Explore the Applegate Valley

The sky is blue but there are many clouds, one of which is low to the ground, hanging just above the treeline behind a bright yellow and green field.

The Applegate Valley that follows the Applegate River is known for its world-class agriculture and vineyards. Tucked away thirty minutes northwest of Grants Pass is the wild and scenic portion of the Rogue River, where outdoor enthusiasts enjoy rapids and stunning scenic views. As we consider what to gift our loved ones, supporting local businesses is a meaningful and intentional way to do so. Here you can find handcrafted gifts unlike any other, delicious locally-made treats for stocking stuffers, and charming experiences that are sure to leave a lasting memory.

For those looking for a bottle of wine, the Applegate Valley has you covered. The Applegate is dotted with exceptional wineries and vineyards that have a variety of grapes. Apricity Vineyard, Vista 222, and Schmidt Family Vineyards are excellent places to start.

There is a field of crops infront of an old red barn that reads AVR. In the background there are hills with a sunset peaking around the hillside.
There is a piece of farm equipment with overgrown foliage and flowers. Adjacent there is an abandoned shed, it is a peaceful setting in a field.
Spring trees surround an old rustic covered bridge, above the archway of the bridge reads the numbers 1917.
It is a gloomy but peaceful day, looking down the rows of grape vines at a vineyard. The clouds are low, there is a foggy atmosphere, the sky is grey.
There is a field of crops infront of an old red barn that reads AVR. In the background there are hills with a sunset peaking around the hillside.
There is a piece of farm equipment with overgrown foliage and flowers. Adjacent there is an abandoned shed, it is a peaceful setting in a field.
Spring trees surround an old rustic covered bridge, above the archway of the bridge reads the numbers 1917.
It is a gloomy but peaceful day, looking down the rows of grape vines at a vineyard. The clouds are low, there is a foggy atmosphere, the sky is grey.
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Visit Wander to Applegate Valley

Applegate Lake

Summer vacation and afternoons on the lake go hand-in-hand. Pack a picnic, grab your swimsuits, and head to Applegate Lake for a day on the water. Just a 40-mile drive from downtown Grants Pass, this popular summertime destination is the perfect place to cool off and have fun. If you don’t have your own boat- no problem! Rent a kayak or paddleboard at the Hart Tish Park General Store nestled along the lake. While there, follow the short Collins Mountain Trail to the legendary BigFoot Trap!

The sky is cloudy; there are parts with bright blue, the green hills lay a frame. In the foreground the bright blue lake reflects the beautiful backdrop, obstructed by peaceful ripples in the water.
Applegate Lake

Explore Wine Country

Though the Willamette Valley is often regarded as Oregon’s wine capital, over the last decade, Southern Oregon has emerged as a world-class wine destination, known for its unique ability to grow a wide variety of grapes. Last year, Wine Enthusiast Magazine chose the Rogue Valley as 1-of-5 top wine regions in the world! Here you’ll find dozens of vineyards and tasting rooms throughout the Rogue, Applegate, and Illinois Valleys. During the fall harvest season, many wineries hold special events, including the Uncorked Barrel Tour where you can have exclusive tastings and take home bottles at a discounted price.

Applegate Wine Trail

Steven Sabel for Visit Grants Pass

August 27, 2021

Grants Pass is the Hub of Southern Oregon and the perfect launching pad for a Southern Oregon wine adventure through the Applegate Valley wine region. A 30-minute scenic drive from downtown Grants Pass along Williams Hwy 238 takes you right into the heart of this beautiful wine country and delivers access to more than 15 wineries, each with their own sense of style and scenic beauty.

Applegate Valley Wine Region

Known for its long hours of warm sunny days and cool, crisp nights, annual precipitation of 20-25 inches of rain, and well-draining soils, the Applegate Valley wine region offers some of the most diverse grape growing conditions in the world, helping to produce a wide range of award-winning wines.

Varietals found along the wine trail include:

  • Whites – Albariño, Chardonnay, Marsanne, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, and Viognier.
  • Reds – Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Petit Sirah, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tannat, Tempranillo, and Zinfandel.
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Rogue Valley Vintners

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RVV Wine

Farm to Fork Experiences

When it comes to fine food that’s fresh from the source, Grants Pass is the cream of the crop. Whether you’re pining for artisanal cheese, freshly picked berry pies, grass-fed beef, or incredible farmers markets, you’ll find Grants Pass to be a foodie heaven. Take a scenic drive around the county and experience the best of Oregon’s agrarian gems.

For breakfast, follow the scenic drive to Applegate Valley where you’ll find Southern Oregon’s most mouth-watering bakery. Pennington Farms is a family-owned and operated berry farm that’s been dishing out sweet and savory goods since 1980. The shabby-chic bakery and gift shop offers guests scratch-made baked goods, fresh picked fruit, and canned gifts and jams. While there, enjoy a cappuccino and berry-filled pastry or savory ham and swiss turnover.

Beautiful spring colors bring life to the Rogue Valley as the hills set a backdrop for a drone shot capturing an overview of a community wrapped around a golf course.
Applegate Valley Golf Course

Applegate River Golf Club

The quiet and scenic Applegate River Golf Club is located along the Applegate River at 7350 New Hope Road in beautiful Josephine County.

Nine challenging holes will bring pleasure to every golfer from the beginner to the most experienced.

Our seasonally stocked pro shop has a great selection of reasonably priced golf gear and clothing. We offer golf instruction for all age groups through our professional golf instructors.

Enjoy a growing food and beverage menu selection through our food service for a quick bite between holes. We are also open to the public for a relaxing sit down meal inside our Café or outside on our patio.

Come out to play and enjoy the beauty of our golf course. Experience the level of care we put into making Applegate River Golf Club one of the top courses in the Southern Oregon area.

The hills set a beautiful green backdrop to compliment the purple lavender field that pops in contrast.
Applegate Valley Lavender Farm

Applegate River Lavender Farm

Applegate River Lavender Farm (formerly Lavender Fields Forever) is a working lavender farm. We cultivate 7 exceptional varieties of white, pink and blue/purple lavender for culinary use, crafting, and oil production. Please join us and harvest your own lavender – a bouquet or a bushel! You can reserve a time to distill your own essential oil or make a variety of crafts (sachets, wreaths, and more). Shop in our barn store which offers a unique collection of hand-crafted lavender products. Capture the flowers, butterflies, and Applegate Valley scenery with your camera or paintbrush. Picnic under the maple tree. Bask in the Applegate sunshine and the sights and scents of lavender!

Between its snow-capped peaks, rolling vineyards, and meandering river, Applegate Valley offers a stunning backdrop for a romantic retreat. For a fun day in Southern Oregon’s wine country, uncork that loving feeling with a guided wine tour with Wine Hoppers.  Over the past several years, Applegate Valley has grown into a world-class wine destination gaining international attention. With its wide array of varietals and innovative wine making- Applegate Valley is home to some of the West’s premier wine.