The 10 Best Southern Oregon Wineries

Willamette Valley may be the best known wine region in Oregon, but Southern Oregon is garnering more and more attention. In fact, the state’s first commercial vineyard was planted in Southern Oregon in the 1950s!

vineyard in Southern Oregon

Because this region is further south than Willamette, it has a warmer climate, allowing for a wide array of grapes to be grown and made into wine. Furthermore, the climate is considered moderate maritime with Mediterranean characteristics, due to the proximity of the Pacific Ocean.

While there is rainfall in this region, it is usually heaviest during the winter, leaving the growing season dry and warm. The presence of four rivers and tributaries, as well as the Cascade Mountains to the west, creates a range of microclimates, adding to the versatility of the region.

Soils are also varied; marine sedimentary, alluvial gravels, and volcanic soils are most predominant. 

Grapes grown include Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Viognier, among others.

Because of the diversity in the region, there is no one wine style that southern Oregon is known for, other than consistent quality – allowing producers to experiment and produce unique wines from lesser known grape varieties.

The Southern Oregon AVA (American Viticultural Area) was established in 2004 and has roughly 9,240 acres under vine. There are two smaller AVAs contained within the larger Southern Oregon AVA – Rogue Valley AVA and Umpqua Valley AVA, both of which contain their share of sub-AVAs.

With approximately 120 wineries throughout the AVA, there is plenty to do here.

In addition to wine tasting, this area is home to several cute towns, a thriving art scene, and lots of outdoor activities. Restaurants and lodging options abound, making southern Oregon an ideal weekend getaway. Cheers!

To learn more about our winery ranking process, our CW score, or how we gather and analyze data, please click here.

Note: We do our best to maintain up to date information on all wineries featured. However, we recommend checking directly with a winery before planning a visit. If you find any information below that needs to be updated please let us know.

1.  Daisy Creek Vineyard

top winery in Southern Oregon award

CW Score: 91.6

Website: daisycreekwine.com

Address: 675 Shafer Ln Jacksonville, OR 97530

Phone: 541-899-8329

Overview: Located in Jacksonville, this award-winning winery is the perfect escape to sit back and unwind on their patio in the fresh, country air. The rustic, barn-styled winery is charming, with a laid-back feel.

The 23 acre winery grows 8 different grape varieties, and make brilliant, Rhône inspired red and white wines. It’ll be hard not to buy a few bottles to take home! Reservations are not required, and the winery is open for enjoyment Thursdays through Sundays.


2. Foon Estate Vineyard

second best Southern Oregon winery award

CW Score: 89.4

Website: foonestatevineyard.com

Address: 340 Busenbark Ln Roseburg, OR 97471

Phone: 541-817-7768

Overview: Foon Estate Vineyard is a family owned and operated winery producing small lots of high quality wines from estate grown grapes. Beyond that, sustainable farming practices are a strong focus here.

The intimate tasting room is housed in a renovated historic barn on the property. Popular wines include their Albarino, Viognier, and Tempranillo. Tastings are seated and the wines are paired with light bites. Foon Estate currently has limited hours by appointment only, so be sure to arrange your visit ahead of time.


3. Rosella’s Vineyard & Winery

third best winery in Southern Oregon award

CW Score: 89.3

Website: rosellasvineyard.com

Address: 184 Missouri Flat Rd Grants Pass, OR 97527

Phone: 541-846-6372

Overview: Growing some of the finest fruit in the valley, this charming little winery is located in the heart of the Missouri Flat area.

The winery currently grows Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel. Rosella’s only produces 800 cases of wine annually, ensuring that care and quality goes into every single bottle.

Open daily from 11am-5pm, no reservations are required to enjoy the quaint, cozily rustic tasting room. Finally, we’d be remiss to not mention their addictive Spretzels (salty + spicy pretzels) make for the perfect vino accompaniment.


4. Pebblestone Cellars

CW Score: 88.5

Website: pebblestonecellars.com

Address: 1670 Pioneer Rd, Talent, OR 97540

Phone: 541-512-1655

Overview: Pebblestone Cellars has just over 15 acres of estate vineyards, planted with red Bordeaux varieties, Viognier, and Pinot Gris, among others. After over three decades in business, Pebblestone remains family owned and operated.

Beyond the remarkable wine, they also host live music events throughout the year. So be sure to check the calendar when planning your visit. Seating is available inside the cozy barn-style tasting room, as well as on the ample lawn space – surrounded by scenic views.


5. Eliana Wines

CW Score: 87.8

Website: elianawines.com

Address: 158 Gaerky Creek Rd Ashland, OR 97520

Phone: 541-690-4350

Overview: Eliana Wines is owned and operated by a couple (Brian and Carien) who relocated to Oregon from Zimbabwe, where they were rose farmers. They apply the same principles of beauty and elegance that they learned in the rose industry to their estate vineyards.

