An Unforgettable Culinary Journey: Exploring Harry & David in Southern Oregon

A few weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity to embark on a journey to Southern Oregon, a region renowned for its breathtaking autumnal beauty and, more importantly, home to the legendary Harry & David. This iconic brand, synonymous with exquisite gift baskets, succulent Royal Riviera Pears, and a cornucopia of gourmet delights, opened its doors to a group of food bloggers for an immersive experience.

I joined 15 other amazing bloggers, all eager to delve into the heart of the Harry & David legacy. We flew into Medford, a town vibrant with the fiery hues of autumn, and spent several days soaking up every aspect of the Harry & David experience. From savoring one epic meal after another to sampling an endless supply of juicy pears and the dangerously addictive Moose Munch, every moment was a celebration of flavor and camaraderie. It was a chance to connect with good friends, both old and new, amidst a backdrop of culinary excellence.

Allow me to share a glimpse into our truly unforgettable adventure!

The Journey Begins: Propeller Planes and Autumnal Wonders

While I typically don’t dwell on flight details in my travel recaps, this particular journey warrants a mention. My good friend, Shelly, and I arrived in Medford aboard a charmingly tiny, yet impressively loud, propeller plane. It had been at least a decade since I last experienced a non-jet flight, and it certainly offered a nostalgic, albeit noisy, start to our adventure. Despite having to shout over the engine for our entire catch-up conversation, we landed safely in Medford, buzzing with anticipation for the Harry & David experience awaiting us.

A Historic Retreat: The Winchester Inn, Ashland

Our home for the weekend was the exquisite Winchester Inn, a truly beautiful historic gem nestled in the vibrant heart of Ashland, Oregon. If your travels ever bring you to this charming town, a stay at the Winchester Inn is an absolute must. Every detail exudes warmth and hospitality, from the uniquely named, charming rooms featuring incredibly comfortable beds draped in the softest sheets imaginable, to the meticulously maintained grounds and stunning landscaping. Add to this their award-winning restaurant, and you have the perfect “home away from home” where we all happily cozied in for a weekend of culinary exploration and friendship.

Upon arrival, I was particularly thrilled to be reunited with my dear friend, Cassie. We were once next-door neighbors in Kansas City, and though she and her husband had recently moved, our assigned “roomie” status for the trip meant ample time to catch up. Her presence immediately added an extra layer of joy to the experience, reinforcing the spirit of connection that defined our weekend.

Of course, no Harry & David experience would be complete without immediately diving into the incredible goodies left in our hotel rooms. Among the delightful assortment, the “bar blend” snack mix quickly became a unanimous favorite. Its ridiculously addictive and delicious nature, especially with the inclusion of savory sesame sticks, truly made this food blogger a very happy camper. These initial treats perfectly set the tone for the gourmet adventure that lay ahead.

An Evening of Connection: Dinner at Sandy’s Reluctant Entertainer Home

Our collective time together officially kicked off at the beautiful home of our local food blogging friend, Sandy of Reluctant Entertainer. Having had the pleasure of spending time with Sandy on no less than seven blogging trips this past year, I’ve come to adore her in every way. We share a kindred spirit, especially when it comes to the art of entertaining. Her philosophy centers on creating relaxed, enjoyable moments where people can truly connect, rather than stressing over achieving perfection. Her blog, in fact, is a treasure trove of stories and practical tips designed to foster these authentic experiences. That being said, let me assure you, Sandy knows how to throw an absolutely incredible dinner party!

After years of following her blog and hearing about her hospitality, I was incredibly excited to finally experience her home in person. And it was even more magical than I could have imagined. As we walked in, everyone was immediately mesmerized by her breathtaking backyard. It felt like stepping into a scene from a Gatsby-esque party – beautiful lights were strung everywhere, illuminating an abundance of delicious food and fine wine. More importantly, it was the perfect setting for wonderful friends, gathered at last, to create an unforgettable evening.

True to her promise to Amanda, Sandy treated us to her legendary brie appetizer, the very same one she had crafted at the Better Blog Retreat just weeks prior. You can find her incredible recipe here. Let me just emphasize: this is, without exaggeration, one of the best appetizers on the planet. I urge you to run, don’t walk, to your nearest Harry & David store (or visit their website) and order the ingredients to recreate this masterpiece. Your friends will not only thank you, they might just grovel in delight.

