Elevated. Exceptional. Breathtaking. Delicious . . . These are just a few of the many adjectives that defined the zeitgeist of Parkhurst Wine Cellars’ opening week last month.
Residents and visitors delighted as Jacksonville’s rich wine scene marked a new milestone—the opening of Parkhurst Wine Cellars’ tasting room at 845 East California Street. Prominently located as you head into town from the East, the new venue overlooks 50 acres of future vineyards, a Table Rocks vista, and that iconic 100-year-old barn.
“Developing this beautiful site, we wanted the building to blend into the setting,” co-owner Mark Enlow explained. “From the tasting room’s floor-to-ceiling windows, it’s as though we’re looking out into a Norman Rockwell painting with the church steeple and surrounding neighborhood. We love seeing that rustic 100-year-old barn and the Cheryl Garcia poppy in the Moore family’s vineyard.”
“We love this community. We live in Jacksonville and are excited to bring new culinary creativity and experience to the Southern Oregon wine scene,” says co-owner Susan Enlow. “What sets this tasting room experience apart from others in the area is the seasonal menu and tasting concept created by Executive Chef Adrian Martin, raised in the Caribbean and trained in Paris. His creations are architectural in structure and beauty. And the flavors exceed every expectation!”
Table service offers small sharing plates (think Columbia River wild salmon with mirin mango, beef tartelette, kombu chicken, or wild prawn kataifi) paired with Parkhurst wines. Once landing on a favorite, order a full serving and a glass—or bottle—of the locally grown and made wines (with choices including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Viognier, Merlot, Cabernet, Grenache, Meritage, and Brut Rosé).
The Enlows are planting vines and building out their state-of-the-art winery on-site, eventually growing and making 100 percent of their wines in-house. “In addition to the seasonal menu changes, there will always be some new plantings or winemaking activities to explore during the development of this property,” Mark assures.
Whether celebrating a special occasion, date night, or an afternoon with friends, you can count on a comfortable—yet elevated—experience with exceptional service. The Parkhurst tasting room offers a casual elegance that blends blue velvet, dark woods, and comfortable seating with the open kitchen and friendly, well-informed servers. Whether adding Parkhurst to your winetasting route or as a singular destination, visiting Parkhurst is a must—to experience its innovative intersection of cuisine and wine. Cheers!