Imagine waking up in a historic inn, sunlight streaming through the windows, ready for a day exploring the rolling hills and artisan vineyards of Southern Oregon’s Applegate Valley. At McCully House Inn, in charming Jacksonville, every guest is part of the story—and no adventure delivers quite like the Applegate Wine Trail. This scenic route winds through fragrant lavender fields, rivers, and friendly towns, bringing you face to face with friendly vintners, locally-sourced cuisine, and wines that tell a tale of commitment, craft, and community.
Why the Applegate Wine Trail?
Running approximately 50 miles between the California border and Grants Pass, the Applegate Valley Wine Trail is home to nineteen unique member wineries. It stands apart for its family farms, uncrowded tasting rooms, small-town warmth, and the sense that every stop is the beginning of a new friendship. Staying at McCully House Inn, you’re perfectly positioned to explore, returning each night to the comfort and charm of English-style gardens or the pub and lounge, with an outdoor fireplace to share a bottle you may have brought home.
Set out for a day of discovery—an insider’s day on the Applegate Wine Trail that might change how you see Oregon wine.
Wooldridge Creek Winery, Creamery, and Charcuterie
Small batch estate wines, sustainable stewardship, and a laid-back vibe.
Begin your morning with a drive through peaceful countryside to Wooldridge Creek, an establishment that’s as much about caring for the land as it is about crafting outstanding wines. What makes Wooldridge special? Their seven-generation stewardship philosophy is more than a slogan—it’s reflected in everything from their Salmon Safe certifications to their solar-powered energy and local watershed protection.
Step inside, and you’re welcomed by one of the friendliest tasting rooms in Southern Oregon. There’s a sense of easy warmth—less “wine snob,” more “wine friend.” The broad views invite lingering, maybe with a cheese or charcuterie board from their legendary CrushPad Creamery. Wooldridge was Oregon’s first joint creamery and winery, and being able to watch cheesemaking up close makes for a memorable, sensory experience. Whether sipping a bright Viognier or sampling house-made goat cheese, Wooldridge Creek feels like a celebration of the valley’s best.
Side Note—there’s something in the air here besides the scent of aging cheese and wine.
Red Lily Vineyards
Spanish-style wines and autumn magic along the Applegate River.
For a true taste of the exotic, enjoy Red Lily Vineyards, devoted to crafting Spanish-inspired varietals such as Albariño, Grenache, and Tempranillo. Owners Les and Rachael Martin were smitten by Spanish wines years ago, and their tasting room—a repurposed barn with stunning valley and river views—delivers both rustic charm and modern comfort.
Visit in fall for a riot of color; outdoor fireplaces and cozy heaters invite conversation long after the sun dips. Even their wine flights offer something unique: the test-tube rack presentation feels quirky at first, but quickly proves practical and memorable.
Side Note—The staff at Red Lily are as passionate as they are helpful. Every interaction reinforces the feeling that you’re not just a guest—you’re part of their extended vineyard family.
Troon Vineyard & Farm
Unique blends, sustainable practices, and good energy all around.
Continue on to Troon Vineyard, one of Applegate’s oldest and most innovative wineries. Founded in the early 1970s, Troon has always leaned into experimentation, from its signature bold Zinfandels to unusual blends like “Druid Fluid.” But what really sets Troon apart isn’t just what’s in the bottle—it’s the atmosphere.
The grounds are impeccably kept, with bocce ball courts and picnic tables tucked among old vines. Try a wine flight with friends, challenge someone to a giant chess game, and settle in for a cheese plate with hearty red blends. Troon’s staff shine with knowledge and genuine enthusiasm; every tasting comes with a story and a smile.
Side Note— The space feels designed for laughter, relaxation, and connection—the very things so many travelers crave.
Schmidt Family Vineyards
Big reds, artisanal pizza, garden strolls, and family legacy.
Next, visit the picturesque Schmidt Family Vineyards, where every detail is lovingly crafted to create not just an exceptional bottle of wine, but an entire experience. Purchased as a dream retirement project, Schmidt has evolved into a destination famous for its garden walks and Northwest ambiance. Wander past vibrant flower beds, a tranquil pond, and garden gazebos before heading into their stunning Craftsman-style tasting room.
Order a farm-fresh, wood-fired pizza to pair with your estate Cabernet or Pinot Noir. Relax indoors or take your food outside for a garden picnic—there’s something undeniably peaceful about watching bees bob between flowers while you enjoy local flavors.
Side Note— Try the Margherita pizza and a flight of bold reds—the best combination after a morning on the road!
Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden
Biodynamic farming, Rhône-style wines, and a taste of harmony with the land.
