#USA #Medford #wine competition #Savor Southern Oregon #Rogue Valley

Southern Oregon's Wine Excellence Recognized at the 2026 Competition

On June 9, 2026, the 2026 Savor Southern Oregon Wine Competition revealed its winners, showcasing the peak of quality and diversity from Southern Oregon's renowned wine country. Made possible by the support of Ko-Kwel Casino Resort Medford, this year’s event celebrated the growing reputation of Rogue Valley, recognized as an exciting and exceptional wine region in the United States.

A selected panel of distinguished wine experts convened in Medford, OR for an intense battle of flavors. They conducted blind tastings of over 150 different wines, focusing on quality, varietal expression, balance, complexity, and overall excellence. This process illuminated the remarkable variety that the Rogue Valley wine industry has to offer, from Rhône and Spanish to Portuguese, Bordeaux, and Burgundian varieties.

Award Achievements

Within the recognized wines, several stood out among the competition:

• - Best of Show Red Wine: Twelve 32 Wine, 2022 Fortmiller Vineyard Cabernet Franc
• - Best of Show White Wine: Peter William Vineyard, 2024 Viognier, Daisy Creek Vineyard
• - Best of Show Specialty Wine: Twelve 32 Wine, 2022 Blanc de Noirs

The Best of Class winners included the following:

• - Malbec: Agathodaemon Wine, 2023 Malbec "Mania"
• - Red Blend: Weisinger Family Winery, 2023 Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre
• - Rosé: Quady North, 2025 GSM Rosé
• - Syrah: Domaine Rogue, 2022 Syrah
• - Tempranillo: Ryan Rose Wine, 2022 Tempranillo

The judging panel consisted of esteemed figures in the wine industry, including Bob Paulinski MW, Joel Butler MW, and Michael Alberty. Paulinski expressed high regard not only for the wines but for the region’s promising future. He noted, "Visiting the Rogue Valley has been one of my top experiences. The high quality and diversity of the wines reflect the passion of local producers. The competition is run with professionalism and integrity, making it an excellent showcase of the region's capabilities."

Alberty added, "Southern Oregon's unique diversity is among its greatest strengths. The wide array of microclimates and grape varieties demonstrated this through each tasting, allowing for an experience filled with surprises."

Event coordinator Carole Skeeters Stevens shared her enthusiasm: "The participation and assistance we've received from Rogue Valley wineries showcase the region's escalating reputation. This event symbolizes the collaborative spirit of our industry. Every winery and entry is notable in its context."

Looking ahead, this announcement sets the stage for the signature Savor Southern Oregon event, beginning June 12-13, 2026. Attendees will have the chance to explore the acclaimed wineries and try the award-winning wines directly at the event.

The Savor Southern Oregon wine celebration is a two-day affair tailored for wine lovers, providing the perfect opportunity for exploration into the stories, flavors, and experiences that make Rogue Valley unique. Participants can enjoy tasting and purchasing award-winning wines throughout the weekend, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Event highlights include:

• - VIP Tasting Experience: Friday, June 12, 2026, 4-8 PM
• - Grand Tasting: Saturday, June 13, 2026, 12-5 PM

The annual Savor Southern Oregon serves not only to spotlight the region’s winemakers, but also to foster appreciation for its incredible wines and vineyard culture. In 2025, the Rogue Valley was recognized as #2 in the USA Today's 10 Best Wine Regions.

For those interested in attending, all event details, including the list of participating wineries, medal winners, and ticket purchases, are available at SavorSouthernOregon.com. This event is a celebration that not only depicts the essence of the local wine industry but also invites everyone to partake in the experience of Southern Oregon wines.

As an organization, Travel Medford is dedicated to promoting and positioning Medford and Southern Oregon as the premier travel and wine destination by elevating events, enhancing visitor experiences, and showcasing the diverse opportunities that the region has to offer intricately woven with outdoor recreation and exceptional culinary experiences.