Stepping into the heart of Southern Oregon’s verdant Rogue Valley with the iconic Harry & David felt less like a typical press trip and more like an immersive culinary odyssey. Just last week, I had the immense privilege of joining an exceptional group of food bloggers on this unforgettable adventure, and to call the experience merely “memorable” would be a colossal understatement. It was a whirlwind of sensory delights: the explosive sweetness of freshly picked premium fruit, the inspiring camaraderie of incredibly talented friends, the breathtaking canvas of Oregon’s natural beauty, exquisite local wines, artisanal cheeses, and decadent chocolates – all meticulously curated and generously shared over three unforgettable days. Trying to encapsulate such a rich tapestry of experiences into words has been a delightful challenge, a testament to just how profound an impact this journey had on me and my fellow travelers.
My adventure, destined to be filled with unexpected turns and incredible discoveries, began with a minor hiccup that blossomed into an unforeseen gift. A connecting flight from Minneapolis to Portland encountered a peculiar issue – a blinking cargo door indicator light that grounded us for over an hour. This ripple effect meant I missed my crucial final connection from Portland to Medford, threatening to derail the eagerly anticipated first evening’s festivities. The thought of missing a long-awaited dinner at the charming backyard of my dear friend, Sandy Coughlin, The Reluctant Entertainer, and the initial meeting with my fellow food bloggers, was disheartening. However, Sandy, ever the resourceful hostess, suggested I rent a car and drive the scenic, almost five-hour route through the heart of Oregon. Without a second thought, I was all in. This unexpected detour was, in retrospect, the first of many blessings on this trip, transforming a travel snag into a spontaneous Southern Oregon road trip. I embarked on a journey that would reveal the splendid beauty of Oregon, almost from its northern reaches to its southern heart. The panorama unfolded before me: majestic mountains piercing the sky, lush valleys cradling winding rivers, sparkling lakes reflecting towering pines, and roads that gracefully wove through it all. It was almost too much beauty to absorb at once, a dreamlike sequence where pausing for photos felt almost sacrilegious. Who truly captures dreams on film?
Upon my arrival at Sandy’s welcoming home in Medford, the exhaustion of the journey melted away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of warmth and genuine hospitality. Sandy, far from living up to her moniker of “Reluctant Entertainer,” had orchestrated a magnificent spread of appetizers that truly showcased the region’s bounty. A lavish array awaited: creamy goat cheese, exquisite Harry & David preserves, an assortment of crisp crackers and artisanal breads, zesty pickled green beans, fresh garden vegetables, and local blackberries so plump and juicy they were literally the size of my thumb. Her home, her family, and her beautifully set table exuded an infectious warmth that immediately set the tone for the entire Harry & David experience: it was fun, profoundly inspiring, and above all, utterly delicious, laying the perfect foundation for our culinary exploration of the Rogue Valley.
And can we talk about how utterly charming those napkin swags from The Hip Hostess were? They were a perfect little touch, symbolizing the meticulous attention to detail that permeated every aspect of our visit and truly elevated the dining experience.
The following morning, our Harry & David odyssey truly began as we ventured deep into the expansive orchards of Southern Oregon, guided by the incredibly passionate Orchard Director, Matt Borman. From the moment he started speaking, Matt’s deep love for his work and his unwavering dedication to the land were palpable. It was easy to understand why; imagine having this breathtaking view as your daily office – a vibrant landscape stretching as far as the eye can see, teeming with the promise of nature’s bounty. It’s a workplace that truly embodies the essence of growth, vitality, and connection to the earth, a testament to the unique appeal of working for Harry & David in the picturesque Rogue Valley.
Matt captivated our group of tweeting, iPhone-addicted, photo-happy bloggers with his infectious enthusiasm and remarkable patience. He often apologized for getting “ag-geeky” on us, but I, for one, was absolutely thrilled by his insights. There’s something incredibly satisfying about delving into the fascinating statistics and intricate details of large-scale, yet meticulously managed, agriculture, especially when presented with such genuine passion for sustainable farming. The sheer scale of fruit cultivation and the precise processes within these Harry & David orchards were nothing short of astonishing. We learned about the 800,000 pear trees flourishing across 1,684 acres of pristine land, yielding an impressive 6-10 tons of their highly coveted Comice pears per acre. These numbers alone paint a picture of immense productivity, but the most striking detail was the unwavering commitment to quality and the invaluable human touch: every single one of these premium Comice pears is picked by hand. At the peak of harvest season, Harry & David employs 330 full-time pickers who, incredibly, harvest approximately 700 tons of fruit *by hand* each day. This staggering figure underscores a dedication to freshness, perfection, and the artisan craft of fruit picking that is increasingly rare in modern agriculture, ensuring that only the finest fruit makes it into their renowned gourmet food gifts.
If your thoughts, like mine, immediately turned to the welfare of these dedicated orchard workers, you are certainly not alone. Harry & David distinguishes itself not only through its superior produce but also through its exemplary commitment to its seasonal workforce in the Rogue Valley. The company boasts one of the highest rates of return among seasonal agricultural workers in the industry, and for excellent reasons. They provide over a thousand wholesome meals DAILY for their workers and their families, along with comprehensive benefits and comfortable housing options. This holistic approach to employee welfare fosters a loyal, skilled, and content workforce, which in turn contributes directly to the consistent quality and success of the Harry & David brand. It’s a powerful testament to their deep-rooted values and profound community commitment, a crucial element that profoundly enhanced my admiration for the company during this enlightening visit to Southern Oregon.
Another significant reason I left Southern Oregon utterly enamored with Harry & David is their pioneering adoption of “soft” growing practices and advanced Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This translates to a responsible agricultural philosophy where they intentionally avoid using full-kill pesticides. As Matt Borman eloquently explained, “It takes longer for the beneficial insects to recover from a full-kill product than the harmful ones. Why would we do that?” This intelligent, ecologically minded approach prioritizes the long-term health of the orchard ecosystem, fostering a natural balance rather than relying on harsh chemical interventions. In an era where sustainable agriculture is paramount, Harry & David stands out as a leader, demonstrating that premium quality and environmental stewardship can, and should, go hand-in-hand. Living in a heavily agricultural area myself, I understand implicitly how farmers are almost utterly dependent on unpredictable weather conditions for the health, yield, and overall success of their harvest. This is why I was particularly fascinated by the sight of large, imposing fans strategically placed throughout the orchards. These aren’t merely decorative; they serve a crucial purpose, acting as vigilant guardians against damaging frosts and freezes during the vulnerable periods of early spring and late fall. As I observed these massive structures peeking over the vibrant green trees, my mind whimsically conjured images of Don Quixote and his iconic windmills, a romantic notion of battling nature’s caprices for the sake of the precious harvest.
“I am I, Don Quixote, the Lord of La Mancha. My destiny calls and I go. And the wild winds of fortune will carry me onward. Oh whithersoever they blow.” The resonant words from the timeless musical continuously echoed through my mind, a poignant soundtrack to the dedication witnessed in the Harry & David orchards. And indeed, I found myself profoundly grateful that the winds of fortune had so gracefully blown me towards the enchanting landscape of Medford, Oregon, allowing me to witness such an extraordinary blend of tradition, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence in the heart of the Rogue Valley.
The meticulous attention to detail so evident in the Harry & David orchards seamlessly extends into their state-of-the-art packing facilities. Every single one of those carefully hand-picked Comice pears undergoes a rigorous inspection process, meticulously scrutinized by practiced human eyes. Only the absolute best of the best, fruit that meets their exacting standards for size, color, and flawless appearance, are deemed worthy of inclusion in Harry & David’s renowned gourmet gift towers and baskets. This commitment to perfection is unwavering, ensuring that every customer receives only the highest quality premium fruit. What about the perfectly good produce that is cosmetically less than stellar – perhaps a minor blemish or an irregular shape that doesn’t meet the stringent premium gift aesthetic? Harry & David’s sustainable practices shine here too. This “cosmetically challenged” fruit is intelligently diverted to other valuable food products, often destined for local processing into items like baby food or preserves, significantly minimizing food waste and supporting local economies within Southern Oregon. It’s a responsible approach that ensures no good fruit goes to waste, reflecting a comprehensive commitment to quality and sustainability throughout their entire operation.
After an invigorating morning immersed in the world of pear orchards, a delightful culinary break was in order. We indulged in a refreshing snack of luscious, freshly picked Harry & David peaches, perfectly complemented by rich, local bleu cheese – a simple yet exquisite pairing that highlighted the region’s bounty. Our journey then led us to the charming, historically rich town of Jacksonville, a true gem in the Rogue Valley. Here, we were treated to a splendid lunch at the historic Jacksonville Inn, a place I highly recommend for its ambiance and, specifically, for their utterly divine grilled salmon flatbread sandwich. Post-lunch, our exploration of Oregon’s culinary landscape continued. First, to the transcendent Rogue Creamery, an award-winning artisanal cheesemaker. Here, I found myself playfully attempting, albeit in vain, to coax the lead cheesemaker into revealing the exact temperature at which he caves his world-famous bleu cheeses – a testament to the passionate secrecy surrounding true culinary artistry and the unique terroir of the Rogue Valley. From there, we journeyed to the beautiful Ledger David tasting room, where we savored the exquisite experience of pairing their locally produced wines with the distinct, complex flavors of Rogue Creamery’s cheeses. As the day gracefully transitioned into evening, we meandered back to our luxurious accommodations at the Ashland Springs Hotel in the equally charming town of Ashland. This exquisite boutique hotel, known for its timeless elegance, provided the perfect setting to relax and prepare for another delightful dinner, further enhancing our Southern Oregon culinary immersion. A special shout-out to any hotel that thoughtfully provides midnight snacks and soothing chamomile tea – truly a touch of class after a day of exploring Oregon wine country!
This evocative photograph, captured just before an enchanting dinner at Red Lily Vineyards, speaks volumes. For me, it perfectly encapsulates the ephemeral yet profound feeling of the entire weekend in Southern Oregon. It’s a moment frozen in time that embodies the joyful blend of camaraderie, the serene beauty of the vineyards, and the sheer delight of shared culinary experiences among friends. Words, even my most earnest attempts, often fall short in truly describing the magic we felt, but this image comes incredibly close to conveying that unique blend of friendship, natural beauty, and gastronomic pleasure found in the heart of Oregon’s wine country.
After a night of truly restorative sleep in one of the most comfortable hotel beds I’ve ever had the pleasure of sinking into, the final day of our Harry & David journey promised an experience of unparalleled delight. We were granted exclusive access into what felt like the sanctum sanctorum of all things sweet: the Harry & David chocolate test lab. I’m fairly certain that celestial choirs began to sing as we were ushered into this hallowed room, greeted with the news that we were not only going to participate in a comprehensive artisan chocolate tasting but also learn the intricate art of hand-painting sweets. It became abundantly clear, rather quickly, that I have absolutely no future in the delicate craft of chocolate decorating. I will, for the sake of artistic integrity and your peace of mind, spare you the horror that was my plate of chocolates. (The truth is, yes, they looked quite awful, but I’m primarily not showing you a picture because, well, I promptly ate every single one of them, regardless of their aesthetic shortcomings – a testament to their utterly deliciousness, a true highlight of our culinary adventure!)
