agate ridge vineyard

It's official, after trying every wine at every local vineyard (I know, work, work, work) I'm ready to declare my favorite: Agate's 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon. My wife and I are incredibly fortunate to have such great vineyards just minutes from our home, but Kim and her people have put together what is for me, the perfect Cab. Combine that with regular events with really great music at the vineyard and it's totally win/win.The '09 Cab is unlike any other Southern Oregon or California Cab, it is warm and inviting with light mouth feel and a surprisingly dry finish. It's not "jammy" or "purple." As a friend pointed out, "this is a Cab I could just drink all day long."Agate Ridge is a small operation with a very small tasting room on the first floor of the original farmhouse. They don't have a wood fired pizza oven, they don't have a menu. They do have an expansive yard with picnic tables and a big walnut tree for shade. Often there's just one person working in the tasting room, so it can seem a little less service-oriented than one might want on a first visit, but just roll with it. After a bit you'll feel just like family.

This is very close to our home and live to go in the summer, sit on the grass, sipping great wine & listening to very good musicians. The owner, Kim, has made a remarkable venue that is close to home & a great way to spend a summer evening.

They have decent wines, but they are not my favorites. Tasting room is OK, but it doesn't have the ambience of many others in the area. Wasn't as friendly and welcoming as some others.

Their Petite Sirah is one of our favorites! They have a new winemaker as of 2011, so we hope for more good wine!

Because Agate Ridge has such a great relaxed atmosphere with nice staff, great wine and a large relaxing yard area, we have chosen this spot for large parties. They always make it fun and easy!

This small winery needs to be on your travel list. The folks here are friendly and knowledgable and their wines are wonderful. They have live music every so often in the evenings and a gourmet catering truck available if you want dinner to go with your wine. As the sun sets and breeze cools the summer evening, surrounded by the vineyard and old farmhouse, you just might think you've died and gone to heaven.