Weisinger’s Vineyard & Winery

The Ashland area is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the western U.S., a history that began as far back as the 1840s when immigrant Italians and Swiss, fresh off the Oregon Trail, decided to grow grapes and bottle wine here. Today, the Rogue Valley, where hot days and cool nights create the perfect climate for Bordeaux varietals, produces some excellent red wines. Let’s visit a couple of these wineries. From downtown, head south on Siskiyou Blvd About 4 miles from the Shakespeare Festival Center, turn right at Weisinger’s Vineyard & Winery. Stroll up to the tasting room and prepare for the friendliest of welcomes. Family-owned and -operated, the Weisinger Vineyard produces all its wines from grapes grown in southern Oregon. Bordeaux varietals are available here, as well as Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot, an exotic Italian blend called Mescolare, and many other fine wines. Step out onto the deck and enjoy the mountain views. Browse through the gift shop-deli and consider assembling a picnic lunch to take with you. (3150 Siskiyou Blvd; open from 10 am to 6 pm, May to October; and from 11 am to 5 pm, November to April; 541-488-5989, www.weisingers.com.)