The Savor Southern Oregon festival began with an exclusive VIP tasting on Friday, giving wine enthusiasts the opportunity to sample rare and limited-edition vintages from Rogue Valley wineries. Hosted at Jacksonville’s Bigham Knoll Campus, the event marked the start of a two-day celebration of Southern Oregon’s vibrant wine scene. Fans and producers came together to appreciate the distinctive and varied wines the region has to offer.
Saturday’s grand tasting will showcase more than 70 wine varieties from 50 different wineries, representing the rich diversity of microclimates found in the Rogue Valley’s mountains and valleys. Running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the event provides attendees, for a $48 admission fee, the opportunity to taste an expansive selection of wines in one setting.
Savor Southern Oregon Festival Showcases Rogue Valley’s Bold and Diverse Wine HeritageA Celebration of Diversity, Tradition, and Innovation in Rogue Valley’s Expansive Wine Offerings
According to Carole Skeeters-Stevens of Travel Medford, the event’s organizer, the festival offers a unique discovery experience for attendees. She emphasized that the Rogue Valley doesn’t have a single signature variety, which adds to its charm. From fortified dessert wines and sparkling selections to robust reds, chardonnays, and less common varietals like mourvèdre and chenin blanc, there’s something for every palate.
The festival highlights both established names and rising stars in the Rogue Valley wine scene. Well-known wineries such as Del Rio Vineyards, Schmidt Family Vineyards, and Troon Vineyard will pour alongside emerging producers like Sound & Vision Wine Co., Twelve 32 Wine, and Grit Cellars. Skeeters-Stevens pointed out that the region is a blend of tradition and innovation, making it a dynamic and exciting destination for wine lovers.