This guy, however, was a true marvel, a maestro of cocoa…
This extraordinary individual, Charlie Douglas, Harry & David’s Manager of Research & Development, is a fascinating blend of pastry chef, artisan chocolatier, mad scientist, and pure, unadulterated genius. His passion for chocolate is infectious, his creativity boundless, and his expertise evident in every creation. Coming from a long lineage of chocolatiers, Charlie embodies the profound dedication and innovative spirit that I observed in every Harry & David employee I had the pleasure of meeting. He is 100% invested in and deeply passionate about his craft, a quality that shines through in every exquisite treat he conceptualizes. Charlie meticulously walked us through his team’s intricate process of conceptualization, refinement, and perfection for new culinary delights, transforming abstract ideas into tangible, mouth-watering realities. His work is a testament to the Harry & David legacy of gourmet food innovation. And Charlie wasn’t just full of fascinating talk and inspiring ideas; Charlie generously provided samples. Luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth samples that spoke louder than any words could about the magic of Harry & David chocolate.
We all loved Charlie.
Madly.
We also grew incredibly fond of Rhonda Klug, Harry & David’s PR Manager. Our appreciation for her extended far beyond her role in meticulously organizing our unforgettable tour across the beautiful Southern Oregon countryside. We loved her not just for her exceptional hospitality and seamless coordination, but also because, with thoughtful generosity, she consistently gifted us with delicious cookies. It’s the simple gestures, coupled with genuine warmth, that truly resonate and solidify fond memories of such an extraordinary culinary adventure.
What can I say? When presented with gourmet experiences, stunning Rogue Valley scenery, and truly delicious treats, we’re a wonderfully easy crowd to please, and infinitely grateful for the experience.
My deepest gratitude goes to Harry & David for generously offering us such an intimate and enlightening glimpse into the meticulous “how” and profound “why” behind their exceptional brand. This immersive journey transformed me from a casual consumer into a dedicated customer for life, understanding the true value of their premium fruit and gourmet gifts. Beyond the incredible products, I am endlessly thankful that they brought me together with this truly incredible and inspiring group of food bloggers. The connections forged, the friendships rekindled, and the shared passion for culinary exploration made this experience truly priceless and a highlight of my blogging career.
Left to Right: Lori, Jessica, Jenna, Rachel, Maria, Amy, Matt, Sandy, Bridget, Kristen, me, and Heidi.
I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to cross paths with all of these remarkable individuals again. Hopefully, sooner rather than later! In the meantime, I cannot encourage you enough to spend some valuable time exploring the captivating blogs of these talented ladies. In their company, I discovered not only profound culinary inspiration but also genuine friendship, and I continue to nurture both by regularly immersing myself in the wonderful food narratives and delectable recipes they create from their kitchens. To help you embark on your own journey of discovery and get their unique perspectives on our unforgettable Harry & David Southern Oregon adventure, here are direct links:
Recipe Girl
How Sweet Eats
Eat, Live, Run
A Southern Fairy Tale
Two Peas and Their Pod
She Wears Many Hats
Reluctant Entertainer (and here)
Bake at 350
Dine and Dish
Foodie Crush Magazine
To further illustrate the delightful spontaneity and breathtaking beauty of our Southern Oregon escapade, here’s a collection of candid iPhone snapshots from the trip – little visual postcards capturing the essence of our journey and the unforgettable moments we shared, from lush orchards to gourmet delights:
And as a parting thought, be sure to check back here tomorrow for a truly perfect summer harvest recipe. I promise it will be well worth your while, bringing a taste of the Rogue Valley right into your kitchen and extending the culinary magic of Harry & David!
Disclaimer: This unforgettable trip to Southern Oregon was generously sponsored and paid for by Harry & David. However, please rest assured that all opinions, enthusiastic recommendations, and profound affections expressed in this post are entirely my own and authentically reflect my experience. I genuinely loved Harry & David so much that, well, I’m half-seriously contemplating relocating to their orchards and becoming a full-time pear enthusiast! Kidding. (Mostly.)