After a delightful round of introductions, allowing everyone to meet and mingle, and enjoying the incredible spread of appetizers, we settled down for a truly beautiful dinner. It was the first of many stunning meals we would share throughout the trip, and each bite was savored, a testament to the exquisite flavors and wonderful company.

Our Esteemed Blogger Crew: A Gathering of Culinary Talents

Allow me to introduce the fantastic crew who made this trip so special! From left to right, we have Robyn, Amanda, Cassie, Helen Jane, Shelly, myself, Paul, Judy, Lindsay, Angie, Melissa, Gina, and our ever-talented group photographer, Sandy. It was an honor to share this experience with such a talented and wonderful group of people.

Morning in the Orchards: Pears, Cheese, and Innovative Farming

The next morning began with an early start, as we ventured out into the expansive fields that are the very heart of Harry & David’s operations. Southern Oregon, particularly during autumn, truly lives up to its reputation for breathtaking beauty, with rolling landscapes ablaze in vibrant fall colors.

After a truly amazing breakfast back at the Winchester Inn, we were treated to yet another delicious mid-morning snack, this time amidst the serene beauty of the Harry & David fields. It was a perfect blend of natural beauty and gourmet indulgence.

This was my inaugural experience tasting blue cheese from the acclaimed Rogue Creamery. Paired with Harry & David’s signature sugared nuts, it was a revelation. The combination was so utterly delicious that I could have happily subsisted on this exquisite pairing for the remainder of the trip. The depth of flavor and perfect balance truly left a lasting impression.

Secrets of the Orchard: Pear Harvesting and Frost Protection

Next, we were privileged to receive an insightful tour of the pear orchards, expertly led by Harry & David farmer, Matt. He shared fascinating details about pear harvesting, which had been completed about a month prior, ensuring the fruits were perfectly ripe. Matt then enlightened us on the ingenious methods they employ to care for the orchards, particularly regarding weather fluctuations. Due to the dramatic temperature shifts in the valley, which can be detrimental to sensitive crops like pears and peaches, Harry & David has installed a remarkable system: gas canisters strategically placed throughout the fields. When temperatures drop too low, these canisters are lit, creating fires that warm the fields and protect the precious pears from freezing. It was an absolutely amazing display of dedication and innovation in agriculture!

While the majority of the pears had already been picked and sent into cold storage, we were lucky enough to spy a few resilient fruits still clinging to the branches. These latecomers offered a sweet, tantalizing glimpse of the delicious harvest that makes Harry & David famous. Yum!

After learning so much about the pear-growing process, we even took a moment to imagine ourselves in the roles. What do you think? Could we pass as authentic pear farmers? It was a fun, lighthearted moment amidst our educational tour.

A Sweet Masterclass: Chocolate Painting with Charlie at Harry & David

Following our orchard excursion, we headed to the nearby Harry & David headquarters in Medford, where a truly special experience awaited us. We were greeted by the head chocolatier himself, Charlie. This wasn’t just any chocolatier; he was the real-life Charlie from the (Harry & David) Chocolate Factory, a true artisan of indulgence. Charlie has dedicated 33 years to his craft, meticulously creating so many of the delicious Harry & David treats that captivate our taste buds. He graciously spent his morning with us, sharing his expertise and teaching us the delicate art of chocolate making.

Our assignment for the morning was wonderfully creative: to literally paint with chocolate! Each of us received molds and an array of vibrantly colored cocoa butter, with instructions to craft our own “masterpieces.” I couldn’t help but wish my sister, an AP art teacher, could have joined us for this segment of the trip. Painting has never been my strongest suit, but when chocolate was involved, the challenge felt undeniably sweeter and more inspiring!

We all enthusiastically set to work, carefully painting beautiful autumn colors onto our individual leaf molds, channeling our inner artists with the most delicious medium imaginable.

It felt a bit like a nostalgic throwback to a 4th-grade show-and-tell, but with a gourmet twist. Just look at our pretty chocolate paintings – each one a unique, edible work of art!

Once our molds were beautifully colored, we carefully filled them with melted chocolate, ensuring an even distribution by gently tapping each mold. Charlie then took our creations to be refrigerated, allowing the chocolate to harden and solidify, bringing our artistic visions to life.

