An Overview of Southern Oregon Wine Festivals and Events

Southern Oregon has a long history of wine, dating all the way back to the mid-1800s. Today, the region is home to many world-renowned vineyards and wineries, making wine a staple of Southern Oregon culture. 

If you’re interested in sipping and tasting the difference in some of the world’s most renowned wines, there are plenty of opportunities to do so — including a long list of wine festivals and events that occur every year, right here in Southern Oregon. Locals and travelers alike visit these events to try unique and classic varieties. Below, we’ll explore a few of the most popular. 

5 Must-Attend Southern Oregon Wine Festivals and Events

There are good wines, and then there are incredibly unique and palate-pleasing wines. In Southern Oregon, we tend to produce, distribute, and sip on the latter — and our wine festivals and events are just one way we celebrate that part of who we are. Below are just five of the many Southern Oregon wine festivals and events you won’t want to miss. 

1. Oregon Wine Experience

The most well-recognized wine festival in Southern Oregon (and beyond!) is the Oregon Wine Experience — and this year, we’re thrilled to be hosting this major event on our very own  Stage Pass property!

As one of the United States’ top destination wine and culinary events, the Oregon Wine Experience celebrates the state’s unrivaled wines and uniquely curated cuisine. It’s a week-long event that serves as the summation of a number of other Oregon Wine Experience events, including: 

Not only is the Oregon Wine Experience a great opportunity to sip internationally praised wines, but it’s also one of the largest fundraising events in the state. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $8.2 million to benefit the Asante Children’s Miracle Network and other Asante programs. All proceeds from auctions and mini events go to these causes. 

In 2022, the Oregon Wine Experience is set to take place from August 15-21 — and did we mention its new home is at Stage Pass? Come enjoy incredible wines, support important causes, and explore the beauty that our gated community has to offer!

2. Applegate Valley Uncorked Barrel Tour

The Applegate Valley is located just west of Jacksonville and Medford, OR. Every year, the Applegate Valley Vintners Association (AVVA) hosts their Uncorked Barrel Tour. It’s a self-guided wine tour that 18 wineries of Applegate Valley participate in. You’re free to visit any and all of them throughout the day, and they all offer an appetizer, wine tasting, and an educational opportunity to learn more about the art of winemaking. 

This year, the event is scheduled for Saturday, May 21 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. You can find more details and ticket information here

3. Heart of the Rogue Festival

Located in Downtown Medford, the Heart of the Rogue Festival features everything that the Rogue Valley has to offer: eye-catching art, delicious food, local live music, and (of course) wine! The celebration also includes two sporting events, the Rogue Marathon and Bikes N’ Brews

In recent years, the festival has been postponed due to COVID-19 health and safety guidelines. However, this year, they’re hoping to get it back up and running from October 14-15, 2022. Stay tuned on festival updates here

4. Wine, Food & Live Music at DANCIN Vineyards

DANCIN Vineyards produces some of the most acclaimed wines in the region, including their internationally recognized Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties. If you don’t want to take our word for it, check out all of their awards and press features here, including some from Wine Enthusiast, The New York Times, Forbes, and more. 

As for events, DANCIN hosts “Wine, Food & Live Music” every Friday night from 5-7 p.m. Sip on incredible wines, pair them with deliciously curated menu items, and enjoy live music provided by local and regional artists — all while soaking in picturesque views of the Rogue Valley’s gorgeous natural landscapes. 

Over the past two years, DANCIN has also been hosting a two-night gig featuring Katie Kadan, winner of “The Voice.” The show benefits two local charities, Hearts with a Mission and Maslow Project — both of which help homeless youth in need. In 2021, the show raised over $15,000!

The best part of it all? DANCIN is located just a stone’s throw away from our gated community at The Vineyards at Stage Pass. 

5. Build-Your-Own Southern Oregon Wine Tour

Are you more of the “choose your own adventure” kind of person? Do you want to travel your own path, or experience the region’s amazing wines on your own time? Consider building your own Southern Oregon wine tour! 

There are plenty of award-winning vineyards and wineries to choose from, so you shouldn’t have a hard time filling your itinerary. If anything, you’ll find it difficult to narrow all your options down! If that happens, you might want to check out some of our past blog articles for lists of our favorites, which can be found by following the links below: 

Live In the Center of All Things Wine at The Vineyards at Stage Pass

If you want to immerse yourself in wine country, attending some of these Southern Oregon wine festivals and events is a great way to do it. And by building a custom home in our gated community at The Vineyards at Stage Pass, you’ll settle down in a central location to all of them — with exclusive access to the new Oregon Wine Experience! Learn more about life among the vines and the amenities that accompany it by contacting our team today.