Your Memorial Day Weekend Guide to Southern Oregon Wines

Memorial Day Weekend marks the beginning of peak wine season with many wineries hosting open houses and some reopening their doors. But, as fun as Memorial Day Weekend is in the wine industry, it can also be a bit overwhelming. Here is your guide for the ultimate wine tasting weekend in Southern Oregon.

Umpqua Valley AVA

Best Bets:
Henry Estate Winery is offering free tastings, wine discounts, a petting zoo, antique car show, face painting, and free family portraits Saturday-Monday 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Needless to say this is a family-friendly event. Live music will be playing, the grill will be fired up serving Charley's famous BBQ,  and on Saturday night there will be a Barrel Room dance.

Abacela is debuting new releases at their Memorial Day Open House running Saturday-Monday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tasting fee is $10 ($5 for Wine Club members) and includes wine, appetizers, and complimentary Riedel glass.

Recommendations:
If you are making it a full wine day or weekend out of it, check out Misty Oaks Vineyard, Hill Crest Winery and Spangler Vineyards, which are all open 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Rogue Valley AVA

Best Bet:

Eight Rogue Valley wineries are making it easy on you by teaming together for a "Roam the Rogue" event Saturday-Monday 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Included in the $20 fee is a commemorative Riedel glass, appetizers and wine tasting. Can you say, "screaming deal?" The participating wineries are Agate Ridge Vineyard, Cliff Creek Cellars, Crater Lake Cellars, Daisy Creek Vineyard, Del Rio Vineyards, Folin Cellars, Madrone Mountain Vineyard, and RoxyAnn Winery. Tip: act fast, there are only 50 tickets remaining.

Recommendations:
If you miss out on the Roam the Rogue, I'd suggest stopping by South Stage Cellars open 12 p.m.- 6 p.m.

Applegate Valley AVA

Best Bets:
Troon Vineyard is bringing back VinoLab for the season on Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m.- 5 p.m. The VinoLab is a food and wine pairing experiment session that takes place in the VinoLab Pavillion. Sunday will also be the first "mini brunch" of the year running from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. for just $10/person.

Schmidt Family Vineyards is inviting guests to come, relax, and taste their new 2009 Sauvignon Blanc (happy to see more sauv blanc being produced in Southern Oregon) and pairing it with shrimp cocktail platters.

Wooldridge Creek Winery is hosting their Spring Wine Club Release Party with wine, music and food on Friday 4- 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 12-4 p.m.

Recommendations:
While you are out on Highway 238, Cowhorn Winery & Garden, Valley View Winery, and Cricket Hill Winery are all great destinations.

Get your taste buds ready and enjoy your holiday weekend!