Then – voilà! Our chocolates were ready, beautifully emerged from their molds. Here are my little works of art, proof that even a non-painter can create something delightful with chocolate. I’m already envisioning hosting a chocolate painting party with friends; it promises to be an incredibly fun and delicious activity!

A Glimpse into Gourmet Production: Cakes, Chocolates, and the Legendary Moose Munch

After our chocolate painting session, we took a brief but captivating tour of the Harry & David headquarters. This bustling hub is where culinary magic happens, with everything from delectable cakes and artisanal chocolates to the renowned Moose Munch being baked, crafted, and perfected. The sight of massive quantities of Moose Munch, piled high and ready for packaging, was particularly mesmerizing. I confess, I felt an almost irresistible urge to dive straight into that sea of caramel, popcorn, and nuts!

Dining and Dairy Delights: Deja Vu Bistro and Rogue Creamery

Following our sweet explorations, we headed to Deja Vu Bistro for a delightful lunch. Walking in, we were immediately greeted by yet another gorgeous autumn-themed table setting, testament to the region’s charm. If you ever find yourself visiting this wonderful restaurant in Medford, I wholeheartedly recommend ordering the pear onion soup and the steak salad. Trust me, you absolutely will not regret these incredibly flavorful choices.

After a satisfying lunch, our excitement was palpable as we prepared for a wonderfully “cheesy” tour of the famous Rogue Creamery. This institution is celebrated worldwide for its exceptional artisanal cheeses.

It’s no exaggeration to say this place has garnered more than just a “few” awards for its outstanding excellence and innovative approach to cheesemaking. Their reputation precedes them, and for good reason.

Rogue Creamery: A Commitment to Quality Over Quantity

We received an engaging introduction and a brief tour from some of the dedicated cheesemakers at Rogue Creamery, who instantly earned our admiration and respect. In an industry where expansion is often mistakenly equated with “success,” Rogue Creamery has intentionally maintained a smaller, more focused operation. This deliberate choice allows them to prioritize quality above all else, a philosophy that shines through in every single product. Despite their immense popularity, they remain committed to their original scale, ensuring they can continue doing what they love best: producing outstanding, melt-in-your-mouth, savor-every-bite delicious cheese. While they do offer other exceptional products, it’s undeniably all about that incredible cheese!

During our visit, Michael and I happened to stumble upon some truly brilliant products in their general store. I immediately knew I had to make room for them in my already over-stuffed suitcase! The name of the product was no exaggeration – they were absolutely heavenly! This unexpected discovery was a delicious bonus to our creamery tour.

After an incredible day filled with new discoveries, we enjoyed an amazing dinner at the exquisite Peerless Restaurant. The evening concluded with a fun “girls’ night,” where we shared laughter and reflections before happily falling asleep in the best kind of “food comas” imaginable, eagerly anticipating what the next day would bring.

Day Two: Gift Baskets, Chocolate Tasting, and Packing Plant Secrets

The next morning, I’m fairly certain everyone woke up extra early, driven by a singular, delicious motivation: to savor every single bite of breakfast at the Winchester Inn. I might have neglected to mention it before, but breakfast here is truly epic, a highlight that deserved every moment of our attention.

Energized and satiated, we then loaded up our comfortable “blogger bus” and headed back to the Harry & David headquarters for our second day of deliciousness, eager for more behind-the-scenes insights and gourmet experiences.

The Art of Gifting: Exploring Harry & David’s Extensive Basket Collection

Upon entering a meeting room, we were immediately greeted by a sight that truly embodied the spirit of Harry & David: a room absolutely filled to the brim with baskets. And not just a few…

…baskets, overflowing with gourmet treats and expertly arranged…

…baskets, showcasing an incredible diversity…

…baskets, baskets, and more baskets! While I knew Harry & David was renowned for their stunning gift baskets, I had no idea the sheer vastness of their selection. It became clear that whatever the occasion, price point, or desired contents, Harry & David likely carries the perfect solution. Their commitment to thoughtful gifting is truly remarkable, offering an unparalleled variety that caters to every need and taste.

