Wooldridge Creek Winery is about more than just wine – they are also a creamery and charcuterie, set in the midst of Oregon's beautiful Applegate Valley.
For as long as I have lived in Oregon, I still find Oregonians who manage to out-Oregon even the most Pacific Northwest resident I've met.
And I love it.
It is a constant reminder of the pioneering spirit of this land, and reinforces my passion for living here.
When I visited Wooldridge Creek Winery this fall, I immediately felt an overwhelming sense of pride in their products, stemming from a love and commitment to the land itself. The winery itself embodies the true spirit of the Pacific Northwest. More than just a winery, it's also a creamery with house-made cheeses and house-made charcuterie, a haven for local wildlife, and a keeper of community.
Wooldridge Creek Winery
Amidst the rolling hills and mountains of the Applegate Valley, nestled in the rural area of Grants Pass, Oregon, sits a beautiful 56 acre vineyard.
Ted and Mary Warrick founded Wooldridge Creek Vineyard in 1978, when the Oregon wine industry was in its infancy. They spent those first two decades mostly selling their grapes to other wineries around the state and producing small batches of wine under their own label.
In 2002, Greg Paneitz and Kara Olmo were visiting the area in search of winemaking opportunities, when they came across the vineyard. Greg and Kara became partners with the Warricks to found Wooldridge Creek Winery.
Now, the winery produces approximately 5,000 cases of wine each year.
Wines
True to the unique climate and terroir of the region, Wooldridge Creek Winery produces a wide range of hearty red wines and floral white wines.
The Twilight White ($24) is a stainless steel Pinot Blanc that is fruity and floral without pesky overpowering oak.
The Warrick White Reserve ($28), on the other hand, is a big full-oak Chardonnay/Viognier blend.
Meanwhile, the 2015 Chardonnay ($26) is a balanced, creamy white wine.
This part of the state is known for bigger reds than the Willamette Valley's famous Pinot Noirs, and Wooldridge Creek Winery produces a delicious Tempranillo ($36), Malbec ($35), and a lovely Cabernet Sauvignon ($38).
During my visit, I also tasted a bright and lively Rosé wine that was only available at the winery itself. You bet I purchased a bottle to take home with me.
CrushPad Creamery and Charcuterie
Ever the curious scientist with a degree in fermentation science, Kara Olmo studied the art of cheesemaking for several years.
In 2015, the Wooldridge Creek Winery owners together launched CrushPad Creamery - Oregon's first ever joint creamery and winery.
All of the cheeses made at CrushPad Creamery are designed to pair well with wine. Kara often includes ingredients from her garden in the cheese.
Operations have expanded to include house-made charcuterie as well. So when you visit Wooldridge Creek Winery for wine tasting, you get a full experience with house-made cheeses, meats, and more!
At the tasting room, you will also find vegetables undergoing fermentation. These are often used in the charcuterie trays that you can purchase while wine tasting.
While visiting, be sure to walk around the grounds and enjoy the beautiful gardens, as well as the farm animals on site.
Visit
Wooldridge Creek Winery
818 Slagle Cr. Rd
Grants Pass, OR 97527
541.846.6364
admin@wcwinery.com
For more information, visit the Wooldridge Creek Winery website.
My visit here was part of a Travel Oregon press trip, in which our tastings and tour were complementary. I did purchase a couple of bottles on my own dime, and as always, all opinions and photos are my own.
Meg says
Sounds like a wonderful place - the photo of the bunch of grapes is so gorgeous. I think I would really like this place, since I enjoy wine, cheese, and fermented products. I'm going to put it on my list to check out.
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
You'll have to check it out for sure! Thanks, Meg!
Tenacious Little Terrier says
Full experience indeed! I haven't been to this one but now I really want to. Too few wineries have good snacks to go along with the wine.
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
I know! I wish more did!
Ruthie Ridley says
This winery looks amazing!! So beautiful!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
It really is! Thanks for stopping by, Ruthie!
Leah says
What a lovely winery o visit! Looks like some great wines and a wonderful setting! I will have to add this to my list!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Definitely do! It's a great visit!
Create/Enjoy says
Haven't heard of it but sounds like a great place! And I love when wineries have a delicious menu, too, too few do!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
It is! I love that they have everything! :)
Catherine @ Ten Thousand Hour Mama says
I adore do-it-all places like this. Wooldridge does personify the DIY ethos that is so crucial on the frontierโand continues to be a wonderful resource today!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
I agree! Thanks for stopping by! :)
Mary says
A winery, creamery and charcuterie, all in one?!?! Count me in! I've never been there, but it's definitely on my radar now. Plus I just absolutely love it down there in southern Oregon. It's such a gorgeous and peaceful part of the state.
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
I know, right?! I hope you get to visit someday! It's amazing! :)
Pech says
What a full service Winery + more - seriously how they can be keeping up with all that! Sounds like a delicious visit where you can taste the terroir in a variety of ways
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
It really is! I loved it!