Sacred water and wine are the latest combo at Neuman Hotel Group, specifically Lithia Springs Resort and Wine Garden. Wine has been cited in literature throughout the ages as a symbol of happiness, friendship, sustenance, life, and transformation. This is illustrated by the transformation that takes place when grapes are fermented.

For centuries, this part of Oregon was famous for the healing properties of the water which contains positive ions to help remove toxins, aches and pains. Native Americans considered this “holy water,” and sacred water blessings have been performed onsite. The springs found beneath Lithia Springs Resort are rich in sulfur, lithium, and minerals to aid in stress relief, rejuvenate the soul, help heal the body, and create a deep sense of calm.

The Wine Garden at Lithia Springs Resort is designed to be an oasis for body, mind and spirit. Guests, tourists, and locals alike are invited to enjoy the region’s best organic and biodynamic wines sourced from The Applegate Valley. Southern Oregon has become a well-known wine producing region and Joseph Shaughnessy, Sommelier and Tasting Room Manager, has a passion for educating beyond the connoisseur to the consumer.

Joseph shares, “Wine connoisseurs and people in the industry already know and understand the quality of wines that are being produced in Southern Oregon. I find that guests from Napa and Willamette are impressed when they are introduced to the wines we feature. You may be surprised (or not) at how many of them leave the tasting being blown away at the quality of wine in our area. In our tasting room, I’m able to provide an experience of education that translates to time capsules of excellence (bottles of wine) transported to other areas to reach beyond the connoisseur to the consumer.”

For Joseph, the tasting room is a medium to showcase the amazing wines being produced in Southern Oregon. For locals it is a place to drink some of the best wines from some of the best producers all in one spot right here in Ashland. It is also a forum for Joseph to engage with visitors and discuss why the Southern Oregon identity is unique and exciting within the wine world. He is laser focused on wine education and is taking a more active role in staff trainings and tastings within the Neuman Hotel Group and plans to expand that further. He sees the Wine Garden at Lithia Springs Resort as an excellent forum to offer specialized classes in the future and he’s working on ideas to do just that.

The initial path Joseph took with his with his wine education was through the Court of Master Sommeliers. He continues to expand his wine education and takes great pleasure in introducing tasting room guests to the wines featured. He’s currently studying with the Wine Spirit Education Trust.

Rotating selections from Cowhorn, Quady North and Troon can be found at the Wine Garden year-round. “A partnership with Applegate wineries benefits our resort guests, other travelers, as well as locals, who many times do not have time to drive to the Applegate Valley, but look for that unique Southern Oregon wine tasting experience. A visit to the resort’s tasting room can be a great addition to any itinerary, says Karolina Lavagnino Director of Sales & Marketing.

Each of the partner wineries operate from a values-based framework and use sustainable practices. Troon Vineyard is dedicated to regenerative agriculture – they practice biodynamic farming in their quest to put back more than they take from their plants and soils. The philosophy of Quady North is that their wines are expressions of the climate, soils, and people who farm them. This is evident in their organic wines. Cowhorn Winery focuses on biodynamic practices. They create an educational experience that combines wine, community, and heart—and say the extraordinary intellect of the mind is matched by the extraordinary complexity of the earth.

According to Dana Keller, Director of Food and Beverage at Neuman Hotel Group, the wine selections and partner wineries were carefully hand-selected. “We chose to feature wine from Applegate wineries that focus on honesty, integrity, self-care and wellness. This means we all have aligned values and the growing practices reflect this. We also offer specialty charcuterie and cheese boards featuring some local flavor and designed to complement our current wine flights.”

The ambiance at Lithia Springs Resort and Wine Garden is friendly and inviting. The décor was inspired by Becky Neuman who has a hand in all interior design for each Neuman Hotel Group property. In the summer and spring months you can enjoy sips and bites on the garden patio or wander throughout the gorgeous property and put your feet in the grass. During the fall and winter months you can enjoy your tasting experience in front of the fire in the tasting room.

The tasting room is open Thursday through Sunday, from 2-8pm, to give resort guests, visitors, and local residents ample time to enjoy the Southern Oregon wine tasting experience. The property at Lithia Springs offers privacy, organic gardens, a Fitness Cottage nestled behind the Spa Bungalows, and a gourmet, house-made breakfast each morning. Guests can enjoy the saline water swimming pool, bike rentals and a branch of Waterstone Spa onsite for massages. Plus, each room boasts a spring-fed soaking tub with healing waters piped-in to allow guests to luxuriate in a private spa-like experience.

The water story of our resort began centuries ago when Native Americans first discovered the mineral springs. They learned about their healing properties, and declared them “common ground’ for the benefit of all tribes. Stores and legends grew and the waters became sacred. Tribal differences were set aside, so everyone could enjoy the curative waters. Our mission at the resort is to preserve nature and share its abundance with our guests. The Wine Garden is a place to experience true relaxation through Earth’s healing elements. ~ Becky Neuman

Photo courtesy of Neuman Hotel Group.

©Southern Oregon Wine Scene – from the Spring 2020 issue