The popularity of Viognier has grown rapidly in the last few years.

In the Rhône Valley in France there has been an estimated 500% increase in acreage allotted to Viognier in the last two decades. These grapes are now being grown with very good success in southern Oregon.

Viognier grapes were originally grown with the intent to blend it with other wines to add extra a different character to other well known varieties. For example, blending viognier softens the edges of the Syrah and changes the flavor as well.

However, as Rhône varietals become more popular, Viognier vintages have begun to stand on their own in specialty shops, fine restaurants, and supermarket sales.

Viognier can be a difficult grape to grow. It is prone to powdery mildew in damp or humid climates, and is notorious for small yields. The grape must be picked at the peak of its maturity to demonstrate the full expression of its unique flavor.

As with other varietals, a miscalculation of its peak can result in grapes high in sugar, with too little acid, which produces wines with little flavor and too much alcohol.

Some feel that the best wine comes from vines that are at least 20 years old, but the quality of Viognier wine from Soloro Vineyard is extraordinary, even though our vines are only 5 years old.

As we have written elsewhere, this is because the growing conditions for the Rhone varietals is excellent here along the Applegate Wine Trail of southern Oregon.

Come by for a tasting to see for yourself how well our wine demonstrates this!- Tim & June Navarro

The scarcity of old growth vines, difficulty of cultivation, and necessity of the finest wine-making skills, combine to make Viognier a rare and sometimes expensive wine.

The attraction of the wine is the powerful and rich apricot and orange blossom aromas with a hint of honey. Despite this sweet sounding profile Viognier can be made in a traditional dry style that appeals to the Chardonnay drinker among us. The distinctive elements of the grape remain powerful even after blending.

Rhone Varietals  grow very well here in the Applegate Valley of southwest Oregon.

We are very proud of the quality of wine already produced from our young vineyard. We expect our Soloro Vineyard to produce award-winning vintages from these grapes as our young vineyard matures.
                                                               - Tim & June Navarro

Syrah (suh-raw)

Syrah is one of the grape varieties associated with the Rhone Valley region of France. The Rhone Valley is famous for using these grapes for creating smooth red wine that has been enjoyed for centuries.

The parent grape is thought to have originated in ancient Persia. Syrah may be the most planted Rhone varietal in the western United States.

In the state of California, depending on location, vintage or fermentation technique, it is used to either produce a spicy, complex wine or a simple wine.

Syrah produces wine with aromas that include smoke, bacon fat, black fruit and crushed rock, with flavors of blueberry, blackberry, black olive and spice, with full body and substantial tannin.

In the cooler regions of Australia a Syrah clone grape is grown successfully and called ‘Shiraz’.

The Petite Sirah, which produces a very dark red, tannic wine judged simple in comparison to the true Rhone Syrah, has no relationship other than the name.

Grenache (grin-awsh)(gruh-NOSH)

A grape variety found widely grown in Spain, (where it is known under the name Garnacha), the south of France and also in California.

Grenache grows very well in the Applegate and Rogue River valleys in southern Oregon because the climate is similar to that of the wine-growing regions of Spain and Portugal, and especially the Rhone River Valleys in France.

It is the main grape used in the red wine blend known as Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and, along with the Mourvedre, Cinsaut and some others, makes good wine blends under the appellation “Cotes du Rhone Villages”.

In the warmer regions of California the Grenache grape tends to produce red wines that are often “hot” due to high alcohol content and with a distinctive orange-colored tint. Grenache is also used to make some of the better rose’ wines of Provence in southern France.

Grenache is the world’s second most-planted wine grape. Grenache produces wine with the aromas of red fruits, licorice and black pepper, with flavors of cherry and spice, good acids and lush texture.

Again, the excellent growing conditions on the hillsides along the Applegate Wine Trail produce quality grapes that turn into superb wine.

Viognier (vee-own-yay)

Semi-classic grape varietal grown in the northern Rhone region of France. Has full, spicy flavors somewhat reminiscent of the Muscat grape and violets.

Vineyards in the warm climate of southern Oregon, especially the Applegate Valley, have grown viognier grapes with great success, and produced excellent viognier wine to the great satisfaction of the Oregon wine community.

Viognier is highly aromatic with notes of peach, apricot and violets. It is full-bodied, with flavors of stone fruit and spice, with moderate to low acidity.

Viognier can vary from almost Riesling-like character to almost Chardonnay character, depending on production method.

Marsanne (mar-sown)

Semi-classic grape used in the traditional white wine blends of the French Hermitage-Rhone region.

With long barrel-aging in the past, these wines used to require about ten years in the bottle before drinking. (The other grape wine used in the Hermitage blend is the Roussanne.)

Marsanne grapes have been found to grow well in the climate of southwest Oregon, the best coming from small vineyards in the Applegate Valley.

Marsanne has gentle, light aromas of herbal tea and honeydew melon, and flovors of honey and sweet spice. Medium body and lingering minerality.

Roussanne (roo-sown)

This grape is also known as Bergeron in the French Savoie region. Semi-classic grape grown in the Hermitage-Rhone and southern Cotes du Rhone region of France.

It has been used in blends, especially with the Marsanne grape, because of its acidity and aroma.

