PROMOTING THE COMMUNITY
F rom the cradle of the country’s beginnings, the Heart of the Rogue has uniquely cultivated wines for the ages from its special soils. The Cascade and Siskiyou Mountain ranges wrap their arms around the hills and slopes, creating a bowl of protected topography that relates closest to that of France. Whether you are looking to discover the four diverse wine trails that trek the lands, or you seek to uncover your new favorite varietal, the valley has something for every palette. Rogue Valley Wine Country Medford’s Complete Guide Medford, OR | May 2023 | Written by Emily Hunter
FROM ROOTS TO RIESLING A gold rush of $70 million in findings and the Donation Land Act of 1850 brought thousands of settlers to the rugged rogue country. These early settlers recognized quickly that the climate around the area was perfect for farming, and, of course, wine. In 1852, settler Peter Britt began growing grapes and later opened Valley View Winery in 1873 as Oregon’s first official winery. Before unforeseen changes in the industry during its infancy, Valley View closed in 1907 and wouldn’t reopen until 1972. Prohibition forbidding the sale, transportation and possession of alcohol halted the development of wineries from the beginning of the 20’s to the 30’s in the Volstead Act . This continued until it was ratified by Roosevelt , and entrepreneurs soon traveled down from northern Oregon. John Wood and Ron Honeyman founded Honeywood Winery in 1934, establishing Oregon’s oldest continuously operating winery. Following this, an OSU professor planted an experimental vineyard in 1968, and this would create a revolutionary wave to revive the valley. Now home to more than 150 wineries, the valley is home to hundreds of delectable varietals, exciting wine events and beautiful tasting rooms awaiting your exploration.
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The Business Review | June 2023
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