Wine on the Rogue River – 4 Days
If you love adventure, wine, and delicious food in an unforgettable setting, then Wine on the Rogue River is your perfect vacation. Between the Rogue’s exciting Class III waters, stunning landscapes, and indulgent wine and food-filled evenings at camp, you’ll wish you never had to leave.
Featuring
Vintner: Valley View Winery, Jacksonville, OR
Chef: Neil Clooney, Ashland, OR
Right: Michael with his son, Stephen, at the vineyard in 2015
Located near the historic town of Jacksonville in Southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley, Valley View Winery traces its roots back to the 1850s, when pioneer Peter Britt first planted vineyards in the region. After Britt’s death, the winery lay dormant until it was revived in 1972 by Frank and Ann Wisnovsky, whose vision reestablished Valley View as a cornerstone of Southern Oregon wine. Today, the winery is run by their sons, Michael and Mark, continuing the family legacy across generations. On this trip, guests will be hosted by Michael and his son Stephen, sharing both Valley View wines and selections from their Domaine Rogue label. Drawing from the diverse soils and sunny, dry climate of the Applegate Valley, Valley View produces an impressive range of wines, from estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Viognier, Syrah, and Tempranillo to the iconic Rogue Red, Oregon’s bestselling blended red wine. Guided by integrity-based farming and low-intervention winemaking, each bottle reflects a deep respect for the land, the people who steward it, and the wildlife and waterways that call this region home.
Chef Neil Clooney is a long-standing cook with OARS, having started with them in 2010, and he loves bringing the restaurant to the river. With over 30 years of experience in all facets of the hospitality industry, he is now a retired restaurateur. Neil enjoys his yearly cooking trips on the river and is an avid boater. He showcases Southern Oregon’s bounty of seasonal produce and proteins to create restaurant-quality culinary experiences in unparalleled settings.
About This Trip
Spend each day rafting through beautiful Oregon forests, where wildlife abounds, and there’s no shortage of jaw-dropping scenery to marvel at. As you head downriver, you’ll get to explore lush trails that take you to magical places. Perhaps you’ll visit Western novelist Zane Grey’s cabin, or you may hike up to Inspiration Point for an incredible view of Stair Creek Falls and watch other rafters take on the swirling Coffee Pot Rapid. With numerous historical points of interest and fern-lined paths to waterfalls and more, your days on the Rogue are sure to leave you in awe.
After pulling into camp for the day, everyone will unload the rafts, and you can find the perfect spot to set up your tent for the night. Once you’re all settled, the real fun begins as you gather around for an enlightening wine tasting with Michael and Stephen Wisnovsky from Valley View Winery, perfectly paired with delectable hors d’oeuvres by Chef Neil. As educational as it is fun, you’re sure to gain a deeper appreciation for wine and the passionate people who produce it while you learn about what makes every bottle unique.
While you continue wine tasting or relaxing in camp, Chef Neil will be working with hearty ingredients as he creates masterful dishes you wouldn’t even think possible to prepare in the backcountry. You’ll sit at linen-draped, candlelit tables with your fellow rafters and break bread. The conversation will flow, the food and wine will be abundant, and laughter will fill the air. As you head to bed with a satisfied stomach and happy heart, you’ll ponder the memories made that day as the mellifluous river lulls you to sleep.
Guests must be 21 years or older to participate in this trip.
