Discovering Southern Oregon – October 2026

THERE MAY BE no better time to discover Southern Oregon wine country than fall. The vineyards are coming alive with the excitement of harvest, the hillsides begin turning brilliant shades of gold and red, and the crisp autumn air makes a day of wine tasting especially inviting. And this year, there’s an even bigger reason to raise a glass and celebrate.

The Rogue Valley has been named the # 1 Best Wine Region in the country for 2026 by the USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. After finishing second in the 2025 competition, the Rogue Valley moved to the top spot this year. The annual competition combines expert nominations with public voting, with the finalists evaluated for their wineries and vineyards, climate, terroir and distinctive wines.

A Wine Region Unlike Any Other—What makes the Rogue Valley so special is its remarkable diversity. Dramatic changes in elevation, different soil types and countless microclimates create an extraordinary environment for growing grapes. More than 70 grape varieties are grown throughout Southern Oregon, allowing local winemakers to produce everything from Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris to Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Tempranillo.

And unlike some wine destinations where the wineries are concentrated in one small area, Southern Oregon offers an opportunity to make the journey part of the experience

Follow the Fall Colors—Take a leisurely drive though the Rogue and Applegate valleys and you’ll discover vineyards tucked among rolling hills, orchards, forests and mountain backdrops. Around Jacksonville, wine country comes with a bonus: our historic town filled with beautiful, preserved buildings, restaurants, shops, music, tasting rooms, and some of the best fall colors in Southern Oregon. One of the most enjoyable ways to explore is aboard Jacksonville’s Wine Trolley, allowing you to visit wineries and tasting rooms without worrying about driving.

More Than Just Wine—What truly sets Southern Oregon apart is the wineries are about much more than wine. They bring together food, music, outdoor adventure, history and some of the most beautiful scenery in the Pacific Northwest.

  • Take a scenic drive through pear orchards and vineyards before stopping at Naumes Suncrest. Sip Spanish wines beside the Applegate River at Red Lily Vineyards or enjoy a glass of award-winning Pinot with lunch at DANCIN Vineyards while taking in sweeping views of the valley.
  • At Belle Fiore Winery, enjoy an exceptional meal and wine in an elegant setting, or experience a French-inspired winery located on a working cattle ranch at Plaisance Ranch.
  • Bring the family to Rellik Winery, where wine, llamas, and ice cream create a uniquely Southern Oregon experience or enjoy wine and pizza with a mountain backdrop looming over the irrigation ponds at Schmidt Family Vineyards.
  • For those interested in sustainable and biodynamic winemaking, visit Troon or Cowhorn Vineyard, or discover the history and classic wine country views at Valley View Winery.

The Tradition That Began More than 150 Years Ago—Southern Oregon’s wine story goes back much further than most people realize. Peter Britt began growing grapes in the Jacksonville area in the 1850’s and established Valley View Winery in 1873, helping establish Oregon’s early wine industry. His legacy remains an important part of Jacksonville’s history—and his influence can still be felt today. More than 150 years later, that pioneering spirit has grown into one of America’s most exciting wine regions, and now the rest of the country is taking notice.

Come See Why We’re #1—Perhaps the best thing about being named America’s # 1 wine region is how easy it is to experience. Pack a picnic, hop aboard a wine trolley or take a leisurely drive through the Rogue or Applegate valleys. Choose a vineyard, sit back and enjoy the spectacular wine with the colors of fall. For those of us lucky enough to call this our home, that’s something worth celebrating with a glass of wine from America’s #1 Wine Region.