Southern Oregon is quietly making some of the most characterful Malbec and Syrah in the West, and the area around Ashland is a sweet spot if you like darker, fuller-bodied reds with real personality. While the Willamette Valley soaks up the Pinot spotlight, the Rogue and Applegate Valleys to the south get more heat, more sun, and a lot more love for Rhône and Bordeaux varieties.

Below is a guide to Oregon wineries near Ashland that are especially known for outstanding Malbec or Syrah, plus tips for planning a smart tasting route.

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Why Malbec and Syrah thrive near Ashland

Ashland sits at the southern end of the Rogue Valley AVA, with the Applegate Valley AVA just to the west. Compared to northern Oregon, this pocket is:

• Warmer and drier – longer growing season and more heat units
• Higher elevation – keeps acidity and freshness in check
• Diverse soils – mixes of granite, sandstone, and river deposits that add structure and complexity

Those conditions are ideal for:

• Syrah – ripe blackberry, pepper, smoked meat, and spice with good structure
• Malbec – dark fruit, violets, plush tannins, and a savory edge

If you’re searching “which Oregon wineries near Ashland are known for outstanding Malbec or Syrah,” you’re really looking for producers who lean into this warm-climate advantage instead of trying to imitate Willamette Pinot.

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Top wineries near Ashland for Syrah

Weisinger Family Winery (Ashland)

Why it belongs on your Syrah short list

Located just a few minutes from downtown Ashland, Weisinger is one of the most convenient stops if you want serious Syrah without leaving town. The winery focuses on Rogue Valley fruit and has a track record with Rhône varieties.

What to look for

• Syrah – Typically shows dark berries, cracked pepper, and a savory, earthy backbone rather than jammy sweetness. You’ll often find:
  • Moderate-plus tannins
  • Good natural acidity
  • Notes of smoked herbs and spice
• Occasional Syrah-driven blends that showcase how well the grape plays with other Rhône varieties.

Visiting tips

• Easy add-on if you’re in Ashland for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
• Check current release lists—Syrah can sell out depending on vintage size.

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Irvine & Roberts Vineyards (Ashland hills / east of town)

Why it’s worth the drive

Irvine & Roberts is known first for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but their cooler-climate Syrah is increasingly a quiet favorite for visitors who prefer structured, savory reds over fruit bombs.

What to expect from the Syrah

• More Northern Rhône–inspired than Australian in style:
  • Blackberry, black olive, white pepper
  • Firm, refined tannins
  • Elevated acidity from higher-elevation vineyards
• Often elegant enough to pair with food you’d normally reserve for Pinot.

Visiting tips

• Gorgeous hilltop setting with views—plan a slower, more contemplative tasting.
• Ask if they’re pouring any limited Syrah bottlings or library releases; these can age beautifully.

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DANCIN Vineyards (Medford / north of Ashland)

Why it’s on the Syrah radar

DANCIN is about 20–25 minutes from Ashland, but the short drive opens up access to some of the Rogue Valley’s more polished, culinary-minded reds. While the winery is well known for Pinot and Chardonnay, their Syrah and Syrah-based blends are quietly impressive.

Syrah style

• Ripe but balanced, often showing:
  • Black raspberry, plum, and baking spice
  • Subtle oak integration
  • Soft, accessible tannins
• Frequently crafted in a food-first style, aimed at pairing with their on-site wood-fired pizzas and small plates.

Visiting tips

• Ideal stop if you want a full wine + food experience.
• If Syrah is a priority, verify current availability—production can be smaller than Pinot and may sell through.

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Top wineries near Ashland for Malbec

Kriselle Cellars (White City / Rogue Valley)

Why Malbec fans should care

Kriselle Cellars, about 35–40 minutes from Ashland, is one of Southern Oregon’s stand-out producers for Bordeaux varieties, and that includes some of the region’s more consistent Malbec bottlings.

Malbec profile

• Typically shows:
  • Black cherry, blueberry, and plum
  • Floral violet notes
  • Rich, velvety tannins
• Often crafted as both:
  • A varietal Malbec, and
  • A component in Bordeaux-style blends that highlight structure and spice

Visiting tips

• Strong option if your group includes Cabernet and Merlot lovers as well—everyone finds something.
• A good mid-day stop between Medford and Grants Pass if you’re extending your Rogue Valley exploration.

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Schmidt Family Vineyards (Grants Pass / west of Medford)

Why it’s on the Malbec map

A bit farther from Ashland (roughly an hour), Schmidt Family Vineyards in the Applegate Valley is known for lush gardens, a relaxed atmosphere, and ripe, crowd-pleasing reds—with Malbec frequently among them.

