is the oak. These grapes were just ripe at the end of October with a moderate level of sugar, giving a more medium bodied interpretation of Mourvedre. Observations: Mourvedre is a grape that requires lots of heat and a long season to ripen. The flavors mirror the aromas with fresh black fruit and a bit of wild game. Mouth: Dry, medium plus acidity, medium sandy tannins, medium body, medium alcohol, medium plus flavor intensity, medium plus finish. Nose: Medium plus intensity aromas of violets, fresh ripe blueberries, blackberries, black plums, a little wild game, cedar Harvest date was late! and only 13.2% alcohol Weisinger Family Winery Mourvedre 2017, Folin Vineyard, Rogue Valley, OR ( $38 at the winery) 13.2% abv ![]() There is also a vacation cottage on-site in case you’d like to relax amidst the vines.īack in Minnesota with Weisinger Mourvedre Light on its feet, the Weisinger Family Winery Mourvedre captures the wildness of this grape ![]() There is a beautiful patio at the winery, a perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine and plate of cheese and charcuterie. Grapes are all hand-harvested, allowing whole cluster fermentation where desired. Eric explained they are currently converting to organic viticulture and have eliminated use of pesticides like glyphosphate. As we stood in the now 40+ year old dry-farmed Gewurztraminer vines, Eric explained how, as a kid, he hated being forced to help plant vines vines he now treasures! Eric took over winemaking at the winery in 1997, and now runs the entire business for their 3000 case production. They are responsible for the farming at about 85% of these properties. They also source grapes from other vineyards within 5 miles of the farm. The Weisinger family grows Gewurztraminer (their original vines), Pinot Noir and Tempranillo on their farm. This climate supports a wide variety of grapes. At 2000 ft altitude, the Bear Creek Valley gets plenty of daytime sun and heat, but cools beautifully at night. John’s son, Eric, now runs the winery and led our tour. The Weisinger Family Winery was started back in 1978 when John Weisinger purchased an old 1888 farm in the Bear Creek Valley, just south of Ashland Oregon.
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