A Lovely Day in The Life of Friends.  After a very rough week of working on some difficult deals, attending one too many meetings, politicking and presentations, and receiving some sad news that a dear friend suffered a heart attack, this gal is one tuckered girl.  Fortunately, today offered a little reprieve.  I had the luxury of relaxing in a limo with friends while touring some beautiful vineyards in Southern Oregon.  The sun was shining, the landscape was gorgeous and the company was engaging.  Thank you guys for bringing me out of my funk... love you!  A few pics of A Lovely Day in the Life of Friends.       It was a lovely day in the life of friends! 07/09/2011

Fabulous Wine Tasting in Southern Oregon.  It's simply an art form and a whole lot of fun.  Come taste our local wines and meet our local vintners at wineries in the Rogue and Applegate Valleys.  Some wineries offer free tastings, while others charge a small fee, which is sometimes refunded with a minimum purchase.  In any case, you will enjoy Southern Oregon wine tasting at its finest! Weisinger's of Ashland, 3150 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, 541-488-5989 or 800-551-9463, weisingers.com, open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Noted for merlot, mescolare, red blends and dry gewürztraminer. The first taste is free, small charge for additional tastes. Ashland Vineyards, 2775 E. Main St., Ashland, 541-488-0088, winenet.com. Open by appointment. Makes Bordeaux-style reds and blends. T... 04/09/2010

Sunset Magazine toasts to Southern Oregon Wineries!  Besides seeing an increase in tourist traffic each year, Southern Oregon Wineries are also seeing local, statewide, and national awards.  Sunset Magazine recently named Southern Oregon one of its top destinations for wine in 2010. The Southern Oregon Winery Association has more than 60 wineries on its list.  "There's no question, when we first bought this property, there were only a handful of tasting rooms. And now we are pushing 20 to 30 tasting rooms just in the area. There has been phenomenal growth, and good quality growth," said Bill Steele with Cowhorn Vineyard and Garden. Southern Oregon Wineries say the amount of wine being exported to other states has increased exponentially over the past 15 years. In Oregon, there are more ... 03/26/2010

The next big wine country - Southern Oregon.  Move over Napa, Southern Oregon is the next great place for exciting wines, no crowds, and inexpensive tasting fees.  Arm yourself with a map from the Southern Oregon Wineries Association and hit the road.The inside scoop: Head to the smallest, newest wine region in  Applegate Valley, Oregon (part of the larger Rogue Valley) to get your wet your palate.  Abacela, Troon, and Schmidt Family Vineyards are setting the bar high.In Umpqua, the northern, oldest wine valley, check out Brandborg Vineyard & Winery and Spangler Vineyards.  Ditch your car in historic Jacksonville, of Britt music fest fame, then wander the cluster of tasting rooms, including Quady North.Our 3 favorite sips: Foris Pinot Gris 2008 (Rogue Valley; $14). Brandborg "Love Puppe... 02/26/2010