Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Robert Hall Winery, Evolving Their Wines Toward a Regenerative Future
      • Great Wine Is Headed Your Way, the Spring Portfolio Tasting of Golden State Wine Co Reveals Many Treasures
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • La Rioja Alta, S.A. Viña Ardanza Reserva 2016, An Elegant Vintage for an Iconic Wine
    • ETTORE Wines from Mendocino, With An Organic Focus
    • Two Excellent Value Broquel Label Wines From Argentina’s Trapiche Winery
    • The Dynamic Lavico Etna Wines of Duca di Salaparuta
    • The Sangiovese Stars of San Felice Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
  • Who We Are
    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
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Named for the Rogue River, that runs from Crater Lake to the Pacific Ocean, Oregon’s Rogue Valley is an up and coming wine region.   A diverse agricultural cradle gives rise to a large number of wine grape varietals and an amazing array of produce, a recipe for fabulous wine country cuisine.  But, it’s not all food and wine, the Rogue Valley is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with more strenuous activities such as hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and river rafting, or more leisurely golfing, fishing, and camping, all at your fingertips.  And the charm and culture that is Ashland offers big city pleasures on a smaller scale, with its world-class theater and dining, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.  But the thread that connects all facets of the Rogue Valley is a love affair with food and wine, and a commitment to the land, where organic is big and biodynamic is gaining ground.
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Deeply connected to the environment, the Rogue Valley is committed to pristine agriculture, with local support of organic farming through its weekly series of Rogue Valley Growers and Crafters Market.  The markets offer seasonal produce and products from May through October, open in Ashland on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and rotating among the surrounding communities the other days.  A stunning array of mushrooms, fruit, and local specialties, such as Yak Pepperoni and Merlot Wine Smoked Salmon make for a fun treasure hunt among the booths.
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The Ashland Food Cooperative is a beehive of activity, focused on certified organic foods that are also non-GMO.  The coop is the first and only Certified Organic Retailer in Southern Oregon, guaranteeing organic integrity from farm to table with affordable prices, fulfilling their mission statement, “Save the planet, buy organic”.
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Weisinger Family Winery
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Felipe wrangles thirsty wine tasters at Weisinger Family Winery's tasting room
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Irvine & Roberts Vineyards
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Irvine & Roberts specializes in Pinot Noir
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DANCIN Vineyards
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Dan Marca proudly pours his DANCIN Vineyards Chardonnay
Wineries dot the Rogue Valley, rooted in its soils and micro-climates which has become a diverse wine scene, more than just Pinot Noir for which Oregon is so famous for.  It’s warmer here than in the Willamette Valley, reminiscent of Bordeaux and the Mediterranean, and can support warm weather varietals such as Tempranillo (a local star), Malbec, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Viognier.  In the cooler parts of the Valley, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc have planted their flag, bringing a different expression than their cooler cousins up north.  There are 33 wineries and 88 vineyards in the Rogue Valley AVA, one of four wine growing sub-appellations in the greater Southern Oregon AVA.  With four wine trails to traverse, there’s a lot to discover.  In my next article, I’ll dive deep into some of these wineries, exposing a vibrant wine culture.
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This mural commemorates Ashland's sister city, Guanajuato, Mexico
Although Medford is the largest city in the Rogue Valley, Ashland is perhaps the best known community.  Founded in 1889, Ashland has a rich history, starting as a Gold Rush town that transitioned into lumber and flour milling in the mid 1800’s.  Its success ultimately was tied to the completion of the railroad circle around the US, celebrated with the 1887 Golden Spike that signified open commerce across the country.  With transportation made easy, Ashland’s economy thrived, attracting wealthy families that brought education, arts, and culture to the area, and briefly flirting with a spa resort experience, where tourists would partake of the healing Lithia Springs waters.  Today, it is the home of Southern Oregon University and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, powerful drivers of the community.  Lithia Park, a 93-acre wonder of duck ponds, hiking trails, picnic areas, tennis courts, a Japanese garden, and a playground is the green heart of town.  Stretching from the downtown plaza to near Mt. Ashland, it’s name “Lithia” refers to the lithium found in the natural spring water, which has a distinctive sulfur odor.  Charming shops line the picturesque streets, a great place to shop for mementos and gifts, with a quirky sense of style.  Festivals abound in Ashland, from the Ashland Culinary Festival in November that spotlights food, craft cocktails and a Top Chef competition for local chefs, and include many other food, beer, spirit and wine events throughout the year.
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Greta Oglesby (L) gave us writers an excellent backstage tour
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Ashland is the jewel of the Rogue Valley, with its multi-faceted charms of history, culture, the great outdoors, food and wine.  It truly deserves its social media monikor #ashlandasyoulikeit, with something for everyone.  At its heart is the world renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival, drawing close to 400,000 avid theater patrons every year.  For eight months, March through October, eleven plays rotate among three intimate theaters.  We saw “Hairspray”, a rousing production with an incredibly talented cast.  An extra treat for theater buffs, in-depth backstage tours are available, mine was led by Greta Oglesby, whom I’d just seen receive a standing ovation for her solo as Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray.  Her enthusiasm and insights really brought this theater experience to life, I can’t wait to go back for the next season of festival plays.
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Ashland is a culinary destination as well, with over a hundred restaurants serving a local population of 20,000 and tourists galore.  Ethnic specialties abound, as well as classic wine country cuisine.  Here are some of the restaurants I had the chance to experience:
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Brickroom, a recent addition to the Plaza area of Ashland, lures diners in with its historic architecture and amiable charm.  Chef Skye Elder and Mixologist Blake Henry have created an inviting space, billed as “Ashland’s Gathering House”.  Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, they offer a wide variety of dishes, along with craft cocktails, beer, and local wines on tap!
