Travel Guide to Southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley Wine Country

Earlier this year we went to Oregon for the first time and fell in love with the people and the wine! The Willamette Valley is Oregon’s most famous wine region, but there is also a hidden gem wine region in the south. We loved our last trip so much that we wanted to come back and explore more! The Rogue River Valley Wine Country is an unsung gem for wine lovers and adventure seekers. Spread across this region you’ll find charming towns, world-class wineries, cozy stays, and culinary experiences that punch well above their weight.

Here’s how to plan a perfect weekend exploring the vineyards, views, and vibrant culture of the Rogue River Valley.

How to Get to Rogue Valley Wine Country

For your trip to the Rogue Valley, fly into Medford (MFR), a small but well-connected airport with direct flights from major West Coast cities. From there, both the towns of Jacksonville and Ashland are a quick 15-minute drive away! I recommend booking a rental car. Although there are some private tours and driver options you may want to do for a day or two, overall it will be most convenient to have a car to get around.

Where to Stay

Jacksonville: Kubli Haus

Jacksonville was our first stop in Rogue Valley Wine Country and we stayed at the charming Kubli Haus. This newly restored modern house has spacious rooms and is in the perfect location! It’s just a few minutes from all of the shops and dining in Jacksonville, but slightly off the main road which offers quiet and peaceful accommodations. If you plan to go wine tasting in Jacksonville, the Wine Trolley Stop is just a couple minutes from here where you can hop on and off!

Ashland: Ashland Springs Hotel

Ashland is another great city to stay in for your trip to Rogue Valley. We did two nights in both Jacksonville and Ashland which ended up being lovely. Ashland is a bigger city than Jacksonville, and has a lot to offer including shopping, great restaurants, a beautiful city park, and is really known for it’s Shakespeare festival. The Ashland Springs Hotel is a historic boutique hotel located right downtown. We were able to walk to dinner, the park, and cute coffee shops from here!

Where to Taste: Rogue Valley Wine Country Highlights

Jacksonville: Hop on the Wine Trolley

Start your wine journey aboard the Jacksonville Wine Trolley, which departs from downtown and takes you to a curated list of top wineries. Favorites include:

Hummingbird Estate. This hilltop manor serves award-winning blends with sweeping views. We tried unique wines here including their white Malbec which was perfect on a warm spring day! The view of the mountains in the distance makes you never want to leave. Check out their schedule for live music!

Rellik Winery. This is a cozy and friendly spot with llamas and live music events. Grab a cheeseboard and wine flight and indulge amongst the vines!

DANCIN Vineyards. This winery is situated in a beautiful setting and offers great wood-fired pizzas and Pinot Noir.

Ashland: Urban Wine Scene Meets Scenic Vistas

Ashland’s wine tasting experience in the Rogue Valley Wine Country offers a mix of sleek urban tasting rooms and countryside escapes:

Naumes Suncrest Winery. This winery is a modern and stylish space with expansive valley views of vineyards and pear trees. They are making Rhône varietal blends as well as Barbera and Tempranillo that took us by surprise!

Long Walk Vineyards. Just a short drive from Naumes Suncrest is Long Walk Vineyards, a peaceful boutique winery known for its Rhône varietal wines. The modern tasting room is situated on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful mountains and town of Ashland. Our favorites here included the 2022 Grenache and the 2022 Field of Stars red blend.

Irvine & Roberts Vineyards. You won’t find a ton of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Southern Oregon, but here at Irvine & Roberts you can get your fix! This higher elevation and north facing site offers a cooler area for the grapes to grow. The tasting room is modern and luxurious with mountain views. Be sure to try their traditional method sparkling wine and single clone Pinot Noirs.

Applegate Valley: Guided Wine Adventure with Latitude Wine Tours

For a full-day wine adventure, book a tour with Latitude Wine Tours! I love this option so you can have a break from driving and it’s always nice to have an expert guide to pick out the best spots for wine tasting. Faith, the owner and a WSET certified wine educator, provided us with some great knowledge of the area and brought us to four wineries during our day in the Applegate Valley. Highlights included:

• Dwell Wines – A small, family owned vineyard with great wines. We loved the Pinot Gris and Primitivo!
• Crooked Barn Vineyards – If you are a Bordeaux Blend lover, this is a must stop. The owners Marcos and Heidi run everything themselves, and you can experience it all in their tasting room!
• Troon Vineyard – A biodynamic and regenerative pioneer with creative tastings and farm-style hospitality. Troon vineyard is a must-stop for natural wine lovers. If possible, ask for a garden tour!
• Quady North – This innovative winery is doing it all! We loved their Cabernet Franc and Rhone Blends, but were also treated to some delicious fortified wines.

Where to Eat: Culinary Gems

• Cowhorn Kitchen & Wine (Jacksonville) – Refined farm-to-table dining connected to the biodynamic Cowhorn Vineyard.
• Hellgate Jetboat Dinner Tour (Grants Pass) – Cruise the Rogue River with a side of BBQ and adventure.
• Larks Home Kitchen Cuisine (Ashland) – Regional cuisine with a modern twist, inside the Ashland Springs Hotel.
• L’Osteria La Briccola (Ashland) – This Italian restaurant was recommended by so many locals! Sadly we did not have a chance to go but it’s on our list for next time.
• Alchemy Restaurant and Bar (Ashland) – Upscale dining with an award-winning wine list and creative cocktails.
• Bar Juillet (Ashland) – A brunch favorite with bright cocktails, local ingredients, and a laid-back vibe.

Other Activities in the Rogue Valley

• Oregon Shakespeare Festival – Catch a world-class play at this nationally renowned theater festival in Ashland.
• Hiking in Lithia Park & Table Rocks – Scenic trails with wildflowers, river views, and plenty of photo ops.
• Boutique Shopping in Jacksonville / Ashland – Browse antiques, handmade crafts, and local art.
• Rogue River Adventures – Go rafting, kayaking, or jetboating for a splash of adrenaline.
• Crater Lake National Park – Just 90 minutes away, it’s perfect for a day trip to the deepest lake in the U.S.

Final Sip

Whether you’re sipping a Syrah on a shaded terrace, dining on seasonal fare, or catching a Shakespearean drama under the stars, Rogue River Valley offers a blend of rustic charm and refined experiences. It’s a slice of Oregon wine country that invites you to slow down, savor, and stay awhile.

Pro tip: Visit in the late spring or early fall before temps get too hot!