The February 2005 federal authorization of the Southern Oregon AVA
(American Viticultural Area) was distinct from other recently designated AVAs in that it defined a kind of macro appellation that completely encompasses previously authorized appellations in Southern Oregon... the Umpqua Valley (1984) and Red Hill Douglas County  (2005) AVAs, the Rogue Valley AVA (1991) and the Applegate Valley AVA (2001), all of which now lie within the boundaries of the newer two-million-acre Southern Oregon AVA in the southwest portion of Oregon State.  (Elkton Oregon AVA - completely within the Umpqua Valley AVA - was added to the mix in 2013.)  A vast assortment of micro climates can be found throughout these regions.

       If you are new to the subject of Southern Oregon wine country, be sure to leave behind any preconceived general notions you may have of Oregon's climate or the grape varietals grown there.  When the Southern Oregon AVA was proposed, it was the differentiation of its climate (as compared with the cool Willamette Valley to the north) that built the case for federal authorization.  The Mediterranean-like climes of Southern Oregon are generally much warmer than Oregon's Willamette Valley AVA. 
 

       You don't have to be a geologist to notice the significant change of the world outside your vehicle's window as you leave Eugene, Oregon and head south.  The countryside begins to roll gently, as the flatland of the 3.3-million-acrea Willamette Valley AVA ends and the Southern Oregon appellation begins.  State highways leave Interstate 5 and meander west along valley floors and hillsides, next to rivers and creeks, all combining to support a fascinating assortment of micro climates throughout Southern Oregon.

       Generally hot, dry summers and cool evenings bring ideal conditions for numerous grape varietals including Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet franc, Tempranillo, Merlot, Malbec, Dolcetto, Grenache, Petit verdot, Zinfandel and Syrah in the warmer, more arid regions, and Pinot noir, Pinot gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer and others in the cooler areas.  Southern Oregon's warm-weather varietals are often grown with blending in mind, and more recently planted grapes such as Roussanne and Marsanne are making an already colorful palate even more interesting.

       The overarching Southern Oregon appellation includes the cities of Sutherlin, Roseburg, Jacksonville, Grants Pass, Medford, and Ashland, all of which evoke thoughts of vacations and lots of outdoor experiences in the hearts of those who have visited this beautiful region.  Travelers will find a wide choice of  amenities...  historic inns and lodges, riverside hotels and RV parks, and plenty of B&Bs; you can also find long-established local diners as well as gourmet and bistro dining in small, historic towns like Jacksonville and Oakland.

       You may want to use these cities as your home base during your wine-country venturing.  More than 3,000 vineyard acres and assortment of 70 wineries await your exploration here in the Southern Oregon appellation, and plenty more are on the way.

Total AVA Acreage:
2,001,782 acres

Vineyard Acres:
3,000

Primary Grape Varietals

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Navigating the Southern Oregon AVA
and its sub appellations

Click on the sub appellation of your choice below
to access detailed maps with winery locations.

To print just this map, place your cursor over the map,
right click and choose PRINT from the menu.