Red Hill Douglas County
Location: Red Hill Douglas County is a
sub-appellation of the Umpqua Valley AVA near the small town of
Yoncalla, which lies about 30 miles north of Roseburg and parallels
Interstate 5.
Wine history: The Applegate and Scott
families, pioneers of Southern Oregon, settled at the foot of Red
Hill in the mid-1800s. Jesse Applegate planted Douglas County's
first established vineyard in Yoncalla in 1876. Red Hill Douglas
County appellation was approved in 2005.
Climate: Red Hill Douglas County has a
relatively mild climate, with daytime averages of 75 degrees F
during growing season (as opposed to regions farther south that can
experience highs of 105 degrees F). The marine influence reaching
this area also provides a wetter climate than the surrounding
Umpqua Valley area. Thanks to its higher elevation, the area
generally enjoys a frost-free growing season.
Soils: Red Hill Douglas County is
dominated by iron-rich, red volcanic Jory soils, which were formed
from ancient volcanic basalt and consist of silt, clay and loam
soils. They are mostly deep, well-drained to the 15-foot depth, and
considered premier wine grape growing soils.
Topography: Elevation in this area ranges
from the 800-foot contour line to 1,200 feet, the maximum elevation
for quality grape production in the Red Hill Douglas County region.
Geologically, Red Hill is part of the Umpqua Formation, which is
composed of basalts similar to the volcanic rocks on the Pacific
Ocean floor. It has many rising domes that give it an undulating
appearance.
Predominant varieties
- Pinot noir
- Chardonnay
- Riesling
While you're here...
Red Hill Douglas County is completely within the boundaries of
the larger Umpqua Valley AVA. Collectively, this area enjoys a rich
history. The Applegate Trail passed through this area in 1846 as a
way for pioneers to reach the western valleys of the Oregon
Territory. There are a half-dozen beautifully kept covered bridges,
historic homes, museums, pioneer cemeteries and antiques shops
mixed in with charming cafés and restaurants serving Oregon wine.
Nature is alive and well in the Land of the Umpqua, which is named
for the legendary fishing river that runs through it. On the banks
of the North Umpqua River in the Umpqua National Forest sits the
historic Steamboat Inn. It's a revered, magical place with a
fly-fishing tradition that dates back to 1957. Its evening dinner,
which is always served at dusk to give fishermen ample time on the
river, pairs fine meals featuring the freshest of local ingredients
with Oregon wines. Crater Lake National Park, and its outdoor
recreation and adventure opportunities, is just a two and a half
hour drive from Umpqua Valley. The beautiful Diamond Lake is even
closer.
Below are some links to help you plan your trip to Red Hills
Douglas County:
Southern Oregon Winerys Association
A visit to a winery in Southern Oregon can involve much more
than just tasting wine. Located in beautiful valleys with stunning
vistas, a family member or winemaker may be pouring wine in the
tasting room, or be nearby to share stories and special wines with
you. Many wines are only available at the winery or have very
limited distribution, so be sure to take some wines home to share
your discovery of Southern Oregon wineries with friends and
family.
Southern Oregon Visitors Associaion
With a unique climate and experienced winemakers, Southern
Oregon is the fastest growing wine region in Oregon. Come discover
award-winning wines from More than 60 wineries.
Travel Oregon - Southern Oregon Page
Southern Oregon offers some of the state's most refined and
rugged adventures. On the one hand there's the Tony-Award winning
Shakespeare Festival in Ashland and the visits to the nearby
vineyards, chocolatiers, and cheese makers, and of course the fine
restaurants that serve the fruits of their labor.