Breathtaking views, dreamy music, and luscious wines have long been the inspiration for romance. Here in Southern Oregon, we love playing host to this sensory experience. Recently I sampled three tasting rooms to evaluate the romance factor. I came away enchanted by three distinct flavors, any one of which could lay the groundwork for a vine romance.

ROXY ANN WINERY—Brenda Pine, tasting room manager at RoxyAnn Winery, knew the perfect couple for our theme. Meet RoxyAnn lovebirds, Rhonda Robertson and Paul Jerkins. “It was a Tuesday,” Paul recounted every detail of their first date at the winery, including Rhonda’s outfit. “She looked at me and I said I was in deep, deep trouble.” That evening they talked for hours over a deep-red Claret. Now, over a year later Rhonda says with a sparkle that’s contagious, “He makes me feel like I’m the only woman in the room.” Insert sigh here.

Each Wednesday and Friday at RoxyAnn, a revolving line-up of talented local musicians light up the night and fill the space with tunes. Rhonda and Paul love music, and though Paul hadn’t danced since high school, Rhonda loves it. But she revived his moves on the dance floor when guitarist/singer, Jeff Kloetzel strummed his sweet, original love song, “Honey Bee.”

Apparently Cupid used a double dynamo love potion when they met. As I sat across from the pair, they held hands and eyed one another with sizzling looks that made me blush. I had a slight concern for any flammables nearby and glanced around for the nearest extinguisher. They’re crazy about one another and RoxyAnn Winery. “I love the atmosphere,” Rhonda said. “It has the feel of family. We try to come here as often as we possibly can.”

Many regard RoxyAnn as a social hub where everyone knows your name, making it a safe haven to mix, mingle, and make friends. And should you need a nudge, something tells me Brenda could make a fine living as a matchmaker.

Paul had Brenda reserve his and Rhonda’s table as the one year anniversary approached, and if things continue on course, they may announce an official merger before long. No pressure, guys. Cheers to love!

PASCHAL WINERY—Even before talking with Aga Paschal, General Manager with Paschal Winery, I saw what makes Paschal Winery a prime choice for savvy daters. Cuddled into the hills near Talent, the surrounding countryside resembles romantic Tuscany. Their twenty-two acres are perfect for strolling, quiet talks, and hand-holding. Paschal’s sizable pond offers a path with benches for private smooching, a willow tree with two love swings, and a pair of swans named Sebastian and Alexander. Okay, so they’re brothers. “They’re excellent companions for each other,” Aga said. Swan food is available, and the pond is open for bass fishing.

The tasting room welcomes couples with linen-clad tables topped with fresh flowers. Sun-bright walls highlight the work of local artists. Paschal’s upper patio overlooks the pond and vineyards, while a fire pit glows warm for snuggling on a cool autumn evening. Whether for Cork and Fork Wednesday, Second Saturdays with dancing to Band Du Pays Swing, or Happy Hour Sundays with live music and $7 glasses of wine, the crew stands ready to deliver the props.

Looking to impress a date on a budget? Cork and Fork Wednesdays are the perfect choice year-round. Each month a different restaurant caters a delicious full meal for only $10. Dessert, with two forks for sharing, is available for an extra $5.

“We have many retired couples that come and this is like their date night,” Aga said. “We are really non-age specific, so young couples can come up for more vibrant music events and have a good time.”

Paschal is family friendly. Picnickers may spread out and kick back. With few lights to spoil a clear night sky, their open spaces are made for star gazing. “My favorite yearly “event” is when we get lightning,” Aga said. “We can have a quiet day, and then a thunderstorm starts and within fifteen minutes I have a full house with people coming to watch it.” And when the lights go out and the candles are lit . . .

DEL RIO VINEYARDS—Once home to Rock Point Hotel and stage stop, built in 1864, Del Rio Vineyard Estate and tasting room in Gold Hill is rich with Southern Oregon history. More than 300,000 vines climb into the hills across from the Rogue River. It’s a perfect meet-up place if nostalgia plucks at the romance in your soul.

Lindsey Zagar is the marketing manager for Del Rio. “During September we do vineyard hikes every Sunday and Wednesday. It’s the perfect month because of the weather and the grapevines are simply beautiful. Typically, early September is when veraison (the onset of ripening) is starting. You get to stroll through the vineyard, about a two and a half mile hike, and taste the 13 grape varietals. That, I think would be a fantastic date. You come in the morning, go on a hike, and end in the tasting room.” These are guided, group hikes and the grounds invite an after-trek picnic.

If you should see the ghost of Hattie Haymond, former area resident, rest assured she is a benign, though mischievous spirit. Hattie lies buried in the historic Rock Point pioneer cemetery, located on the premises and open for thoughtful wanderings. “There have been sightings and experiences people have had with her,” Lindsey confirmed.

“I think wine tasting is romantic,” Lindsey added. “Trying something new together, talking about your likes and dislikes. Wine is such a vessel to open up conversation. It relaxes you to share.”

Southern Oregon wineries are fertile havens for love of any vintage. Come and explore your winery pairing up close.
Fair warning: all three wineries have track records for proposals and anniversary celebrations. Salute!

Photo by Steven Addington Photography  of Rhonda Robertson and Paul Jerkins at RoxyAnn Winery

©Southern Oregon Wine Scene

Fall Winter 2018 issue