The Applegater

Applegater Fall 2023 1 FALL 2023 Volume 16, No. 3 Serving Jackson and Josephine Counties — Circulation: 13,000 Applegate Valley Community Newsmagazine Celebrating Years Photo by Linda Kappen | applegater.org ~29~ Nonprofit Org US Postage PAID Permit #125 Medford OR ECRWSSEDDM Local Postal Customer See CROOKED BARN, page 15. See ROSÉ, page 2. A rosé by any other name BY CATHY RODGERS As we leave the dog days of summer and look ahead to this year's upcoming fall vineyard harvest, reflections of our abundant spring continue to tickle our s e n s i b i l i t i e s . W i t h the river still running clear and cool, wildlife frolicking in the sun's w a r m t h , l a v e n d e r in a colorful uproar, o n e m i g h t s a y o f t h i s ye a r's g row i n g season, "Everything's coming up rosé." Local vineyards producing a bouquet that has never smelled so sweet and our winemakers creating breathtaking, distinct rosés that reflect the essence of the Applegate (aromas of the valley's fresh fruit) and celebrate the pink hues of the salmon that run in our river— it's the Applegate at its finest, especially when looked at through rosé- colored glasses. R a c h a e l M a r t i n , o w n e r o f R e d L i l y Vineyards, has been producing rosé wines since 2010, when rosés were just coming to market. Her pursuit of the perfect rosé was not just a solution to a red not yet ready, but a showcase of Red Lily's tempranillo. Rachael was crafting an alluring, pale pink wine with a distinct expression and a fruit-forward persistence, a wine that is food-friendly and the perfect anytime wine. e "Lily Girl" rosé label features a drawing of their dog by Rachael's daughter, at age eight. Like time in a bottle, Lily, Red Lily Vineyards Lily Girl rosé was named after the winemaker's daughter, Lily. Overlooking RiverCrest Ranch vineyard from the wine bistro. Photo: Cathy Rodgers. Crooked Barn Vineyards offers straight-up great wine BY DIANA COOGLE A t o p t h e b a r o f Crooked Barn Vineyards's new wine-tasting room sit four bottles of Crooked Barn wine with medals a r o u n d t h e i r n e c k s : t w o m e r l o t s ( 2 0 1 9 and 2020) with silver medals from the Savor Northwest Competition i n Wa s h i n g t o n a n d a 2019 cabernet franc a n d a 2 0 1 9 c a b e r n e t sauvignon, silver-medal winners from the 2022 Oregon Wine Competition in Jacksonville. (Just in: Four silver medals for their wines from the 2023 Oregon Wine Experience!) Heidi and Marcos Martins's wines are all Bordeaux-style reds because "we love those varietals and want to produce a good line of wine in that style before adding others," Heidi says. (Sauvignon blanc is next.) ey harvest their grapes manually and tend the vines themselves. Marcos himself The crooked barn after which Crooked Barn Vineyards was named. Photo: Diana Coogle. See FIRE LEVY, page 11. During the recent board meeting of the Applegate Valley Fire District (AVFD), the board discussed proposed ideas for the option levy that is soon to expire. Because AVFD has a very low tax base, this levy has been essential to our ability to provide 24- hour emergency coverage since 1998. e levy has been overwhelmingly supported by voters in the past. At the meeting, the board considered f u n d i n g n e e d s , p o s i t i o n n e e d s , grants received, and future direction. O u r s t a f f h a s d o n e a n a m a z i n g j o b b y a c h i e v i n g a s u b s t a n t i a l number of grants. However, these grants require a "match," are of limited duration, and come with restrictions on the use of funds. On the other hand, the levy provides a minimal amount of matching funds for an extreme gain. Without this match, we actually go backw ard an d lose 24-hour emergency response staffing, instead of gaining increased service for our patrons. Applegate fire district board approves need for continued local levy and small increase BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS, APPLEGATE VALLEY FIRE DISTRICT The board proposed several options for a continuation of the levy and ultimately decided to focus on priority goals for future fire prevention for the AVFD and reduced response times for the west end of the service area. at area comprises North Applegate Road, ompson Creek Road, Provolt, Kubli Road, and Humbug Creek areas, as well as a number of other roads. Several years ago, AVFD placed housing at Station 51 on North Applegate Road, but has found it difficult to adequately staff the station with volunteers or students. A continuation of the levy, with a small increase, will provide 24-hour coverage—not only at the headquarters station, but also for the west end of the AVFD at Station 51. AVFD also provided information on funding a fire prevention-fire marshal position. In the recent past, the fire chief, operations chief, and office manager have been assigned responsibilities related to fire prevention. With these people already highly tasked with other responsibilities, it e Applegate Store and Cafe has sold! With so much potential, it seems we've all dreamed up possibilities for the site. Some dream big: a community market with fresh produce and flowers, a town square of seasonal abundance, more baked goods! Others simply want the bare essentials. Well, the new managers of the property, Jeff and Elise Higley, owners of Oshala Farm in the Applegate Valley, have been dreaming too. With funding from long- Ice cream, beer, and gas— too much to ask? BY JAMES "BUCK" REINDERS time friends, they are excited for the chance to meet the town's needs, big or small, and to get their family working together in new ways. In our next issue, we'll introduce them, their plans, and invite our readers to give them some feedback. ey asked for it. And I'll make sure they don't forget the ice cream. James "Buck" Reinders james.b.reinders@gmail.com

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