Del Rio Vineyards
A property steeped in history, where wine is synonymous with expertise and locale.
Del Rio Vineyards is a family property located in the Rogue Valley in the Southern Oregon. The vineyard was established in 1997 by Lee and Margaret Traynham, two Californians from a long line of farmers. Before their arrival the property had been producing fruit for over 100 years.
The estate was originally created by John B. White in the 1850s. Initially a small community, it quickly evolved into a small town with a post office, a hotel, a telegraph station, a school and even the railway. As the village grew the property also grew. The main architect of this growth was K. F. Deuel who bought the hotel in 1907. Rock Point Hotel_ fell into disuse as did the land. He planted fruit trees and quickly turned the small family owned orchard into an orchard of 800 acres (pears, apples, cherries, apricots, peaches, hazelnuts, walnuts …). They renamed the property Del Rio Orchards.
The 1920s were prosperous but short. Indeed the Depression and World War II were difficult times for the family estate who fought tirelessly to keep from falling into bankruptcy.
In 1997 Lee and Margaret Traynham made the acquisition of Del Rio Orchard and Hotel. They then launched into a great restoration / renovation of the hotel, Resurrection of the land and transformation of the orchard into a vineyard.
Del Rio today covers 300 acres of vineyards. Del Rio annually produces 300,000 bottles of wine and grapes are sold to more than twenty wineries from Oregon and California.
Where does the name of Del Rio Vineyards come from?
“We inherited this name by way of redemption. When the owners acquired this area was an orchard that had been cultivated for over 100 years. We turned it into vineyards. ”
Focus on Aurélien Labrosse, assistant winemaker at Del Rio Vineyards
“I grew up in the South of Burgundy surrounded by green pastures. My mother instilled in me a love for cooking and gastronomy. Small, we often used our family _ products from the garden for cooking. I always enjoyed being part of the transformation process: select, cut, cook / bake and pair.
I started studying and was soon employed in the marketing of wine But soon I was attracted to the vineyard. I made my first vintage in Burgundy. which convinced me to devote myself entirely to the production of wine and not its simple marketing. I passed and got a degree in oenology and viticulture Blanquefort (Bordeaux). Afterwards I went to work in vineyards abroad (Chile, Israel, United States …) but also in France (Burgundy, Bordeaux). Each trip allowed me to gain experience, to learn and see different approaches to wine. In 2012 I went to work in Oregon believing that the region can produce fine wines. Today I am happy to work in this region and at Del Rio. There is a very good lifestyle here. What I like here is that it has less restrictions than in other wine regions of the world. There is more freedom to innovate.
The person and his/her well being is taken into consideration. There is a sense of family; a team.”
Why did you choose to come in the Rogue Valley to make wines ?
“To be part of the developing young region in Southern Oregon was an attractive challenge which finally led me to join the Del Rio family. Our vineyard is unique. It is surrounded by majestic mountains and our site allows us to produce grapes of high quality. Here there is an ideal microclimate for grapes! There are truly beautiful soils. The grapes we harvest and the wines we produce are racy. They express the identity of the Rogue Valley.
Since 2012 I chose to dedicate myself to producing wines reflecting our land and richness. I firmly believe in wine as a product bringing pleasure in a simple, user-friendly experience and to share the beautiful moments of life. ”
Can you briefly describe what is the wine to you?
“Wine is a product that is really related to my identity. Wine is also strongly linked to another of my passions, food / cooking. This is more than a drink, there is something substantial in wine. The wine is birthed from a long, natural and complex process that originates in the vineyard and in the environment of the plant. The equation between the freshness, elegance, depth and expression of terroir is what matters to me. As in all equations each element plays an important role to achieve the final balance. ”
What allows you to recognize Del Rio Vineyards wines in a blind tasting? What is your signature?
“Freshness and elegance are key components that we focus on. Following the same idea, we keep our alcohol content reasonnable to keep this freshness and accessibility. Much in the nose and mouth we want to feel, drain the fruit, feel the aromas linked to the grape whose wine is made.
Jean-Michel Jussiaume (the winemaker) and I are both French vintners from cool climate regions (Loire and Burgundy). For us the acidity is important. It is the backbone of white wines and freshness of red wines. Finally, we work with oak barrels, but we use them as a complementary element to the aromas of the wine and not as a base. This means that if you experience flavors of oak / wood in our wine it is likely that this will be just a touch providing additional aromatic layer. The barrel should be used only to bring complexity to come around the fruit and ultimately to improve the quality of the wine. ”
Do you have specific plans for Del Rio Vineyards?
“Del Rio continues to grow and change. This spring, we simply planted an additional 100 acres of vines bringing the vineyard to 300 acres. With our new plantings of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and we are very happy with the growth and development of our range and our brand. ”
Anecdote side
The domaine of Del Rio was founded by John B. White at the end of 1850. At first it was a small young community named Rock Point. J. B. White fought alongside Captain William A. Wilkinson during the Indian Wars of 1855/1856. In appreciation of his services he received lands. A few years later he became the first judge of Rock Point and opened the first post office.
Thanks to Aurélien Labrosse for his warm and friendly welcome.
Choukroun Chicheportiche Jonathan
Del Rio Vineyards & Winery
52 N River Rd, Gold Hill,
OR 97525, USA
+1 541-855-2062