Their catalogue even dedicates an entire page to the myriad varieties of Moose Munch, a testament to its cult following! And to our delight, Harry & David has also ventured into producing their own signature line of wines. Naturally, we sampled them, and then, perhaps even more naturally, asked to sample some more! Seriously, if you appreciate fine wine, be sure to explore the option of adding a bottle to a gift basket. I was genuinely impressed by every single one, even the Pinot Noir, which isn’t typically my preferred varietal, proved to be exceptional. Their foray into winemaking is a true success!

Our main assignment for the morning, and one we approached with utmost seriousness, was to conduct some “highly official” chocolate tasting. I always tell people, this food blogging gig is a tough job, but someone’s got to do it! It was a delicious task, meticulously evaluating the nuances of various Harry & David chocolate creations.

Afterward, we had the unique opportunity to step into the massive cold storage facility, where the pears harvested from the very orchards we had visited were being meticulously stored. Let’s just say our visit was brief, because when they describe it as “cold,” they mean it’s absolutely freezing! However, those precious pears thrive in these frigid conditions, which helps them remain incredibly juicy and perfectly ready to be enjoyed around the holiday season. It was a fascinating insight into the care taken to deliver fresh fruit.

Floral Feasts and Friendly Faces: Lunch at Penny & Lulu

Following our busy morning, we were treated to another stunning lunch experience at Penny & Lulu. This place was truly a decorator’s dream come true, adorned with fresh flowers, rustic decor, and an abundance of charming and beautiful elements everywhere you looked. The aesthetic alone was a feast for the eyes.

Accordingly, every course we enjoyed was not just delicious but also beautifully “floral,” with fresh flowers elegantly woven into each dish. It was such a delightful and unique culinary treat, engaging all our senses.

I must say, however, that the company was just as beautiful and enriching as the magnificent meals we shared. Spending so much quality time with such wonderful blogging friends was truly a highlight, fostering connections and creating lasting memories.

Retail Therapy and Packing Plant Perfection

After lunch, we enthusiastically headed over to the Harry & David Country Village store for a little retail therapy. Having sampled so many incredible H&D specialties over the past few days, each of us arrived with long, well-prepared shopping lists and a readiness to stock up on our newfound favorites. The excitement in the air was palpable!

Even Michael discovered the stylish neon green mini carts, adding a touch of playful charm to our shopping experience. “Très cute,” indeed! Harry & David graciously offered to ship our goodies directly to us, sparing us the hassle of carrying them on the plane. My package arrived just today, complete with all the ingredients needed to recreate Sandy’s famous brie. I absolutely cannot wait to make it!

Our final adventure for the day was a comprehensive tour of the vast Harry & David packing plant. This impressive facility is where all the amazing produce is meticulously sorted, graded, and carefully packed into their famous boxes and gift crates, ensuring every item meets their high standards.

…as well as the renowned gift baskets, each one a testament to their dedication to presentation and quality.

The incredibly kind packing professionals from the facility guided each of us in packing our very own custom gift baskets to send to someone special. Here is my masterpiece, thoughtfully assembled and adorned with the pretty bows we learned to tie. I proudly sent mine to my dear mama! This hands-on experience offered a true appreciation for the care that goes into every Harry & David delivery. Afterward, we spent a lovely evening enjoying a farewell dinner at 2Hawk Winery, celebrating a weekend of unforgettable moments.

We indulged in a delightful wine tasting on their beautiful covered patio, savoring the local vintages and the stunning views. Afterwards, we moved to our own private dining room below for a truly lovely farewell dinner. It was an absolutely wonderful and fitting end to a truly wonderful time together, filled with gourmet delights, cherished friendships, and invaluable insights into the world of Harry & David.

Reflections on a Gourmet Adventure: Connecting with Harry & David

My deepest gratitude goes to Harry & David for generously hosting us and for making our time in Southern Oregon so exceptionally special. Their hospitality and the immersive experience they provided were truly outstanding. A huge thank you also to Sandy for her incredible effort in bringing together such an amazing group of talented bloggers. I am immensely grateful to call these creative individuals my friends and to have had the privilege of making my first unforgettable Oregon memories in their wonderful company.

To learn more about Harry & David and explore their world of gourmet delights, be sure to connect with them on their website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Don’t forget to also check out their engaging new blog, where deliciousness truly abounds!

Disclaimer: Harry & David generously sponsored my trip to Oregon for this blogger event. All opinions expressed in this article are 100% my own, as always. Thank you for reading and for supporting the brands that I love and that contribute to making this blog possible.