Red Hill Douglas County is a single-vineyard AVA located entirely within the Umpqua Valley AVA of southern Oregon. Douglas County's first grapevines were planted in the area in the mid-1800s by the pioneering Applegate family, and the vineyard as it stands now was planted in the 1970s. It was established as an AVA in 2005. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling are the main grape varieties grown here.
Red Hill Douglas County is located in the northern part of the Umpqua Valley AVA, just four miles (6km) south of the town of Yoncalla. The AVA encompasses 5500 acres (2200ha) surrounding Red Hill, with the vineyard itself taking up roughly 220 acres (90ha) of this. The vines sit between 800ft and 1200ft (240–350m) above sea level; altitudes here higher than this are considered unsuitable for viticulture.
©Sienna Ridge Estate
The region's main claim to fame is its Jory soils – red, volcanic soils made up of basalt that are found throughout Oregon. Within Douglas County, this deep, free-draining soil is considered to be unique to the Red Hill area, although it is found throughout the AVAs of Willamette Valley. Vines planted here perform well viticulturally, as the low water content in the soil lessens vigor and forces the need for deep root systems. As a result, low yields of small berries are produced, leading to highly concentrated wines with excellent structure.
Red Hill Douglas County has a cooler, wetter climate than the rest of the Umpqua Valley, mainly because of its elevation. Marine influences from the Pacific Ocean, 50 miles (80km) in the west, are largely blocked by the Coastal range. Instead, the region's higher elevation contributes to its slightly lower temperatures, and the warm, sunny days during the growing season are followed by cooler nights. This diurnal temperature variation slows ripening in the grapes, preserving acidity during the development of varietal character and flavor.
The establishment of Red Hill Douglas County as an AVA in 2005 was not without controversy. Opponents of the proposed 'Red Hill' title cited confusion with the then-named Red Hills of Dundee area in Willamette Valley. This area was renamed as Dundee Hills, while Red Hill had 'Douglas County' added to further distinguish it from both Dundee Hills and Red Hills Lake County in California. There was other opposition to the appellation based on its lack of historical or viticultural significance, but despite this, the AVA designation was granted.
Currently, the area is home to just one winery, Sienna Ridge Estate, but producers from all over southern Oregon source grapes from Red Hill Douglas County to use in regional blends.
