Trails and Terroirs: 5 Winery and Wildflower Hike Pairings
Since the first vines were planted in the mid 1800’s, Southern Oregon has emerged as a world-class vinicultural region, known for its unique ability to grow a wide array of grapes. With its warm days and cool nights, the greater Rogue Valley AVA produces more than 70 varietals, from Alsatian to Mediterranean wines, and the perfect place to get a taste of the Pacific Northwest . Throughout the scenic Applegate and Illinois Valleys, you’ll find 25 different estate vineyards and tasting rooms where you can sip award-winning wines and enjoy stunning views of the Siskiyou Mountains.
During spring, the valleys come alive with vibrant wildflowers, offering wine lovers the opportunity to enjoy some vino and Oregon’s jaw-dropping beauty. Hike your way through Southern Oregon’s wine country and pair your wine tasting with these five colorful local hikes.
Wooldridge Creek Vineyard and the Enchanted Forest
Tucked away in the heart of Applegate Valley, Wooldridge Creek is Oregon’s first dual winery/ vineyard and creamery. Known for their decadent cheeses, the sustainably designed winery offers unparalleled mountain views where guests are invited to sip and relax on their patio. Nextdoor, find the trailhead to the Enchanted Forest which leads hikers along an easy loop trail or a longer jaunt up the hillside. In the early spring, warriors plume, shooting stars, and fawn lilies plank the trails while irises and paintbrush sprinkle the forest throughout May.
Foris Vineyards and Little Falls/Jeffrey Pines Loop Trail
Being a true viticultural pioneer, Foris Vineyard is one Oregon’s oldest wineries and continues to receive 90+ scores from wine critics around the globe. With the Illinois Valley’s cooler climate, Foris is known for their Alsace varietals like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Muscat and Pinot Gris as well as Burgundian wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. While visiting Foris, plan a hike at Eight Dollar Mountain’s Little Falls/Jeffrey Pines Loop which skirts along the Illinois River. The trail awards hikers panoramic views of the “Illy’s” emerald waters, rugged mountains, and dazzling spring wildflowers. Along the way, spot paintbrush, wild irises, darlingtonia, balsamroot, camas, and Western azaleas at one of North America’s most botanically diverse regions.
Apricity Vineyard and Waters Creek Interpretive Trail
Being the closest vineyard to the Historic District, Apricity Vineyard is perfect for those wanting to experience the wine scene without straying too far from town. The family & pet-friendly winery is open Thurs-Sun 1-6pm and hosts Sunday Fundays with live music. Continuing down Redwood Highway, explore the lush trails along Waters Creek. While the first mile loop is ideal for those with young children or mobility challenges, hikers can continue past for a longer stretch that passes old growth forest and scenic foot bridges. Throughout the hike, spot trillium, balsam root, and larkspur dotted along the trail.
Augustino Estate Vineyards and Rough and Ready Botanical Trail
Situated half way between the coast and Grants Pass, Illinois Valley’s Augustino Estate Vineyard is unlike any other tasting room in Southern Oregon. Their Treehouse Tasting Room offers guests a magical location to sip wine while enjoying the views of the surrounding Siskiyou Mountains and the rushing West Fork of the Illinois River below. Beyond this 400-acre cattle ranch and vineyard, the Illinois Valley is home to Oregon Caves National Monument, the Wild and Scenic designated Illinois River, and some of the most biologically diverse flora in the country.
One of the best spots to experience this wide variety of plant life is along the ADA accessible Rough and Ready Botanical Trail outside of Cave Junction. This “rainforest desert” is home to thousands of plants that thrive in its serpentine soil. Below the Jeffrey Pines, ponderosas, and sea of manzanita, find the landscape covered by buckwheat, mariposa lilies, brodiaea, purple mouse ears, balsamroot, and Hall’s violets. The newly improved trail now includes interpretive signs, beautifully carved benches, widened hard-packed paths, and an extended trail system. Afterwards, visit the Siskiyou Smokejumper Base Museum that borders the botanical wayside.
Red Lily Vineyard and East Applegate Ridge Trail
Nestled along the river between Grants Pass and Jacksonville, Red Lily Vineyard brings Spain’s native grapes to Applegate Valley. Now open 7 days/week, the winery offers riverside seating, Thursday live music, and a delicious scratch-made menu. Known for their tempranillo, verdejo, and grenache, their earthy wines pair great with a hike along the nearby East Applegate Ridge Trail.
Follow the ridge line through oak savannah, mossy forest, and hillsides for 360 views of the Siskiyou Mountains and valley below. Besides stunning vistas, hikers can also enjoy the diverse flora along the trail. Discover California poppies, lupine, yellow leaf iris, balsam root, piper’s barberry, shooting stars, Tolmie’s star tulip, and more throughout your trek. Rated as moderate, the 5mile point-to-point trail is open to hikers, riders, equestrians, and is pet-friendly.
Oregon Wine Month
Every May, Oregon toasts to one of the state’s oldest industries and is jam-packed with fun wine events. Plan to attend Grants Pass’s Downtown Wine Stroll happening Mothers day weekend and Applegate Valley’s Spring Uncorked Barrel Tour taking place May 17th. Whether it’s a Mothers Day celebration or a romantic wine lovers weekend, plan a trip this spring to Grants Pass and enjoy the terroir of Southern Oregon.
