Weisinger's of Ashland

Just 14 miles north of the California border and four miles south of Ashland sits a special six-acre vineyard and winery — Weisinger’s of Ashland. John Weisinger fulfilled a career dream by planting the vineyard back in 1978, making him an Oregon wine industry pioneer. Ten years later, with the completion of a production facility and tasting room, John launched the winery. He dubbed it Weisinger’s of Ashland.

I arrived expecting a somewhat “tired” winery and tasting room — a place showing its age. After all, 20 years of winemaking wears on both staff and structures. I figured there might be a little dust on the counter, a staff long in the tooth, and perhaps unsold wine from 2002. Au contraire!

Whatever preconceptions I had of a worn-down place evaporated quickly when the young staff greeted me with friendly vigor. The tasting room’s valley-facing windows permit bright sunlight to stream through, creating a warm space. A door leads outside to a multilevel deck where stylish wrought iron furniture with umbrellas are arranged to ward off the noonday sun. During my visit, pods of visitors were gathered inside and out, laughing and enjoying wine. I was to learn that many guests were locals who routinely visited. The place was alive.

Reflecting Weisinger’s openness to change was the hiring of Chanda (rhymes with “panda”) Beeghley in 2007. In her 20s, Chanda is one of the youngest winemakers in Oregon, but her experience at RoxyAnn winery and studies at Southern Oregon University prepared her well. She follows in the footsteps of John’s son Eric Weisinger, who had been Weisinger’s winemaker since 1997.

Using estate and local fruit, Weisinger’s of Ashland produces a wide variety of red and white wines. Likely choices for wine tourists to sample are gewürztraminer, pinot gris, sémillon, white blends, rosé, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, claret, merlot, syrah, tempranillo, and a port-style wine. With this much variety, you’re sure to find a wine you like. And, with the outside deck beckoning, it would be a shame not to heed it. Retreat with your purchased wine and enjoy the view.

Depending on whether you are coming from or going to California, Weisinger’s of Ashland is either your first or last chance to discover Oregon wine. Whatever direction you’re heading in, Weisinger’s of Ashland stands ready to satisfy your wine palate with fresh vintages and vibrant energy.