ALONG COMES MARY

If you are in search of a winery to truly get away from it all, may I recommend Del Rio Vineyards to you? Located in Gold Hill along The Rogue River, Del Rio is one of the largest vineyards you will come across in Southern Oregon, & home to some absolutely gorgeous wine varietals.

Having early roots that trace back to the 1800’s, Del Rio began way back when as a pear orchard, as pears are certainly a specialty to the geographical area, along, with, of course, grapes. Opening as one of the most sought after vineyards for the area, in 1997, Del Rio  proudly produces 10 varietals throughout the year: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Viognier, respectively, & invites visitors to visit their adorable wine tasting room & gift shop. Which, by the way, is in a stunning home that was once The Rock Point Hotel, in 1864!

History, left & right, while you sip your wine.

IFWTWA (International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association) & myself were not only treated to tasting several of their wines, but also a tour of The Del Rio grounds. It was such a brisk, gorgeous day as we got to walk through the vineyards & see the process of their wines being bottled.

Their 2013 Viognier had a subtle sweetness that turned to more intense, steady notes of floral, while the 2013 Pinot Noir, was surprise! my favorite. It delivered the great bold, pepper-y notes that make it a great Pinot, & you’re certainly in Pinot Noir heaven, when in Southern Oregon.

While I cannot recommend visiting Del Rio Winery enough, you’re also in luck that they have an online store, & for the month of October, they have a great”Drink Pink” deal going on; for $60, you will get 6 bottles of their fantastic Rose Jolee (that’s $10 a bottle, instead of the usual price of $15 a bottle), & $5 of the bundle sales will go to The Asante Breast Cancer Program. Click HERE to learn more, as well as plan your trip out to Del Rio!