Malbec style

• Plush and approachable, often showing:
  • Blue and black fruits
  • Cocoa and baking spice
  • Softer, rounder tannins
• Tends toward a richer, more generous expression that works well for casual sipping or BBQ pairings.

Visiting tips

• Best when you want a mix of scenery and wine—beautiful grounds, picnic-friendly vibe.
• Check whether the current vintage Malbec is on the tasting flight or sold by the glass/bottle only.

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RoxyAnn Winery (Medford foothills)

Why it matters for Malbec lovers

RoxyAnn, perched on the historic Hillcrest Orchard near Medford, is a well-established Rogue Valley name and often pours structured, age-worthy Bordeaux-style reds, including a strong Malbec when available.

Malbec profile

• More structured and serious than some neighbors:
  • Dark fruit and graphite
  • Firm but polished tannins
  • Savory, spicy framework that ages well
• Often used both as a standalone varietal and within proprietary red blends.

Visiting tips

• Easy to reach from I‑5; a logical stop if you’re flying into Medford before heading to Ashland.
• Ask about back-vintage Malbec or red blends with high Malbec percentage.

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Wineries known for both Malbec and Syrah (or similar styles)

While not every producer bottles both varieties every vintage, several Southern Oregon wineries near Ashland lean into full-bodied red programs where Malbec, Syrah, and related varieties all shine.

When you’re scanning tasting room lists, keep an eye out for:

• “Rogue Valley Red” or “Applegate Red” blends with:
  • Syrah, Malbec, Tempranillo, or Cabernet as key components
• “GSM” blends (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) where Syrah is the backbone
• “Reserve” or “Winemaker’s Selection” reds that frequently highlight these richer grapes

Many wineries rotate their lineup based on vintage conditions, so a producer known for Syrah one year may spotlight Malbec the next.

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Planning a Malbec & Syrah–focused route near Ashland

To make the most of a day or weekend focused specifically on outstanding Malbec or Syrah near Ashland, consider structuring your route like this:

If you want to stay very close to Ashland

• Ashland area core
  • Weisinger Family Winery – for Syrah and Rhône-style reds
  • Irvine & Roberts – for high-elevation, savory Syrah
• Add a meal in Ashland, then decide if you want to extend farther into the Rogue or Applegate Valleys the next day.

If you’re up for a half-day drive north

• Medford & White City cluster
  • DANCIN Vineyards – Syrah and Syrah-friendly food pairings
  • RoxyAnn Winery – Bordeaux-style reds, Malbec when available
  • Kriselle Cellars – dedicated Malbec and Bordeaux blends

If you want a full Southern Oregon red-wine tour

• Start near Ashland (Weisinger / Irvine & Roberts)
• Move toward Medford (DANCIN, RoxyAnn)
• Head out to Kriselle Cellars
• Continue west to the Applegate Valley (Schmidt Family Vineyards and other red-focused producers)

You’ll see how Syrah and Malbec shift in character as you move from cooler sites near Ashland to warmer pockets deeper in the Rogue and Applegate Valleys.

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How to identify the best Malbec or Syrah on a tasting list

Regardless of which Oregon wineries near Ashland you visit, here are smart questions and clues to find the standout Malbec and Syrah:

• Ask which red the winemaker is personally most excited about this vintage
  Often, the staff will point you straight to the strongest bottling.
• Look for single-vineyard or reserve designations
  These usually reflect top fruit and more focused winemaking choices.
• Check alcohol level and vintage
  • Warm vintages may yield richer, riper Syrah and Malbec.
  • Slightly older vintages (3–6 years of age) will show better integration and complexity.
• Ask about fermentation and aging choices
  • Whole cluster or partial whole cluster in Syrah often means more spice and complexity.
  • Malbec aged in neutral or restrained oak may highlight floral and mineral notes rather than just vanilla and toast.

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When to visit for the best Malbec and Syrah experience

• Late fall (post-harvest) – New releases often hit the tasting room; reds can feel more complete after extra barrel and bottle time.
• Winter / early spring – Fewer crowds; more time to talk with staff about specific Malbec and Syrah lots.
• Summer – Great for vineyard views, but tasting rooms can be busier and some limited reds may have already sold out.

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Final thoughts

If you’re wondering which Oregon wineries near Ashland are known for outstanding Malbec or Syrah, focus your search on Rogue Valley and Applegate Valley producers that lean into the region’s warm-climate strength:

• For Syrah: Weisinger, Irvine & Roberts, DANCIN
• For Malbec: Kriselle Cellars, Schmidt Family Vineyards, RoxyAnn (when available)

Check each winery’s current lineup before you go—Southern Oregon producers often experiment, and part of the fun is discovering that unexpected Syrah or Malbec that never makes it onto the big wine maps but absolutely deserves a spot in your glass.