Wildflowers and Wine Adventures in Grants Pass
by Annelise Kelly
First Published by Travel Oregon
Spring offers a vibrant payoff for hikers in Southern Oregon. Lowland fields and forests erupt with color in March, and the riot of blossoms continues deep into summer at higher elevations. Southern Oregon delivers extra wildflower wonder because the area’s microclimates and unusual soils sustain such a wide variety of species, including some that grow nowhere else on earth.
For prime flower viewing, epic hiking, and the creature comforts you might expect in a world-class wine region, here’s how to enjoy a spring visit to Grants Pass and the two verdant nearby valleys carved by the Illinois and Applegate rivers in Southern Oregon.
Taste Wine, Shop for Plants, and Savor Local Cuisine
Wildflowers coincide with budbreak (when grapes start to grow new shoots and leaves), always a celebratory time at vineyards. See both at Troon Vineyard, where regenerative agricultural practices allow native flowers to bloom between the vines. Nearby Wooldridge Creek Winery has incredible mountain views to enjoy along with your chardonnay or tempranillo. It’s also Oregon’s only combined vineyard, winery, dairy, creamery, and charcuterie maker. Covered outdoor seating and fire pits make it a year-round destination for enjoying wine and cheese.
Most cheese lovers know about Rogue Creamery, launched in 1933 and famous for its prize-winning, organic, cave-aged blue cheeses. Visit the Rogue Creamery Dairy to tour the farm, taste cheese, and grab some tasty blue or cheddar to take home.
Plaisance Ranch has even deeper roots in the area, going back to 1858. Taste wines and shop for grass-fed organic beef raised on-site, then stroll through heirloom vegetable gardens and orchards. Plant nerds will enjoy a visit to nearby Pacifica: A Garden in the Siskiyous, a 420-acre nonprofit nature center, botanic garden, and nursery established in 1999.
Continue sampling local culinary culture with a visit to the Grants Pass Growers’ Market, a year-round farmers market with artisan crafts, ready-to-eat foods, prepared foods, produce, and more. It’s indoors at the fairgrounds during winter and downtown during the summer months. Or get snacks for the road in Cave Junction, where Taylor’s Sausage makes meaty snack sticks and Trillium Bakery specializes in doughnuts and sandwiches.
In the mood for something more substantial? Sit down for upscale fare in Grants Pass. Try the seared truffle scallops at The Twisted Cork, or brunch on chilaquiles with mimosas at The Bohemian bar and bistro.
