The southern Oregon city of Medford—the region’s largest—is home to an array of gems, from culinary highlights to outdoor opportunities.
Medford sits at the heart of the Rogue Valley, where visitors will find a world-class wine country. The Rogue Valley Wine Country is unique because of its location between the Cascade and Siskiyou mountain ranges in Southern Oregon providing a warm 9 month growing season with one of the largest diurnal temperature swings in the world. This is why so many different varieties are able to be produced and also provides an outdoor playground with ample activities to pair with wine country.
Tasting rooms and sipping opportunities abound, as do culinary opportunities to match. TheRogue Valley Wine Country has over 6,000 acres of vines, 80 wineries and produces 70 varieties. That prestige isn’t going unnoticed: Rogue Valley was just nominated as the WORLD’S BEST WINE REGION by Wine Enthusiast Magazine! Additionally, Troon Vineyard in the Rogue Valley is nominated for Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast.
Perhaps the region’s long history of great food ties back to world-renowned produce grower and gift basket supplier, Harry and David, which was founded here. There’s even a Harry and David Flagship store in town, and the company’s orchards and farms are situated nearby.
Rogue Creamery, located 2 miles north of Medford in Central Point is won the World’s Best Cheese in Italy in 2019. The first time a U.S. creamery took this accolade.
As for outdoor adventures, the Rogue River draws whitewater enthusiasts from around the world. Medford is a great launch point for exploring Oregon’s only national park, Crater Lake, whose namesake lake is the nation’s deepest.
Another major draw is the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, which boasts some of the most impressive outdoor theaters you can find.
