The New Year in the Southern Oregon wine industry got off to a splendid start thanks to international acclaim and attention from Wine Enthusiast Magazine and the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition!
Wine Enthusiast Magazine, one of the world’s premier and most-respected magazines on the subject, named Ashland, Oregon one of its “10 Best Wine Travel Destinations for 2016.” In so doing, its editors noted, “Each year our editors traipse the globe in search of the world’s most exciting wine destinations. From the iconic Old World to surprising newcomers, the list will shape your travel year to come.” For 2016, Wine Enthusiast’s favorite wine travel spots include, Bordeaux, France, Margaret River, Australia, Alto Adige, Italy, Basque Country, Spain, Franschhoek, South Africa, Alentejo, Portugal and Burgenland, Austria. Making the elite list of United States must-visit destinations is Las Vegas, Nevada, Paso Robles, California and Ashland, Oregon.
It didn’t take long for the magnitude of the article to sink-in regionally with local wine experts, all of whom agreed that Wine Enthusiast got it right about what Southern Oregon offers. Wine Enthusiast’s Paul Gregutt noted, “The Story of Oregon wine no longer begins and ends with Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, as many of the state’s most exciting new offerings hail from Southern Oregon.”
In addition to the Top 10 article, a full-page ad featuring Jacksonville, Oregon, as the “Heart of Southern Oregon Wine Country” also ran in the issue—see a copy on page 4 of this issue! Knowing the global marketing power of Wine Enthusiast, the ad was created and funded by local business leaders in cooperation with the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and Business Association. Recognizing the value associated with marketing Jacksonville as a must-see Southern Oregon wine destination, local business leaders are hopeful that many of Enthusiast’s massive readership will plan trips to Jacksonville and Ashland.
On Jacksonville specifically, the Enthusiast editors were pleased, calling it “a charmingly authentic gold-mining town,” while pointing-out the abundant wines poured at South Stage Cellars’ tasting room and DANCIN Vineyards’ lineup of wines and pizzas. Further west, the editors praised Cowhorn Vineyard and Red Lily Vineyards in the Applegate Valley and also recognized other local favorites, including RoxyAnn Winery and Belle Fiore Winery.
In conjunction with the accolades bestowed upon Southern Oregon by Wine Enthusiast, the results of the 2016 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition were announced, with several local wineries taking home abundant medals!
Featured image is of Tim Balfour, Executive Director, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce.