HISTORICAL Oregon Wineries

 

Doerner Winery
(1934-1965)

First Winery in the Umpqua Valley

Photo & article courtesy of Douglas County Museum, News Review, and Doerner family.Doerner Winery, near Roseburg, was the first winery in the Umpqua Valley. In 1888 Adam Doerner, a German immigrant, planted an acre of grapes. He reportedly never drank water, just wine. In the 1890’s he built a distillery and sold prune and pear brandy for $1.50/gallon. He died in 1923 but son Adolph carried on the business.

During Prohibition distilling reportedly stopped but Doerner continued to sell juice to home winemakers. After Prohibition, he was back in business making wine labeled “Melrose". When Adolph died his son Ray ran the business until it closed in 1965.

Footnote: Photo & article courtesy of Douglas County Museum, News Review, and Doerner family.


  Doerner Winery