Rene Brons

The winemaking team at Schmidt Family Vineyards is led by winemaker Rene Brons. Under his guidance, the winery has garnered numerous awards and accolades, including "Editors Choice" from Wine Enthusiast and "Best of Class" from the San Francisco Chronicle. The Schmidt family, now spanning three generations, remains deeply involved in the day-to-day operations, ensuring a legacy of quality and sustainability.

The Applegate Valley AVA in Southern Oregon is a sub-region of the Rogue Valley AVA, known for its Mediterranean-like climate, granite-rich soils, and high elevation (1,000–2,000 feet). With hot days and cool nights, the valley produces bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot, along with expressive whites such as Viognier and Albariño. Its well-draining soils and low rainfall during the growing season result in concentrated, flavorful wines. The region’s diverse microclimates allow for a variety of grapes to thrive, making it a standout destination for high-quality, artisan winemaking.