South Stage Cellars—Rogue Valley Wine Pioneers Since 1989

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 the 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 diverse 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 array of grapes from around the world. Traute worked with the crews and marketed their grapes to wineries in the Willamette Valley. Twenty years later, the Moores were farming 350 acres of grapes.

Rogue Valley Vineyard Collaborations
& Award-Winning Quail Run Merlot

O ne of their early collaborators was Joe Dobbes, who was captivated by the variety and quality of the Moores’ fruit and convinced Jim Bernau, owner of Willamette Valley Vineyards, to launch a second label—Griffin Creek—using only Quail Run grapes to craft Rhone and Bordeaux-style wines. In 1996, the Griffin Creek Merlot was named the Best Red Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator.

In 2008, the Moores’ son, Michael, joined the family business and assumed vineyard management, allowing Traute to focus on creating a wine tasting room in Jacksonville, Oregon. Rather than building their own winery, they invited Joe Dobbes and other respected winemakers to produce wines from their 28 estate-grown varietals.

Today, South Stage Cellars resides in a charming 1864 brick building in downtown Jacksonville, Oregon, surrounded by a lush, shaded garden. Here, you can taste wines made from every grape the Moores cultivate, making each visit and Wine Club shipment an endlessly interesting exploration.

Inside, the tasting room features a cozy, weathered-wood interior with two fireplaces. Our knowledgeable staff excels at guiding guests to wines they will love. Rotating art exhibits by local painters adorn the walls, and from spring through summer, live music fills the garden three nights a week.

Jacksonville, OR Wine Bar
Leadership & Community Events

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 in Jacksonville, Oregon. We invite you to enjoy our incredible wine selection, charming wine bar, and enchanted garden.