Umpqua Valley WineTrail South

For wine tourists, a visit to the Umpqua Valley is a balancing act. Beyond amazing wineries to visit are the region’s natural wonders and other treasures to check out. Crater Lake National Park and the Diamond Lake recreation area are easy day trips from Umpqua’s major city, Roseburg. Fly fishing on the Umpqua River is a pastime enjoyed by many visitors and can be easily budgeted with wine tasting. If not fishing the river, consider floating on it via a white-water rafting excursion. This is an area rich in hiking and biking opportunities as well.

In between hiking, fishing, biking, and serious picture taking, WineTrail trekkers can visit some gorgeous wineries. Working your way east to west, Spangler Vineyards is an oasis right off I-5. Further east are Abacela Vineyards & Winery, Wild Rose Vineyard, and Girardet Wine Cellars featuring great views, unusual wines (including my favorite baco noir), and wonderful picnic opportunities. If time permits, drive west on Hwy 42 to Remote, Oregon (no kidding) and sample the wines of Old Bridge Winery. From there it is a short hop to the Pacific Ocean, where you can enjoy seafood with that bottle of wine you purchased from the Umpqua.