MEDFORD, OREGON’S star is rising on the world stage as it rapidly becomes a top destination for connoisseurs of fine wine and for enthusiasts of impressive, natural and cultural experiences. How is it that a small region in the southern part of a west coast state can offer such variety, both in its regional offerings and in its highly acclaimed wines…all of which having found their place on the national and global stage?

Part of the answer dates back hundreds of thousands of years when active volcanoes created massive shifts in the landscape and forged the rugged Cascade mountains surrounding the Rogue Valley. They also carved the waterways and landscape that make Medford one of Sunset and Forbes magazines’ top ten global wine destinations. As a result, our area has a wealth of natural, cultural, culinary, and of course, viticulture offerings.

To the north of Medford, Crater Lake National Park is a world-class destination within an easy morning’s drive. The journey to its breathtaking natural beauty any time of year leads one through forests with hiking trails, camping sites, mountain biking and snowmobiling trails, waterfalls, wildflower and mushroom hunting opportunities…all in abundance. The highway also follows stretches of the wild and scenic Rogue River, where seasonal fishing, kayaking, jet boating, and whitewater rafting is available for a water-level appreciation of the area’s natural beauty.

To the south, the neighboring town of Ashland is home to the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival, along with a mecca of artisan and shopping delights. To the west of Medford, historic Jacksonville is a short ride away with its historic main street and nostalgic charm. The Table Rocks, two natural volcanic plateaus in the northwest of the valley, and Roxy Ann Peak to the east, bracket Medford, serving as constant reminders of the volcanic activity that shaped the region. Today, these same formations offer unique perspectives of the valley with their hiking trails, leading to microcosms with unique plants and wildlife, and to views that overlook the valley and its many vineyards, as well.

Today, Medford boasts 6,000+ acres of vineyards, many of them in terroirs (unique environments) developed from differing combinations of altitude, soil chemistry, growing days, volcanic soil, and even coastal air currents that find their way to the valley.

With an average 200 days of sunshine each year, these microclimates enable production of an amazing 70+ varieties of wine from roughly 85 wineries scattered through the hills around Medford, each with distinctive flavors and bouquets drawn from the land itself.

Despite their remarkable variety, the vineyards of the Rogue Valley share a common focus on land stewardship and community growth. “It all starts at the vineyard and in the land,” says Matt Cates, Viticulturist & Enologist, of Cates Consulting and Anchor Valley Wine. “The excellence of our wine is based on the terroir and stewardship of our vines.”

With so many local growers dedicated to sustainable agricultural and land management practices, the refined wines reflect world-class craftsmanship from the vine to the bottle. You can experience each step of that process yourself in the 54 tasting rooms in and around Medford, while enjoying breathtaking views and tasty local cuisine drawn from the connected vineyards, crush facilities, orchards and farms.

“Rogue Valley Wine Country is wine with everything country. Whether you enjoy hiking to the top of Roxy Ann, biking scenic trails, rafting or zip-lining, we have the perfect wine to pair with it,” says Gina Bianco, Executive Director of the Rogue Valley Vintners Association.

There is plenty of opportunity to partake in numerous activities that pair well with sampling local wines such as spending the day touring the internationally-known Harry & David Country Villlage store and production facility, grabbing a lunch for a picnic from the Rogue Valley Growers and Crafters Market, or pairing that favorite new wine with a specialty cheese from the world-renowned Rogue Creamery Cheese Shop. You can also visit local farm stands for fresh-from-the-fields fruits and vegetables or indulge in handcrafted delights from local chocolatiers as you take in an outdoor concert or baseball game…the options are as varied as the wines.

Thanks to the natural richness of the rolling hills and rugged terrain around Medford, visitors are in for a memorable wine-tasting experience in this year-round playground that’ll keep you coming back for more!

Valerie Coulman is a freelance writer, editor, and artist based in Southern Oregon. Her writing covers a gamut of ages and topics, from award-winning picture books to home, family and industry interests. Valerie and her family enjoy exploring the many natural beauties of the area through hiking, kayaking, and photography. Learn more at valeriecoulman.com.