Local Wines in Famous Places

Del Rio Vineyards of Gold Hill is popping up in restaurants and wine bars across the country. Their wines are even a favorite of chef Bobby Flay. Here is KTVL Channel 10's coverage of their growing popularity:

10 Reasons Why Southern Oregon is Killer

Mutineer Magazine is one of my must read wine publications. It is controversial, unlike any fine beverage publication you've ever read, and just the way a millennial like me likes to get my wine news. Founded by Sommelier, Alan Kropf, Mutineer is as informative as it is approachable. Alan compiled this top ten list that I am in full agreement on. It is pretty exciting to see Southern Oregon receive such high accolades- e.i.- "most versatile wine region on the planet!"

10. Sustainability, like much of Oregon, is a priority throughout the region.

9. The wine industry is relatively young and undiscovered in the mainstream.

8. There is a strong culture of collaboration between Southern Oregon and other Oregon wine regions, paving the way for continued improvement.

7. Many of the pioneers who got the region started are still active in wineries.

6. The white wines of Southern Oregon achieve a distinction that is one of the best kept secrets in wine.

5. While the region is hot, the nights are very cool, creating a must-have acidity.

4. Southern Oregon produces my favorite Viognier wines outside of France.

3. Southern Oregon may quite possibly be the most versatile wine region on the planet.

2. Southern Oregon Wines are some of the best values in wine right now.

1. Southern Oregon Wines are really damn tasty.

A 12 wine encounter with South Stage Cellars

Growing up close to Jacksonville I always hated that town. Why, you ask? How could someone dislike charming ol' Jacksonville? The speed limit is why. As a sixteen year-old driver, no one likes to slow down to 25 mph for 10 blocks! However, now that I am (slightly) older I find Jacksonville to be a wonderful place to visit despite the slow speeds.

We made a trip to Jacksonville right before Thanksgiving and stopped in at South Stage Cellars. (South Stage Cellars’ wine is another winery on the long list that employs Joe Dobbes as their winemaker). I had never visited their Tasting Room before, but was looking forward to trying their wines because I have been impressed with the Griffin Creek wines that are made from South Stage Cellar’s Quail Run Vineyards.

A unique characteristic of South Stage Cellars Tasting Room is they pour wines from other wineries that source grapes from their vineyards- Griffin Creek, Spangler, Belle Vallee, Chateau Lorane, Dobbes Family Estate, Flying Dutchmen and Volcano Vineyards.

Don and Traute Moore, the founders of Quail Run Vineyards and South Stage Cellars own ten vineyard properties and farm almost 300 acres in the Rogue Valley AVA! They have one vineyard specifically used for lesser known varietals such as Carmenere, Pinotage, and Semillon to name a few. This is interesting as it shows they are willing to branch out and try new things.

Larry was working the bar that day and greeted us warmly. What started off as a five wine tasting menu turned into a twelve wine extravaganza due to Larry’s hospitality, "If you like that one then I think you should try this one too!", he said as he scrambled about. Larry was so knowledgeable and eager to share information that even if the wines were terrible, which was definitely not the case, I would have had a great experience.

In the mix was the 2007 Early Muscat, 2007 Pinot Gris, 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, 2007 Viognier, 2006 Dobbes Family Estate Skipper Pinot Noir, 2007 Monte Rosa, 2006 Merlot, 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2004 Chateau Lorane Syrah... The last three escape me, perhaps due to the first nine! The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon was the standout in the lineup for me that day, enough for me buy a few bottles and I also got the $5 tasting fee waived for the purchase. It was a very smooth Cab with only slight pepper to be found, but instead tasted of rich chocolate.

Unfortunately for people who do not live close to Jacksonville, South Stage Cellars does not distribute their wines (devastating, I know!). However, the 2006 Cab is well worth the scenic drive and they do offer an accommodating wine club. The South Stage Cellars Tasting Room is located at 125 S Third St in Jacksonville and they are open 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily except when it stays open until 8 p.m. on Fridays for a rowdy locals night. All in all, if you are touring Southern Oregon, South Stage Cellars is a must stop, I've already been back to buy some more Cab!