Julianna Vineyards

You know you are fairly far south in Oregon when you stumble onto a “pinot-free zone.” That would describe 22-acre Julianna Vineyards. Don’t come here expecting to taste pinot noir. Rather, warm-weather grapes are the varietals of choice for proprietors Henry and Debbie Russel. At Julianna Vineyards, classic Bordeaux varietals dominate alongside the Umpqua River, with the Callahan Mountains in the backdrop.

Midwesterners Henry and Debbie know a lot about European grapes. After all, their military service in the U.S. Air Force had them stationed there for many years. This afforded numerous opportunities to hop in the family car and make forays to Bordeaux, the Rhine, the Rhône and other grape-growing regions. Later they had a stint in California, where again they could exercise their wine-loving passion. Not surprising, when the opportunity arose to purchase a vineyard next to the Umpqua River 10 minutes from downtown Roseburg, they pounced on it.

When asked about the name, Henry responded that they named the winery Julianna after his “greatest generation” mother. Relying on environmentally safe practices and dry farming (i.e., no irrigation), the Russels grafted 20-plus-year vines on original rootstalk. Varieties planted include cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, Maréchal Foch, merlot, sauvignon blanc, semillon, chenin blanc, and riesling. Few vineyards in Oregon grow both semillon and chenin blanc. A chinook salmon is the central image for the Julianna logo and label. Given the winery’s sustainable practices and proximity to the Umpqua River, a wild salmon makes sense.

In 2008, the Russels opened an all-stone winery and tasting room next to the vineyard. Inside this intimate space, Henry pours and sells wines to admiring visitors. Harking back to his time in Europe, Henry notes, “Great wines should be affordable,” and to this end, many of their wines retail in the teens, and even the red Bordeaux varietals are in the low 20s. By the way, if you do find a wine you like, now would be the time to reach for your wallet. Don’t go looking for Julianna Vineyards wines at Fred Meyer — Henry distributes his creations only at the winery.

Along the banks of the Umpqua River at this winery featuring warm-weather grapes, visitors have an opportunity to experience what Henry describes as “heaven on earth.” Estate wines take center stage, and all is good.