Winter Winemaking Update

As many of you know, for Winter Break, we traveled to the Rogue Valley for Hometown Wine Company — crafting wines that capture the power and nuance of this remarkable region. The terrain is strikingly diverse: river-carved valleys, rolling vineyards, rugged hillsides from volcanic activities, and dramatic peaks stretching toward Crater Lake. A landscape that both humbles and inspires.

We made our home in historic Jacksonville, staying at the Jacksonville Inn and beginning each morning with a walk to breakfast — at GoodBean Coffee Company. Small-town charm at its best.

At Hummingbird Estate, we swung next to the vines while looking out at Mt. McLoughlin rising in the distance — a view that stops you in your tracks and reminds you why this region produces wines of such character and depth.

Time with the team at Del Rio Winery was equally meaningful. Exceptional farmers and true stewards of the land.

An unforgettable coursed dinner at Cowhorn Kitchen (..you must add it to your Travel to Oregon list!) — thoughtful, seasonal, impeccable — felt like the perfect expression of the valley itself.

We left on a snowy drive into California inspired, grateful, and more excited than ever for what’s ahead.

Rogue Valley — we’re just getting started.

Rouge Valley Musts:

1. Hotels
   • McCully House Inn. If we were to stay again, we’d stay at the McCully House. The Jacksonville Inn was nice if cost is a factor.
2. Restaurants
   • GoodBean Coffee Company. GoodBean is a must for all your coffee, tea, pastry and breakfast needs. Afternoon snack… yes, please!
   • Cowhorn Kitchen. The best course curated meal we’ve ever had. Pricy but worth every penny.
   • Jacksonville Inn Underground Cave Restaurant and Bar. Great bar menu and night caps.
3. Wineries
   • Del Rio Winery
   • Hummingbird Estate Winery
   • Cowhorn Biodynamic Winery and Garden
   • DANCIN Vineyards
   • Dos Mariposas Vineyards & Lavender
4. Activities
   • Wine Tasting
   • Day trip to Crater Lake
   • Ashland Shakespeare Festival
   • White Water Rafting
   • Fishing
   • Hiking
   • And so much more!

Leaving Oregon behind, we wound our way through the Redwood Forest toward Napa, Sonoma, and Healdsburg — ready for the next chapter of this winemaking journey.

Our first stop: Tamber Bey, our partners for Meritage and Chardonnay. A productive winemaking planning meeting set the tone — vineyards in beautiful shape and full of promise for the 2026 vintage. And of course, time spent visiting their stunning horses may have been the true highlight.

We made a few spontaneous winery stops (purely for research, of course 😉) and couldn’t resist a photo in front of the iconic Napa Valley sign. Some traditions are worth keeping.

Dinner in Napa brought us to The Market — extraordinary food paired with even better service. A perfect close to a full day.

The following morning called for strong coffee and a visit to our sparkling house, where our Méthode Champenoise Blanc de Blanc and Blanc de Noirs are taking shape. Disgorgement is just around the corner — an exciting milestone.

A quick stop in Dry Creek Valley for Sauvignon Blanc and Fumé Blanc led us north to Healdsburg for dinner at Valette with friends who feel more like family. An evening that reminded us why this industry is built on relationships as much as it is on vineyards.

All in all, a successful and inspiring trip. We cannot wait to share these wines with you.

Healdsburg Musts:

1. Hotels
   • Healdsburg Hotel. Hands down. For a little less pricy… we recommend their sister property, H2… where we stayed, also fantastic, hip, great service just less opulent. 
2. Restaurants
   • Flying Goat. Coffee, pastries, bread galore!
   • Gallina D’Oro. Fantastic Mexican food.
   • The Parish Café. Perfect for breakfast or lunch. Think New Orleans… yum.
   • Valette. Upscale, hip, classic dishes with a twist.
   • Bravas Bar De Tapas. Great outdoor space for drinks and appetizers.
   • Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar. Enough said.
   • Down the Road in Geyserville – Diavola Pizzeria. Delicious Italian food. Gnocchi are like pillows!
3. Wineries – Napa, Sonoma, Dry Creek, Healdsburg, Alexander Valley and surrounding areas:
   • Tamber Bey
   • Dry Creek Vineyards
   • J Vineyards & Winery
   • Jordan Winery
   • Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery
     1. Each one offers a different experience… you can’t go wrong.
4. Activities
   • Wine Tasting
   • Restaurants
   • Shopping
   • Art Galleries
   • Bicycling

Where are you going next? Want our recommendations? We’d love to help. Reach out or stop by for our ‘Must’ list.

-Brian and Sara Hulbert