The Applegate Wine Trail contains some of the best wine boutiques in Southern Oregon.
If you enjoy Rhone varietals, this is one of the best day-trips of the entire region.
The Applegate Wine Trail meanders over 40 miles through the valley created by the Applegate River. It begins near Grants Pass, winds through the Murphy and Applegate communities, and it ends in the historic gold town of Jacksonville.
Soloro Vineyard Syrah
The Applegate River Valley is different from any other place in Oregon because of its warmer, drier growing seasons. Combine this with the area’s higher elevations, and you have the perfect conditions for growing Rhone varietals such as Syrah, Grenache, Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne.
Visitors to the Applegate Wine Trail are in for a wonderful treat. Many of the Applegate Valley wines can only be tasted at the wineries themselves or are in limited distribution.
Some vineyards have only a few acres planted; great care and attention is given by the owners to make sure the grapes they produce are the best available. I know from personal experience, the finished product is often a world-class wine.
Grapes grown at Soloro Vineyard produced some of the best wine I ever tasted.
Soloro is a small vineyard on a hillside overlooking the Applegate River about 3 miles south of Murphy. Extraordinary Grenache, Syrah, and Viognier. Truly memorable.
The drive through the Applegate Wine Trail that should not be rushed. The best way to experience the beautiful river and mountain scenery is to set aside a day and take the tour with family and/or friends.
Spring and summer are certainly ideal times. And remember to come back when the harvest is over in autumn and the grape vines change colors – that is a particularly special time to tour the Applegate Wine Trail.
And think about this: For a romantic weekend getaway, there are various lodges, bed-and-breakfast inns, and restaurants available along the trail as well as the nearby scenic Rogue River.
Whether you spend the day or the weekend, you’ll never forget your drive along the Applegate Wine Trail.
- List of the available Applegate Wine Tour Wineries and their operating hours
- Download the Applegate Wine Trail map (pdf).
Guest author Dr. Martin McIntosh
