Sipping & Playing in Jacksonville – August 2026

WE HAD VISITED Daisy Creek Vineyard once nearly five years ago, but somehow never made it back. That’s especially embarrassing considering how many times I’ve run or biked right past it over the years. Recently, we decided to change that, hopping on our bikes on a Friday afternoon and heading over for an outing that reminded us why Jacksonville is such a special place to live.

Tucked away on the northeast edge of town, Daisy Creek Vineyard is a family-owned winery that began when Russ and Margaret Lyon purchased the property in 1994. What was once a hay field and historic gold mining property along Daisy Creek has grown into a beautiful vineyard known for its Rhône-style wines. Today, Russ, his daughter Jennifer Powers, and son-in-law Gary continue the tradition in a setting that feels both welcoming and unmistakably Southern Oregon. Gary shared that the tasting room was built just three years ago, allowing the vineyard to remain open throughout the winter while giving guests a comfortable place to gather and enjoy the vineyard views year-round.

We parked our bikes and settled in with a pair of wine flights. I started with the Squeeze Play, their sparkling Chardonnay, which was crisp, refreshing, and perfect for a warm Southern Oregon afternoon. Jennifer shared that another sparkling wine is expected this fall, which gives me yet another reason to make my way back. Next came the Triple Play, a white blend featuring Marsanne, Viognier, and Roussanne that showcased the Rhône-style wines Daisy Creek is known for.

Moving to the reds, I sampled both the Lyon Red and the Malbec. While both were excellent, the Malbec was the clear winner for me. It was smooth, approachable, and enjoyable enough that I ordered a full glass after finishing my flight.

The kids enjoyed root beers while we shared the cheese and salami plate along with an assortment of nuts, both of which disappeared quickly. Jennifer told us her grandkids spend many evenings at the vineyard and that cornhole is often set up for families. Watching our own kids explore the property while we enjoyed our wine, it was easy to see why. Adding to the atmosphere was live music from Duo Sonorous, whose performance paired perfectly with the vineyard setting. Between the music, the rows of vines, and the surrounding mountains, the afternoon slipped by faster than expected. Before we knew it, we had stayed far longer than planned, which is usually the sign of a pretty great place.

Daisy Creek is exactly the kind of place that makes Jacksonville special: family-owned, welcoming, and unpretentious. Sometimes you don’t need to travel far to find a great experience. In our case, it was practically in our backyard.

Needless to say, it won’t take us nearly as long to return. You can find Daisy Creek Vineyard at 675 Shafer Lane in Jacksonville. Summer hours are Thursday, 1-5pm, Friday noon-7pm, and Saturday and Sunday, noon-6pm. Whether you arrive by car, bike, or after years of running past and telling yourself you’ll stop someday, it is well worth the visit.

Disclaimer: I’m just a wine-loving mom with no formal wine education. Just a mission to find the best places to sip, stay, and savor in Southern Oregon.