Applegater Spring 2017
17
GRAPE TALK
The grape and
wine community
BY DEBBIE TOLLEFSON
A theme of this issue of the
Applegater is “community.” A significant
part of our community are the people
who grow grapes, create wines, and enjoy
wines from the Applegate Valley.
In 1982, the Oregon
Winegrowers Association
recognized the grape-growing community
in southern Oregon as the Rogue Chapter
of the association. In 1991, the Rogue
Valley received approval as an American
Viticultural Area (AVA). In 2001 the
Applegate Valley was designated an AVA
within the Rogue Valley AVA.
The Applegate Valley Oregon
Vintners Association (AVOVA) is the
organization of wineries and wine
makers in the Applegate Valley, of which
there are 18 members. This group of
wine professionals shares information
and resources during their quarterly
meetings. Current officers of AVOVA
are president Joe Ginet of Plaisance
Ranch, vice president Liz Wan of Serra
Vineyards, treasurer Duane Bowman
of Cricket Hill Winery, and secretary
Debbie Schultz of Schultz Wines.
AVOVA’s main activity is fundraising
for advertising and marketing Applegate
Growers and wine makers are just
one part of the wine community—there
is also a much larger community of wine
aficionados and connoisseurs.
Among this community of wine
enthusiasts are members of many wine
Valley wines. Their twice yearly clubs throughout the Applegate Valley.
“Uncorked” events occur the Sunday Sponsored by individual wineries, these
before Memorial Day and the Sunday clubs allow both wine novices and wine
before Thanksgiving.
experts to try new releases, participate in
tastings, receive special discounts,
and mingle with wine makers.
Most clubs have a
multilevel system, with each
level requiring the purchase of a
certain number of bottles. Many
clubs offer a choice of white or red
or a combination, but some clubs
don’t offer choices. Each level also
has different discounts, perks,
and special events available to
its members. Some wineries have
a limited number of openings
in each tier,
and often
there can be a
waiting list to
join a winery’s
wine club.
If you
a re n e w t o
the Applegate
Va l l e y a n d
you appreciate
Top photo: Suzy and Joe Ginet, current president of AVOVA.
Bottom photo: New tasting room at Cowhorn Vineyard and Garden.
wine, wine
Southern Oregon medal-winning wineries from
2017 San Francisco Chronicle
Wine Competition
Double Gold
Schmidt Chardonnay 2014
Gold
Moulton Family Wines Bordeaux
Blend Trinity 2013
Serra Tempranillo 2014
Silver
Red Lily 2013 Tempranillo
Red Lily 2014 Night School
Schmidt 2015 Viognier
Schultz 2012 Merlot Steelhead Run
Schultz 2014 Pinot Gris
Steelhead Run
Schultz 2012 Syrah Steelhead Run
Bronze
Lorelli 2011 Quattro Foglie
Moulton Family Wines
2013 Cabernet Franc
Red Lily 2013 Red Blanket
Tempranillo
Schmidt 2013 Tempranillo
Schmidt 2013 Syrah
Schmidt 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon
Schmidt 2015 Pinot Gris
Schmidt 2015 Albarino
Schmidt 2013 Duncan’s Choice
Schmidt 2013 Soulea
Serra 2014 Malbec
Congratulations to all the great grape growers,
wineries, and wine makers in our valley.
clubs are a great
way to meet other
wine lovers and
be introduced
Debbie Tollefson
to various local
wines. Stop by your favorite winery to
sign up or check online to see what they
have to offer. Through the years, I have
joined numerous wine clubs in Monterey
and the Applegate Valley, and one of the
perks is getting access to some of the
wineries’ wine libraries, including past
wines not available to the general public.
There are lots of ways to
enjoy our local wines with friends,
at informal clubs and gatherings. I have
thrown parties where everyone brings
wine of a certain varietal and covers the
bottle so they don’t know what they are
drinking. Then everyone votes on their
favorite. Or gather together a number of
local wines of all varietals, cover the label,
and ask guests to vote on their favorite. I
also have participated in pairing parties
where each couple pairs a wine with a
dish they have created.
I would love to hear from
the Applegate Valley community
about some of your informal wine
clubs and gatherings. Get the wine
conversation going—it’s lots of fun and
educational too, but please drink and
drive responsibly!
Debbie Tollefson
debbie.avrealty@gmail.com
Voices of the Applegate Spring Concerts
A wonderful concert is on the calendar this spring with Voices of the
Applegate. Our director, Hope Harrison, has provided us with a spectacular
variety of music from jazz to classical, including “Lazy River,” “Riverdance,”
“Blue Skies,” “A Celtic Blessing,” and an assortment of classical pieces.
Upcoming concert dates
• Friday, April 7, 7 pm, at the Historic Jacksonville Presbyterian Church,
405 East California Street, Jacksonville
• Sunday, April 9, 3 pm, at Applegate River Lodge, 15100 Highway 238,
Applegate
There is no admission charge, but donations are greatly appreciated.
• • • • •
New director, Hope Harrison, has an impressive background in music: 30 years
of choral directing in Oregon schools, a masters degree in musical education from
the University of Oregon, and the recipient of many professional achievements
as a music instructor, including awards as the choral director for Klamath Falls
High School, McLoughlin Middle School, and Hedrick Middle School. Voices
of the Applegate members are so pleased to have Hope as our choral director for
this coming year. For more information, call Joan Peterson at 541-846-6988.
Pl ease suppo r t o ur adver tiser s—s hop loca l!