Elkton Oregon in southern Oregon became an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in March 2013. It is in the far north-west of the existing Umpqua Valley AVA and covers 75,000 acres (30,350ha) around the tiny town of Elkton. The cool climate here means that Pinot Noir is undoubtedly the area's strong suit for Elkton's red wines. The local white wines are made from such aromatic varieties as Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer.
Elkton takes its name from the nearby Elk Creek, which flows into the Umpqua River at the town’s southern edge. Elkton was founded in 1850, on the site of Fort Umpqua, a fur-trading post set up by the Hudson’s Bay Trading Company in the 1830s. Elk Creek rises in the hills above the town of Yoncalla, at the northern tip of Elkton Oregon’s neighboring AVA, Red Hill Douglas County.
©Brandborg Wines
Only a tiny number of wineries are located within the limits of the Elkton Oregon area, of which Brandborg and River’s Edge are the best known. It was the owner of River’s Edge, Michael Landt, who led the petition for the creation of this new AVA.
Elkton has a cooler, more moderate climate than the higher areas of the Umpqua Valley such as Roseburg, resulting in a milder and longer growing season, with more rainfall. This is partially due to the marine influences of the Pacific coast (30 miles / 50km to the west). On summer afternoons, Pacific breezes travel up the Umpqua, taking the edge off any spikes in summer heat and creating lower night-time temperatures. To offset this cooling effect (and to increase the grapes’ ripening potential), most vineyards around Elkton are planted at lower elevations (between 140ft and 1000 ft) and on west-facing slopes. These sites enjoy warmer temperatures and more afternoon sunshine than the hills above.
The Coast Range Mountains shield Elkton from the full influence of the Pacific coastline, so while it is cooler and wetter than locations higher in the valley, it is significantly warmer and drier than anywhere on the coast.
Elkton’s heat summation (based on the Winkler scale) is 2,346 degree days – significantly fewer than the 2,683 of Roseburg, 30 miles to the south and 100ft higher in elevation. This explains why Pinot Noir is by far the most popular red-wine variety in Elkton, while in Roseburg, the vineyards can comfortably ripen warmer-climate varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo. Elkton also receives around a third more precipitation each year than Roseburg (52 inches compared to 33).
Climate is important in viticulture, but it is not the only consideration. Soil types are also key. Almost all Elkton vineyards are located on the gentle river terraces and foothills along the Umpqua River and Elk Creek. These have relatively thin topsoil laid over gravel beds deposited by the two waterways over the millennia. These lower-fertility sites reduce vine vigor and therefore yields, theoretically promoting quality over quantity.
