Just a drive to the Applegate Valley is all it takes to see why a small river valley (tributary to the famous Rogue) tucked within Oregon’s Siskiyou Mountains is such a gem. It still maintains it’s rural feel even though it’s just a western step off the I-5 corridor, complete with vintage agriculture, one of our favorite local steelhead streams and a thriving group of vineyards and wineries.
As you begin to feel you’re in the middle of nowhere, just past one of the few public parks in the area, a small sign points the way to one of our favorite Applegate wineries, Red Lily, known for it’s spanish-style wines, specifically their Tempranillos.
I couldn't help pausing the car as we drove down the lane and over a small, single lane bridge spanning the Applegate river. Tasting room in sight ahead, perhaps there was a steelhead below?
The grounds, when you enter the winery are a pleasing combination of ranch style buildings, manicured lawns and picnic seating near the river where summer evenings and live music can be blissful.
We were greeted by an energetic trio of wine tenders who eagerly greeted us with warm smiles and a detail of their flights, bites and bottles.
Keen to give their signature Red Lily flight a try, “a sampling of their Spanish inspired varietals” we ordered a pair and a tapas platter to share.
Outside the pitter patter of light winter rain bounced off the metal roofs contrasting the warm fire, rough wooden furniture and cozy atmosphere inside.
Our flights arrived (in test tubes how fun!) with a quick tutorial and info card. Much appreciated, it’s fun to compare and contrast your palate.
In our flights, we added a fifth to taste, their best in class and featured wine, a 2014 Life of Riley Tempranillo (Best in Class at the 2018 Savor NorthWest Wine Competition).
Letting the specifics of our interpretation and others go, we thoroughly enjoyed each and every sample, choosing a glass of the 2014 Life of Riley for Bridget and the Lily Girl Rose Rose for Brandon.
But in all seriousness, Red Lily’s Rose was mentioned numerous times by our winetenders as a summer favorite where many evenings in the warmer months, they feature live music and a house Rose Mojito recipe that pulls folks in for miles and keeps them coming back for more. (We’ll definitely be back for those!)
After a stroll down to the river, we decided to take home a couple of bottles to enjoy later. Their award winning Tempranillo, to be enjoyed immediately and a Rose, to be kept Cold and ready for those not so distant warm and fuzzy summer evenings.
It’s fun to enjoy the Applegate for more then just it’s prized winter steelhead. We have a couple of months to enjoy the fishing here but a rear round opportunity to savor other fruits of the land.