Napa, Sonoma and Oregon wineries.
Gerber said that Wilson will carry on
the high standards of winemaking
quality for which Foris is known
throughout the Northwest.
Foris uses grapes from several
small vineyards in Illinois Valley for
its wines. These include Stonefield,
Gerber, Foris, Three Creek, Villa
Novia and Maple Ranch.
Gerber explains the names Fly
Over Red and Fly Over White,
which are popular Foris wines. He
says that Southwestern Oregon vine-
yards were overlooked by wine en-
thusiasts for many years. They
would bypass or “fly over” the re-
The wineries -- Foris Vineyards
gion in favor of Napa, Sonoma and
Winery, Bridgeview Vineyards &
Willamette wineries.
Winery, Windridge Vineyard, Deer
In 1999, he began bottling a
Creek Vineyards, and Draper Valley
blend called Fly Over Red as a hu-
Vineyard -- are located
morous tip of the hat.
in the Holland Loop and
That wine became a sta-
Selma areas a short drive
for local wine drink-
“One could spend ple
from Downtown Cave
ers. It was so popular
a pleasant
Junction. These are
that Foris introduced Fly
among the high-quality weekend or longer, Over White in 2004. It is
wineries of the Rogue
also popular as an af-
touring Illinois
Valley appellation of
fordable wine.
Valley’s wineries,
Southwestern Oregon.
Foris also sells Mer-
The cooler microcli- sampling the wines lot, Chardonnay, Port,
mate and thin soil of
Grenache, Cabernet
and touring the
Illinois Valley produces
Franc and Muscat be-
exceptional wines. Some scenic properties.” sides the Alsace white
can be found in grocery
wines. Recently, Foris
stores, restaurants and
introduced Cave Bear
liquor stores, besides
Merlot, with beautiful
winery tasting rooms.
label art by Shawn Gould. The label
Foris Vineyards, owned by Ted
uses Gould’s painting of a bear look-
& Terri Gerber, was founded in
ing out at the valley from its den.
1975. The winery is at 654 Kendall
Foris has three public events
Road, off Holland Loop, where you
Continued on page 25
can sample their wines and buy them
by the case. They usually have a
special offer such as the Spring Al-
Be sure to see all
sace Varietal Special: buy a mix of
the wineries in
10 bottles of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris
and Gewürtztraminer and get two
the area; our
free bottles of Reisling.
wine tour map on
Foris has a new winemaker,
page 24 gives
Brian Wilson. He brings his exper-
you the details
tise garnered from well-known
Visit Windridge Vineyard,
a beautiful 50-acre estate. Enjoy
our Bendock Estate wines, and
other Southern Oregon wines, in
the tasting room.
Picturesque views of the gardens,
vineyard, and mountains provide a
relaxing atmosphere with spacious
deck and patio areas for picnics.
Wines available by the bottle or
glass, plus self-guided hikes of
the estate for the adventurous.
April-October, Wed.-Sun., 11-5
2789 Holland Loop, Cave Junction
541-592-5333
On the way to the Oregon Caves, on
your right is a white picket fence and
within that fence is a world of color,
where ladies are busy creating artful
quilts, handbags, clothing, home
décor and more.
Come on in and join us, you’ll be
inspired by our talented teachers and
learn the latest techniques. And don’t
miss the Valley Girls Quilt Show at
the I.V. Senior Center August 15th
& 16th.
Picket Fence Fabrics
379 Caves Hwy.
Cave Junction, OR 97523
541-592-5003
Valley Visitor
7