 The Applegate River flows through the town of Applegate and near the city of Jacksonville, which was the location of Oregon's first winery (the winery has been restored and re-opened as Valley View Winery).This region contains vineyards at altitudes ranging from to above sea level, and is warmer and drier than the Illinois Valley to the west, but less so than the Bear Creek Valley to the east.Grapes that thrive here include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay and Zinfandel, with Cabernet and Merlot being the dominant varietals.