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Larks Restaurant, located in the Ashland Springs Hotel, is the perfect spot for a pre-theater dinner.  Farm to table, where local ingredients and wines top the list, Larks spotlights the bounty of the Rogue Valley, with seasonal menus based on what is fresh and growing at the moment.
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Harvey’s Place on the Main drag, serves dinner every day, with a focus on Northwest dishes, from appetizers, soups, salads, and entrees, accompanied by cocktails, beer, and regional wines, and local wines are available by the glass.
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Alchemy Restaurant & Bar, nestled inside of the Winchester Inn, has rightly earned its many praises.  Dining areas wind throughout the first floor, with a gleaming, extensive bar one level lower that offers over 200 spirits to create intriguing cocktails or enjoy straight up, embracing the meaning of “alchemy”.  Focused on Oregon wines, the wine list has many local gems as well as Willamette Valley stars.  Fresh local ingredients populate the seasonal-inspired menus, and the service is superb.  And if you want to stay past dinner, the luxurious inn has 21 rooms tricked out with the finest, earning it Conde Nast’s “Best in the US” “Top 75” list.
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Ruby’s of Ashland is a local favorite, a casual spot between the Historic Railroad District and downtown, serving specialty burritos and sandwiches that are “Globally Inspired, Locally Sourced”, in addition to house-made refreshments, coffees, beer, wine and cocktails.
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Peerless Restaurant & Bar truly embraces the meaning of “peerless”, it’s a casually sophisticated space with indoor and outdoor dining areas and a neighborhood bar, attached to a world-class hotel, which was named one of the “10 Best Wine Country Hotels” in the US by USA Today.  Within this beautiful space, exquisite food and service are doled out, with Oregon wines taking the spotlight.
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Sesame Asian Kitchen serves Asian fusion dishes, along with beer, wine, sake and specialty cocktails.  The generous portions and fresh ingredients make for shareable and delightful dining, and the unusual spin on mocktails are tasty and beautiful.
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Of the many lodging possibilities in Ashland, there are two highly recommended hotels, for different reasons.  In the heart of downtown, the elegant Ashland Springs Hotel harkens back to a more gentile era, originally built in 1925.  The tallest building in Ashland, located in the center of town, it has attracted visitors with its grandeur and amenities for 95 years.  The historic hotel underwent a complete renovation in the past 20 years, bringing modern sensibilities to its 70 rooms, offering plush comfort just steps from the theaters, shops, and restaurants.  Some of the original features are preserved, such as the stained glass window bearing the LH crest over the front entrance (a reference to a previous incarnation, the Lithia Hotel).  Comfy beds with Frette linens and down pillows and comforters, spa-like bathrooms with Gilchrist & Soames bath amenities, monogrammed cotton robes, and hi-tech pleasures such as flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi make the rooms a perfect nest.  Interestingly, this bird theme appears throughout the hotel, as the designers felt it a perfect fit for Ashland.  Included with a stay is a deluxe continental breakfast, afternoon and evening tea and cookies, and complimentary parking.  Onsite, the Waterstone Spa offers discounted rates to guests, and Larks Restaurant is a convenient and delicious dining spot.
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The Lithia Springs Resort, located a couple of miles outside downtown Ashland, embraces the spa reputation that Ashland was known for.  Curative springs underneath the resort emerge in the mineral sulfur water, claiming healing and restorative benefits.  These waters can be enjoyed in your own private soaking tub, with jacuzzi spouts, and individual room showers.  Water is the theme at the resort, with an outdoor saline swimming pool and Jacuzzi, Koi pond, and fountains on the grounds.  Thirty-eight bungalows, suites, and studios are nestled among the greenery, with private nooks and hideaways tucked in along the paths.  Complimentary hot breakfast buffet, afternoon tea with baked goods and fruit, free hotel parking, and Wi-Fi are some of the treats.  In the lobby building, two fireplaces, a library, and bar serving local Oregon wines offer a place to lounge, in addition to the outside Wine Garden.  Wild turkeys and other wildlife roam through the grassy areas, adding to the outdoor experience.  Waterstone Spa also has an outpost at the resort, offering a host of spa services.
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On a separate jaunt to visit a couple of wineries in the Applegate Valley, we briefly stopped in Jacksonville, located in the foothills of the Siskiyou Mountains.  A quaint town with Gold Rush history, it beckons you to linger, strolling among the shops, an easy thing to do, since the main drag is just a few blocks long.  For a small town, there is lots to do, with a lively cultural scene, concerts and live music performances are plentiful, and a place for artists to thrive, plus a variety of dining options.  Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962, Jacksonville has remained frozen in time physically, while it’s spirit has infused its modern sensibilities.  On a hill overlooking the town, there is an unusual historic cemetery, dating back to 1859.  Jacksonville Cemetery is divided into seven sections, according to religion and fraternal organizations, even a Potter’s Field, and contains some of the oldest pioneer graves in the region, with many family plots and stories on the gravestones.
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The outdoor patio at Weisinger Family Winery
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The Ashland Chamber of Commerce sponsored a group of food, wine and travel writers to explore the region over five days, and we all were smitten with its natural beauty, friendly and unhurried pace, cornucopia of food and wines, and generous spirit.  There is so much more to know and experience about the region than what I’ve listed, Ashland and the Rogue Valley are worthy of further exploration.
Ashland and the Rogue Valley are easily accessible, either by car with the I-5 cutting directly through it, or by plane, Medford is the main hub for flights, I flew a non-stop from Los Angeles to Medford on American Airlines, an easy 2 hour plus trip.