Del Rio Vineyards and Winery

Located near Gold Hill in the Rogue River Valley, Del Rio Vineyards and Winery is the largest vineyard in the region, with more than 200,000 vines. Yes, it does have pinot noir and pinot gris, but more importantly (at least to a couple of dozen wineries to the north), it produces a number of warm-weather grapes, including syrah, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, and Malbec. The reason? The vineyards’ southern slope exposure at the 42nd parallel and a relatively low elevation all conspire to generate the significant “heat units” that warm-weather grapes so adore.

Winery tourists visiting the Willamette Valley are often surprised to discover classic Bordeaux- and Rhône-style wines here. When asked where they source their grapes from, tasting-room personnel at area wineries such as Cana’s Feast Winery, Tyrus Evan, Sylvan Ridge, Penner-Ash Wine Cellars, and Soléna Cellars routinely answer with a common refrain “Del Rio Vineyards.” When it comes to producing warm-weather varietals, Del Rio Vineyards shines, proving that southern Oregon is not just for attending Shakespeare plays and rafting whitewater.

With prestigious wineries throughout Oregon relying on their fruit, it’s little wonder that Del Rio owners Lee Traynham and Rob Wallace decided to make wine under their own label. They understand that it all starts in the vineyard. It was their vision (and gamble) in the 1990s that laid the framework for Del Rio Vineyards. The creation of the winery and visitors center is an extension of that original concept.

Del Rio Vineyards and Winery offers more than an opportunity to experience great wine. Located in an old hotel built during the Civil War era, the well-appointed tasting room can turn out to be a field trip as well — especially for history buffs. It also provides a relaxing space in which to sample wine. Outside, there is plenty of open area devoted to picnicking. The view of the nearby vineyard occupying the hillside is nothing short of spectacular. It’s hard to imagine that prior to the rows of vineyards, there were hundreds of acres of prime orchard property planted with pears, apples, cherries, peaches, apricots, walnuts, and filberts. Today, economic realities have farmers pulling fruit trees out and replacing them with cabernet sauvignon.

With the slogan “Great grapes, great wines, great times,” diversity rules at Del Rio Vineyards and Winery — diversity of the grape, that is.