MEDFORD, Ore. (Aug. 1, 2026) — The Rogue Valley has been recognized as the No. 1 Best Wine Region in the United States in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, marking a major milestone for Southern Oregon’s growing wine industry and further cementing the region’s reputation as one of the nation’s premier wine destinations.
The annual awards highlight top travel destinations across the country in a variety of categories. For the Best Wine Region competition, a panel of wine and travel experts nominated 20 regions before readers from across the country cast votes to determine the final rankings.
After finishing second in 2025, the Rogue Valley climbed to the top spot this year, surpassing several internationally recognized wine regions from California, Washington, Virginia and other states. The honor reflects years of growth within Southern Oregon’s wine industry, which has steadily gained national and international recognition for both the quality and diversity of its wines.
Located in Southern Oregon, the Rogue Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) stretches approximately 70 miles from Ashland west through Medford, Jacksonville, Central Point, Grants Pass and into Josephine County. Established in 1991, it encompasses more than 230,000 acres and includes three distinct sub-regions: the Applegate Valley, Bear Creek Valley and Illinois Valley.
Unlike many wine regions that focus on just a handful of grape varieties, the Rogue Valley’s geography allows growers to cultivate an unusually wide range of wine grapes. Elevations range from about 900 feet to more than 2,000 feet, while varying soils, warm summer days, cool nights and one of the longest growing seasons in the Pacific Northwest create ideal conditions for numerous varietals.
The region produces more than 70 different grape varieties, including Tempranillo, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Viognier, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache, Albariño and Pinot Noir. That diversity has become one of the Rogue Valley’s defining characteristics, attracting both experienced wine enthusiasts and visitors looking to explore something beyond traditional wine destinations.
Today, the Rogue Valley is home to dozens of wineries and tasting rooms, many of which are family-owned businesses that welcome visitors year-round. The region has developed into one of Southern Oregon’s most significant tourism drivers, complementing attractions such as Crater Lake National Park, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, rafting on the Rogue River and extensive hiking and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Local wine industry leaders have long pointed to the region’s unique climate as one of its greatest strengths. The convergence of marine, mountain and desert influences creates a wide range of microclimates, allowing wineries to successfully grow both cool-climate and warm-climate grapes within the same AVA—something few wine regions in the United States can claim.
The USA TODAY recognition is expected to provide another boost to the local economy by increasing tourism and expanding national awareness of Southern Oregon wines. Wine tourism contributes millions of dollars annually to local businesses through winery visits, lodging, restaurants, retail shopping and special events.
The award also reflects decades of investment by vineyard owners, winemakers and growers who have transformed the Rogue Valley into one of Oregon’s leading wine-producing regions. While the Willamette Valley has historically received much of the state’s wine attention for Pinot Noir, the Rogue Valley has increasingly earned accolades for producing high-quality wines across a broad spectrum of styles.
The 2026 honor follows years of national recognition for Rogue Valley wineries, many of which have earned medals at prestigious international wine competitions and praise from leading wine publications. The region’s wineries continue to expand their reach through wine clubs, direct-to-consumer sales and growing distribution across the United States.
USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards are conducted annually, with nominees selected by a panel of experts before readers vote to determine the winners. Organizers say the awards are intended to recognize exceptional destinations and experiences while helping travelers discover outstanding locations across the country.
For the Rogue Valley, earning the title of America’s Best Wine Region represents not only a significant tourism achievement but also national recognition of an industry that has become an important part of Southern Oregon’s economy, culture and identity.
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