Roussanne has a beautiful golden color in the bottle with a potential to age well. Nutty aromas of rose petal and honeysuckle, tastes of honey and pears, smooth with moderate acidity.

Roussanne, like the other Rhone varietals, has found excellent growing conditions in the Applegate and Rogue River Valleys of southern Oregon.

Grenache Blanc (gruh-NOSH-blonk)

Light and full of summer, Grenache Blanc Has an unusual and enjoyable combination of richness and acidity, with flavors of green apple with lemon and grapefruit that develops nuttiness with age.

The 2010 World of Wine Festival will be held on Saturday August 28th from 5:00pm to 9:00pm at Del Rio Vineyard in Gold Hill, Oregon.

Wine Lovers, Rejoice!
Food, Music, & Wine – It’s Party Time!

If you have given any thought to a day trip to Southern Oregon, you don’t want to miss a wonderful evening at this world-class food and wine tasting event – “World of Wine” just down the road from historic Gold Hill, Oregon.

World of Wine is Rogue River Valley’s premier wine event, showcasing wines made by nearly 50 Oregon wineries using the excellent grapes of southern Oregon, mixed with that “magic” of the wine-maker.

The Tasting Room and Gift shop at Del Rio Vineyard is inside the old Rock Point Hotel dating back to 1864. It was also a stage-coach stop, and travelers from Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles used to stop there for overnight rest before continuing their journeys. The vineyard is now planted on farmland that used to grow hay and vegetables.

World of Wine is certainly one of the best wine festivals in Oregon, and it may be one of the best food and wine tasting events in the entire country!

Started in 2003, it quickly become a favorite annual wine event with locals. Now, nationally known sommeliers and wine judges come from all over the country to pick the regional winners and give awards to the best.

Visible from Interstate 5, you can get to Del Rio from Gold Hill Exit 40; drive north through Gold Hill – Del Rio is only 2 miles away.

Or get off at Exit 43 and you’ll be right there! (The historic Rock Point Bridge over the scenic Rogue River at exit 43 is being rebuilt, and right now there only one-way traffic is allowed.) Easy to get to, plenty of parking!

Soloro Vineyard will be at the World of Wine Event again this year.

We’ll be offering our 2008 ThunderEgg Cut – crisp and refreshing, perfect for the warm evening breezes that follow hot August days. You’ll also want to taste our 2006 Seckel Hill Syrah, and 2005 Two Sisters Syrah.

Many of you already know us here at Soloro Vineyard. We tend a small, family vineyard with careful attention to our grapes – grapes that produce truly excellent ’boutique’ wines you would be proud to serve your own family and friends.

Get your ticket today before they are gone – don’t miss the 2010 World of Wines Festival!
Only 500 tickets are available and it always sells out! World of Wine features tasty local foods, live music and a silent auction with wines, winery dinners and tours, restaurant gift certificates, original artwork and more.

How can you lose? Great food, terrific music, superb wine – held under the stars at the beautiful Del Rio Vineyard.

If you can’t make it, be sure to come by Soloro Vineyard Tasting Room, just a few miles south of Grants Pass. Sample our wines, choose a favorite or two, and buy a case for your wine rack!

We’ll be looking for you!

Tim and June Navarro
Soloro Vineyard

World of Wine Festival
Saturday August 28th
from 5:00pm to 9:00pm at Del Rio Vineyard
52 North River Road
Gold Hill, OR 97525

Tickets are available from:
Del Rio Vineyard 541-855-2062
Elegance Fine Wines 541-476-0570
RoxyAnn Winery 541-776-2315
Pacific Wine Club 541-2453334
EdenVale Enoteca 541-482-3377
Schmidt Vineyard & Winery 541-846-1125
Cliff Creek Cellars 541-855-9819

Soloro Vineyard Wines

Nestled on a quiet hillside in the beautiful Applegate Valley, here at Soloro Vineyard we grow what some have said are the finest Rhone varietals on the west coast.

Soloro Vineyard and Tasting Room is located a few miles south of Grants Pass, Oregon.

• Travel south on state highway #238 from Grants Pass for 6 miles; follow the signs to Murphy.
• Turn left onto the historic Applegate Trail just before you cross the bridge over the Applegate River.
• Soloro Vineyard is on the left, about two miles from where you turned off state highway 238. before the Applegate River.

You’ll find us at 9110 North Applegate Road. Drive through the gate and 1/8 mile up the gravel road to our tasting room.

Applegate Wine Trail

The Applegate Trail was named after early Oregon pioneer and settler, Jesse Applegate. Today this simple country road connects Grants Pass to Medford, passing through the historic gold-rush-town of Jacksonville on its way.

It is now known as The Applegate Wine Trail. Soloro Vineyard is the first vineyard and tasting room along the Applegate Wine Trail as you leave Grants Pass on your way to old-town Jacksonville. Soloro Vineyard is the first of nearly 30 vineyards you’ll come to along the trail.

Saturday August 28th, 2010
from 5:00pm to 9:00pm at Del Rio Vineyard
52 North River Road
Gold Hill, OR 97525

Applegate Grape Crush

Fall Wine Festival

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