I n 1989, Don  Moore, a Pasadena California physician was dreaming about retirement on a small farm, and quite by accident, found one.  Don and Traute Moore were vacationing on the Klamath River when their car was broken into, forcing them to change plans and drive to Ashland to get their car window repaired.  While there,  they discovered the lovely orchards and small farms of the region. A realtor introduced them to a 15 acre vineyard, called Quail Run.

Knowing nothing about growing grapes, but loving the area, they decided to purchase the property, becoming among the early pioneers in the industry.   As their little vineyard thrived, the Moores bought or leased other properties around the Rogue Valley with different elevations and soils.  Don Moore, a dedicated plant lover, experimented with new grape varieties, and through trial and error found that the Rogue Valley could successfully grow an amazing variety of grapes from around the world. Traute worked with the crews and marketed their grapes to wineries in the Willamette.   Twenty years later the Moores were farming 350 acres of grapes.

O ne of their early collaborators was Joe Dobbes, who was captivated by the variety and quality of the Moore’s fruit and talked Jim Berneau, owner of Willamette Valley Vineyards, into launching a second label, Griffin Creek, which would use only Quail Run fruit and focus on Rhone and Bordeaux wines.  In 1996, the Griffin Creek Merlot was named the Best Red Wine of the year by the Wine Spectator.

In 2008 the Moore’s son, Michael, joined the family and took over management of the vineyards, leaving Traute to work on developing a wine tasting room in Jacksonville.  Not wishing to build a winery of their own, they asked Joe and a few other winemakers to make wines for them.

The home of South Stage Cellars is a charming 1864 brick building in the heart of Jacksonville.  It is surrounded by a substantial shaded garden. Here one can find wines made from the 28 varieties the Moores grow, making South Stage Cellars wine tastings and Wine Club infinitely interesting.

Inside, South Stage offers a relaxed, weathered, wooden interior with two fireplaces. The knowledgeable  staff are excellent at helping customers find just the right wines they enjoy.  South Stage offers rotating art exhibits featuring the work of local painters.  From Spring through summer musicians play three nights a week in the wine garden.

P revious manager, Porscha Schiller’s vibrant personality set the tone for South Stage. In 2018, her sad and untimely death grieved all of us. She loved producing events. Rising Stars introduced new and talented musicians to the public. A series on wine history, talks by winemakers and by community leaders have engaged our visitors. South Stage has lent support to many local non-profits with donations and wine.

Current manager, Connie Thomas brings her careful organizational skills, her art and culinary background and exceptional wine palate to the smooth functioning of South Stage .  The wines continue to win accolades and awards in major events such as The San Francisco Chronicle, Wine Enthusiast and won a Best of Show in the celebrated Oregon Wine Experience.

Great wines, exceptional staff, art, music and rewarding community involvement have made South Stage Cellars a cherished destination for wine lovers.   We invite you to enjoy our incredible wine selection, charming wine bar, and enchanted garden.