The tasting room is open to the public Thursday through Saturday. Eliana specializes in Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Franc and Merlot, along with Tempranillo and red blends, several of which have been recognized in international wine competitions.


6. Irvine & Roberts Vineyards

CW Score: 87.2

Website: irvinerobertsvineyards.com

Address: 1614 Emigrant Creek Rd Ashland, OR 97520

Phone: 541-482-9383

Overview: Located in Ashland, Irvine & Roberts Vineyards is open Thursday through Monday from noon until 6 PM. The tasting room offers a few different experiences. Select from a tasting flight, a light pairing option, or a more substantial pairing – reservations are recommended for all.

There is a wide array of wonderful wines to try here, from sparkling and rosé to dry whites and reds. Plan to stay for at least two hours to get the most out of your visit to this incredible winery.


7. Wooldridge Creek Winery & Creamery

CW Score: 86.3

Website: wcv.farm

Address: 818 Slagle Creek Rd Grants Pass, OR 97527

Phone: 541-846-6364

Overview: If you think Heaven on earth doesn’t exist…think again! Wooldridge Creek is Oregon’s first combined winery and creamery, making wines and cheeses that are simply divine.

Take a stroll through the vineyards, sit back and relax at one of the patio tables, and dive into the delicacies that this winery has to offer!

All of the wines are carefully crafted from estate-grown grapes, and all of the cheeses are made with locally sourced, organic dairy. This slice of paradise is open every day and does not require reservations.


8. Freed Estate Vineyards

CW Score: 86.0

Website: freedestatewinery.com

Address: 430 Hooten Rd Winston, OR 97496

Phone: 808-551-9998

Overview: Freed Estate Vineyards was established in 2000 by Mike and Pam Freed, and continues to be family owned and operated. The estate vineyards include plantings of Tempranillo, Syrah, Viognier, and others. Popular wines include single varietals of the estate grapes, as well as some fantastic red blends.

The tasting room overlooks the serene vineyards and features local artwork throughout. When visiting, expect both a welcoming and educational experience. Tasting room hours change seasonally, so be sure to check ahead.


9. Hillcrest Vineyard

CW Score: 85.8

Website: hillcrestvineyard.com

Address: 240 Vineyard Ln Roseburg, OR 97471

Phone: 541-673-3709

Overview: Historic Hillcrest Vineyard is the oldest estate winery in the state of Oregon! The tasting room is open daily, and offers flights along with a specialty experience (a winemaker tasting experience).

Hillcrest also collaborates with wineries around the world, and has both local Oregon wines, such as Pinot Noir and Malbec,  and international wines (Riesling and Carignan, among others) available on-site. The wines are only available at the winery, so make sure to stock up during your visit!


10. Anchor Valley Wine

CW Score: 83.5

Website: anchorvalleywine.com

Overview: Anchor Valley Wine offers two different locations for your wine enjoyment – a cellar tasting room outside of Medford, and a wine bar in Jacksonville. Additionally, they regularly host chef’s pairing dinners (inquire with them about this option) and other special events, so check the calendar when planning your visit!

Wines that commonly poured at Anchor Valley include Pinot Gris, Viognier, Pinot Noir, and Primitivo (also known as Zinfandel).  Several of the wines are award winning in international competitions, and the Pinot Gris and Cabernet Sauvignon have both brought home double gold medals!


Plan Your Wine Tasting in Southern Oregon

With these remarkable wineries in mind, it’s time to plan your perfect outing to Southern Oregon’s top wineries and tasting rooms. And if you’re planning on multiple stops to sample vino, we strongly recommend booking a designated driver (via a guided wine tour or limousine service).

wine tour driver opening a door

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Southern Oregon Wine Tours

Guided winery tours offer a great way to take the burden of planning off of your shoulders (securing tasting room reservations, travel between stops, snacks, etc).

Check out a few options across Southern Oregon below…

Travel & Accommodations

To book travel accommodations in and around Southern Oregon, we recommend using Expedia.com. You can book flights, hotels, rental cars, and more – all at incredible prices.

Thanks to their vast network of travel and accommodation providers, Expedia can help you perfectly tailor your trip – whether that includes a first class flight, a 5 star hotel, or a stay at a quaint bed and breakfast.

Southern Oregon Wineries Map

To further assist with planning, we’ve plotted our list of the top wineries in Southern Oregon on a Google Map for your reference.


Prep for Your Wine Tasting Experience

If you’re more on the novice side of wine tasting and would benefit from some pointers, check out our tasting tips for beginners to ensure you get the most from your trip. Cheers!


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