Sip Many of the region’s noteworthy wineries are west of Roseburg, along the main branch of the Umpqua River and also the offshoot South Umpqua River, which twists and turns down toward the lower end of the valley. Here Abacela — much celebrated for helping popularize Tempranillo, Albariño and other Spanish grapes in Oregon — conducts tastings in a sleekly contemporary space with an eco-conscious design that matches its sustainable approach to winemaking. Girardet is another of the valley’s pioneers, producing juicy Old World-style Barbera, Sangiovese and Pinot gris from its 15-acre, dry-farmed vineyards. Head a little north to Knostman Family Winery to sample less common varietals, like an elegantly lean Gamay noir and a minerally Muscat, on a terrace directly overlooking the North Umpqua River. ReustlePrayer Rock Vineyards ages its award-winning Malbecs, Syrah and the nation’s first estate-grown, commercially produced Grüner veltliner in a subterranean wine cave with vaulted ceilings. In historic downtown Roseburg, stop by the dapper tasting rooms of Paul O’Brien Winery and Trella Vineyards, which are both set in handsome red-brick buildings from the early 20th century. To the northwest, the compact but highly respected Elkton AVA has a handful of exceptional wineries, including relative newcomers Lexème, which began pouring its esteemed Pinot noir and Viognier in a stunning new tasting room in early 2025; and Haines Creek Vineyard, which is owned by the proprietor of Eugene’s renowned Oregon Wine LAB and serves its distinct wines, including a delicious Alsatian-style white blend, in a yurt tasting room. Eat Kick off your morning in Elkton with coffee and a cinnamon roll at Tomaselli’s Pastry Mill & Cafe, or stop for a Hawaiian-style lunch with a sweet ending in Sutherlin at Wailani Shave Ice and Island Grindz. In Roseburg retro-cool Pete’s Drive-In doles out hefty burgers and luscious shakes, and family-run Burrito Vaquero is a must for its mammoth namesake dish. Stylish dinner spots in town include True Kitchen + Bar, with its globally inspired contemporary fare, and Brix, which boasts an extensive wine list. Set in a funky historic train depot, McMenamins Roseburg Station Pub & Brewery serves tasty comfort fare and the company’s own well-crafted beers and ciders. Other artisan-ale producers of note include Two Shy Brewing and, in Winston, Lookingglass Brewery. Play This mountainous region is a hub of outdoor recreation and gorgeous road trips. The Umpqua River Scenic Byway passes through charming Elkton, where you can tour butterfly gardens and re-created Fort Umpqua, and then turns west over the rugged Coast Range to Reedsport. In historic Oakland, restored 19th- century brick buildings house antiques shops as well as The Secret Wine Society wine store and Triple Oak Wine Vault tasting room. Roseburg’s Douglas County Museum displays an encyclopedic collection of artifacts and historic photos. East of town, the RogueUmpqua Scenic Byway climbs alongside the North Umpqua River, where you can satisfy your wild side on a whitewater-rafting trip with North Umpqua Outfitters or Orange Torpedo Trips, or your zen side on a fly-fishing excursion with Casey’s Guide Service or Ironhead Guide Service. Waterfalls abound in the Umpqua National Forest, including Toketee Falls, a 113-foot cascade with a treehouse-style viewing platform. Stay Historic, one-of-a-kind options in downtown Roseburg include Bell Sister Flats, with its two spacious, high-ceilinged suites; and Terraluna Inn, set in a 1925 home and serving a generous organic breakfast each morning. A fun option for golfing enthusiasts, Bar Run Golf & RV Resort lies west of Roseburg along the South Umpqua River and offers modern cottages with kitchens. In Myrtle Creek, the ornately decorated Painted Lady Bed & Breakfast offers a pair of romantic rooms as well as a tearoom that’s open to the public. The venerable Steamboat Inn presents wine-centric meals and has plush accommodations along the North Umpqua River en route to Crater Lake. TRAVEL SOUTHERN OREGON (2) Wailani Shave Ice WINE TRAILS Umpqua Valley Wine Trail Explore this scenic region’s more than 30 friendly wineries by following this colorful route, which flanks the Interstate 5 corridor around Roseburg as well as the Umpqua River Scenic Byway as it passes through Elkton. At these generally small, family-owned operations, you can often meet the winemakers and sip while gazing out at the verdant vineyards. Download the wine-trail map to start planning your adventure. umpquavalleywineries.org Keep exploring at umpquavalleywineries.org Umpqua River 46 OREGON WINE TOURING GUIDE
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