Applegate Valley - Wine Region of the Day
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Located entirely within the Southern Oregon and Rogue Valley viticultural areas, Applegate Valley is defined by its terroir. Located in south eastern Oregon the appellation is located in the valley surrounding the Applegate River from its intersection with the Siskiyou National Forest boundary to it’s confluence with the Rogue River. Within the Rogue Valley viticultural area, Applegate Valley is located in between the Illinois and Bear Creek Valleys.
The mountains that act as it’s southern and western boundary were caused by crustal upthrusts of the seafloor instead of being volcanic like those to the east. The soils are blends of granite which hold heat to extend the growing season and spread through the area into alluvial fans and terraces that are prominent growing areas or wine grapes. The climate is overwhelmingly mild with an annual average temperature of 48º F with averages in January of 31.5º F and August of 66.4º F. Precipitation varies from 27-33 inches per year comes primarily during the cool season giving the moisture time to permeate into the soils.
Settlement in the region began in the 1850s and was named after the Applegate Brothers who first settled the area. Viticulture began in 1852 when Peter Britt opened the Valley View Winery which operated until 1907. After Prohibition the winery didn’t open until 1976 being the first winery producing from grapes in both the Rogue Valley and Applegate Valley.
The Region produces a wide variety of grapes including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, Syrah Tannat, Vermentino and Zinfandel.