When Edward Kerwin, an allergy and asthma specialist, physician and clinical research scientist, relocated to the Rogue Valley from Denver in 1993, he and his wife Karen decided to pursue their dream of developing a vineyard and winery. In 2001 he and his family located a 55-acre property outside Ashland off Native American Indian Memorial Road for sale by the Miller ranch, which was first settled in the 1880s. They purchased the land and began to implement the development of Belle Fiore Winery, Estate and Vineyards (Belle Fiore Winery translates as “Beautiful Flower Winery”).
The Kerwins planted the vineyards in 2007, cultivating extraordinary wine grapes from many wine growing regions across Mediterranean Europe. By 2013, the chateau and pavilion were finished, and Belle Fiore was open to the public at 100 Belle Fiore Lane. You’ll see the sign 1.5 miles up from the intersection with Highway 66 across from Oak Knoll golf course. Signs along the road will direct you to the winery.
“From France’s Bordeaux region, we grow varietals including Chrdonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot,” Kerwin said. “From the Rhone, we grow Syrah grapes. From Burgundy, our Pinot Noir grapes are celebrated and esteemed. Belle Fiore also grows Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Musque, two additional classic French white wine grapes. Our winery fashions exemplary wines using each of these classic French grape varietals.”
Additional Italian, Spanish and Portuguese grapes grown on site include locally celebrated Barbera, Montepulciano, Teroldego, Tempranillo and Touriga reds, and Carprettone and Verdejo white wine grapes.
Belle Fiore wines are fermented and aged in a beautiful, technologically advanced tank room admired by winery guests as they stroll on the Pavilion viewing gallery. The barrel rooms rest submerged beneath the Wine Pavilion and maintain a steady 56-degree Fahrenheit (8°C) year round for optimal, gentle aging. In addition to the classic French varietals, they’re also known for their celebrated “Numinos,” “Siderio” and “Souspire” French red wine blends and “Terramisso” (an Italian red blend).
The Winery’s “Belle Arte” (“beautiful art”) label celebrates avant garde, innovative, artistic winemaking, producing remarkable, unique wines including Rosé, Caprettone, Verdejo, Merlot, Teroldego and Cabernet Franc. The Winery was voted “2024 Best USA Domestic Winery” at the Sommelier International Wine Competition.
The Pavilion and the Mediterranean-style chateau are magnificent and like something out of Tuscany or Southern France. A stroll through the chateau, patio, gardens and vineyard is definitely worth the drive and is only minutes from downtown Ashland. The beautiful and elegant expression of French architecture and design will inspire you with magnificent views of Ashland and the surrounding landscape.
The upper level of the Pavilion boasts the Calypso Wine Bar, Terrace & Plaza nestled in the vineyard itself with majestic mountain views. The Wine Bar is always available for viewing when the winery is open. They offer chef-selected culinary food pairings at night in their selective limited-service restaurant to accompany their distinguished wines. The all-day menu includes items such as savory cheese boards, burgers, pizzas and salads.
Guests of the Belle Fiore tasting rooms can savor extraordinary wines and classic food pairings, and at night enjoy music and winemaker paired dinners. They also offer “Three Course Wednesdays,” where you can enjoy a three-course dinner at a special discount. Dining and wine tasting is open year-round 12-7pm, and you can enjoy live music Thu thru Sun from 5-7pm.
Chateau tours can be arranged be calling 541-552-4900. You can also see them at https://bellefiorewine.com/ and on Facebook and Instagram.