Tucked along the serene bends of the Applegate River, Cowhorn isn’t your ordinary winery—it’s a certified biodynamic farm and winery, built on the philosophy that what’s good for the earth is also good for the wine. Specializing in Rhône-style varietals like Syrah, Marsanne, and Viognier, Cowhorn’s wines are rich with place and purpose. The estate itself feels like a retreat, with lavender fields, gardens, and a tasting room framed by sweeping vineyard views.
Here, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a way of life. From the living soils to the hand-tended vines, every detail is thoughtfully cared for, resulting in wines that sing with freshness and vitality. A visit to Cowhorn feels like a chance to pause, breathe deeply, and savor a sense of balance as much as a glass of wine.
Side Note— A quiet space—the kind of peacefulness where you can actually hear the wind moving across the vines. Pair that serenity with their Syrah and you’ll leave both refreshed and inspired.
Plaisance Ranch
Generations of farming, rustic charm, and Old World flair.
Dating back to the 1850s, Plaisance Ranch blends deep Oregon roots with French wine traditions. Still a working cattle ranch, the property evokes a pastoral charm you don’t often find on a wine trail—picture vineyards bordered by grazing cows, with mountain vistas as a backdrop. The family’s French heritage shines through in their varietals, where you’ll find Bordeaux and Rhône influences, alongside Oregon’s signature reds.
Inside the tasting room, expect warmth that feels more like visiting old friends than a formal pour. You might find yourself sipping alongside the ranch’s multi-generational caretakers, who are as eager to share stories as they are to share a glass. The wines themselves are hearty and rich—a perfect reflection of both land and legacy.
Side Note— This stop lingers with you—not just for the wine, but for the sense that you’ve stepped into a place with true soul and history.
Other Must-See Wineries
With so many standout stops, true enthusiasts won’t want to miss these other gems—each with their own story and flavor:
- Valley View Winery (Jacksonville): A classic stop for old-school reds and friendly advice.
- Daisy Creek Vineyard: Known for its relaxed porch tastings and top-notch whites.
- Crooked Barn Vineyards: Small, serene, and ideal for those seeking an intimate, off-the-beaten-path experience.
- Augustino Estate & Vineyard: River views, elegant whites, and a rustic yet refined tasting room.
- Stoneriver Vineyards (Talent): LGBTQ+ friendly, dog-welcoming, and boasting some of the valley’s best small-batch reds.
Close to McCully House Inn: Dos Mariposas & DANCIN Vineyards
If you’re staying at McCully House Inn, you don’t have to drive far for exceptional wine experiences. Just minutes away, Dos Mariposas Vineyards offers a mix of wine and farmstead charm with a large pond that geese and ducks frequent. Their wines are approachable and bright, inviting you to sip and stay awhile.
Equally close by, DANCIN Vineyards brings a more European flair, specializing in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The hillside estate is as much about food as it is about wine—the artisan pizzas and crafted small plates pair perfectly with their elegant pours. Outdoor seating beneath shady oaks provides the ideal spot to linger over a long meal with views of the vineyards stretching below.
Insider Tip: If you only have an evening free while staying in Jacksonville, pairing dinner at DANCIN with a quick stop at Dos Mariposas is an unbeatable way to get a taste of the Applegate Valley without venturing far from your inn.
Tips for the Wine Trail
- Call Ahead: Especially for tours, events, and weekend tastings—hours and offerings can vary seasonally.
- Pack a Picnic: Many wineries offer perfect picnic spots, but bringing snacks ensures you’re always ready for a scenic escape. Ask about a picnic to-go from the Inn!
- Set Your Own Pace: There’s no rush on the trail. The best visits happen when you linger, chat, and let the flavors soak in.
The Applegate Wine Trail Perfect Stay: McCully House Inn
After a day of tastings, return to McCully House Inn, where local history and contemporary comfort blend seamlessly. Whether you book a garden suite or the whole inn for a celebration, every stay comes with personalized tips to help you discover the valley’s hidden gems. The staff are eager to point you toward unmissable sunsets, dining experiences, and, of course, wine adventures.
Applegate’s Magic, Yours to Savor
There’s a reason Applegate Valley wine is earning global attention—beneath all the craft, there’s enormous heart. The winemakers are storytellers, the landscapes invite reflection, and at every stop, local hospitality shines. McCully House Inn is your gateway to this world of flavor, friendship, and discovery.
Raise a glass, take the long way home, and let the taste of Southern Oregon linger long after your visit.
(For current winery recommendations, tour schedules, and insider tips, contact McCully House Inn or visit the Applegate Valley Wine Trail’s official site)