Jacksonville Publishing has expanded with the launch of a new, wine-only publication, Southern Oregon Wine Scene. The new 44-page magazine covers the Southern Oregon wine region stretching from the Umpqua Valley to Ashland. “It’s the first publication of its kind in Southern Oregon that is 100% dedicated to our burgeoning wine scene,” says Jacksonville Review publisher, Whit Parker.
Parker notes, “Having now published the Jacksonville Review for seven years, I’ve worked with dozens of winery clients in the Rogue and Applegate Valley’s and have formed excellent relationships…it proved to be the foundation needed to create and launch the new magazine.” Parker admits the toughest task was reaching-out to unknown winery clients as far away as Elkton, north of Roseburg. “I spent weeks-on-end in the car, traveling to wineries I’d never visited before, basically making cold calls and introducing myself and the new magazine concept…it’s a good thing I drive a Prius!” Parker says the tremendous reception he received and the generous offers of help along the way meant a lot. “There are some truly wonderful people working to make Southern Oregon a world-class wine destination and they deserve to have a publication singing their praises…Wine Scene’s mission is shining a light on these incredible people and their craft.”
Joining Parker in the new venture is Jacksonville Review Graphics Editor, Andrea Yancey, also a Jacksonville resident. Parker says that when they started putting Wine Scene together in late March, he and Yancey already had a great advantage since their work roles were already clearly established and they knew each other’s work styles. “I traditionally handle the sales, outreach, editing and writing tasks,” he says, “while Andrea handles every single behind-the-scenes detail related to graphics, layout, photo editing, artistic direction, you name it…whatever’s left to do, she does it, including trying to keep me on-track, which isn’t always easy!”
Wine Scene will publish a Summer, Fall and Spring issue with no plans for a Winter issue at this time, unless demand dictates otherwise. With a distribution route stretching 90+ miles from north to south, a professional distribution company will be used to supply most of the 200+ delivery spots with the publication.
“Launching Wine Scene took a tremendous effort and required some very long days. It also took “a village,” Whit says. “When I hit the road and started talking face-to-face with winery owners and wine industry professionals, every one of them was helpful… not just by offering advice but introducing me to friends and colleagues in the wine business…everyone collaborated to make this thing work for the benefit of the entire Southern Oregon wine industry and I think that’s pretty cool.”
Parker continues, “The concept behind Wine Scene is different than other publications that include wine content. For starters, it’s strictly focused on wineries, telling their unique story and centers around telling locals and visitors why a particular winery is worth a visit and what to expect once there. Also, Wine Scene has no golfing, hiking, rafting, camping or fishing content…it’s just about wine.” Parker explains that the target readership is simply, “the wine enthusiast who may have just landed at Rogue Valley International and is checking into a B&B…where they pick-up Wine Scene, which is then used as their guide book to discover our wine country… complete with the best maps and other useful information out there. And, of course, Wine Scene is also intended as a great resource for locals looking to explore wine country in their own backyards.”
The Summer issue of Wine Scene includes four, full-length feature stories, Think Global, Wine Local, by MJ Daspit on European winemaking influences on local winemakers, Explore Wine Country on a Wine Tour, by Paula Bandy, discussing the benefits of taking a professionally-guided wine tour, One Cool Conversation with OSU Professor Greg Jones on the potential impact climate change may have on grape production along with other interesting and timely articles and information…all based upon the subject of “wine.”
Parker says to look for your complimentary copy of Southern Oregon Wine Scene at your favorite Southern Oregon winery and tasting room, numerous hotels, B&B’s, restaurants, specialty food shops, wine shops, all Southern Oregon Visitors Information Centers and more locations. Check-out Southern Oregon Wine Scene on Facebook or email Whitman@sowinescene.com or call 541-899-9500 for more information. You may also view a digital copy online at sowinescene.com.