A Culinary Journey: Exploring the Heart of Harry & David in Southern Oregon

A few weeks ago, I embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Southern Oregon, stepping into the enchanting world of Harry & David. This iconic brand, renowned for its exquisite gift baskets, succulent pears, and an abundance of gourmet delights, opened its doors for an immersive experience that captivated all my senses.

Joining 15 other incredible bloggers, I flew into Medford, the vibrant home of Harry & David. The town itself was a picturesque dream, ablaze with the stunning hues of autumn, setting a magical backdrop for our visit. Together, we spent several days delving deep into the Harry & David legacy, indulging in epic meals, savoring countless juicy pears and irresistible Moose Munch, and forging new memories in the company of cherished friends. This journey was more than just a trip; it was an exploration of passion, quality, and the art of exceptional food. Let me take you on a glimpse into our remarkable time together!

Welcoming Autumn in Southern Oregon: Arrival and First Impressions

While I don’t typically recount flight details in my travel narratives, the journey to Medford warrants a special mention. My flight companion, Shelly, and I arrived aboard a remarkably tiny, yet surprisingly loud, propeller plane. It had been over a decade since I last experienced a non-jet flight, and this unique trip certainly reinforced my appreciation for modern aviation. Despite the need to shout over the engine to catch up on each other’s lives – a necessity we gladly embraced – we landed safely in Medford, brimming with excitement for the adventure ahead.

Our Charming Retreat: The Winchester Inn, Ashland

Our home away from home for the weekend was the exquisite Winchester Inn, a magnificent historic estate nestled in the picturesque heart of Ashland. I cannot recommend this place enough – if your travels ever lead you to Ashland, staying here is an absolute must. Every detail, from the uniquely named, charming rooms with their incredibly plush beds featuring the softest sheets imaginable, to the meticulously manicured grounds and award-winning restaurant, contributed to an atmosphere of unparalleled comfort and elegance. We all instantly fell in love with this cozy haven.

Upon arrival, my excitement soared as I was reunited with my dear friend, Cassie! We were once next-door neighbors in Kansas City before her move to Jefferson City. Serendipitously, we were assigned as roommates for the trip, which provided us with ample time to catch up and reconnect. Her friendship is truly a gift!

Of course, our first order of business was to dive into the thoughtful Harry & David goodies awaiting us in our hotel rooms. Among the delightful treats, the “bar blend” snack mix immediately stood out. Its ridiculously addictive and utterly delicious flavors made it an instant favorite. As a food blogger, anything that includes savory sesame sticks instantly puts me in a very happy place.

A Warm Southern Oregon Welcome: Dinner at Sandy’s Home

Our collective journey truly began at the beautiful home of our local food blogging friend, Sandy, the creative mind behind Reluctant Entertainer. Over the past year, I’ve had the immense pleasure of collaborating with Sandy on seven different blogging trips, and each encounter deepens my admiration for her. We share a profound kinship, especially when it comes to the art of entertaining. Sandy’s philosophy centers on fostering moments where guests can genuinely relax, enjoy themselves, and connect on a deeper level, rather than fretting over achieving perfection. Her blog is a treasure trove of inspiring stories and practical tips designed to make these cherished moments happen.

That said, I can confidently attest that Sandy possesses an extraordinary talent for hosting an incredible dinner party!

After years of following her blog and engaging in conversations, I was incredibly excited to finally experience Sandy’s home in person. It was even more magical than I had imagined. As we stepped into her backyard, we were immediately captivated by its beauty. Twinkling lights were strung elegantly everywhere, creating an ambiance reminiscent of a Gatsby-esque garden party. Delicious food and fine wine flowed freely, and the gathering of wonderful friends created the perfect atmosphere for an evening of celebration and connection.

The Legendary Brie Appetizer

True to her promise to Amanda, Sandy delighted us by recreating the legendary brie appetizer she had served at the Better Blog Retreat just weeks prior. You can find her incredible recipe here, but let me assure you, this is unequivocally one of the finest appetizers on the planet. I implore you: run, don’t walk, to your nearest Harry & David store (or visit their website) and gather the ingredients to make this masterpiece. Your friends will not only thank you, they might just grovel!

After warm introductions, delightful conversations, and an impressive spread of appetizers, we all settled down to enjoy a truly beautiful dinner. It was the first of many exquisite meals to come, and each bite was savored and appreciated.

Our Amazing Blogger Crew

Allow me the pleasure of introducing you to our wonderful crew! Starting from the left, we have the talented Robyn, the inspiring Amanda, my dear friend Cassie, the brilliant Helen Jane, the fabulous Shelly, myself, the insightful Paul, the creative Judy, the lovely Lindsay, the delightful Angie, the visionary Melissa, the incredible Gina, and our wonderfully faithful group photographer, Sandy. I am truly grateful for these amazing people and the bonds we share.

From Orchard to Artisan: Exploring Harry & David’s Roots

Morning in the Pear Orchards

The following morning, we rose early and ventured into the heart of Harry & David’s operations: their vast pear orchards. As we drove through the landscape, it became evident why Southern Oregon is considered breathtakingly beautiful. The rolling hills, crisp autumn air, and golden sunlight created a serene and picturesque setting.

After an incredible breakfast at the Winchester Inn, Harry & David surprised us with another delicious mid-morning snack right there in the fields. It was an unexpected, yet perfectly timed, treat amidst the natural beauty.

This was my inaugural tasting of blue cheese from Rogue Creamery, and it was an absolute revelation. Paired with Harry & David’s sugared nuts, I could have happily made this my exclusive meal for the remainder of the trip. The combination was simply heavenly!

We were then privileged to receive a fascinating tour of the pear orchards from Matt, one of Harry & David’s dedicated farmers. He shared intricate details about pear harvesting, which had concluded just a month or so prior. What truly captivated us were the innovative methods they employ to care for the orchards, especially concerning unpredictable weather. Given the significant temperature fluctuations in the valley, and the delicate nature of pears, peaches, and other crops, Harry & David has installed gas canisters throughout the fields. These canisters, which are literally lit on fire, serve to warm the fields when temperatures drop too low, protecting the precious fruit from freezing. It was an absolutely amazing testament to their commitment to quality and preservation!

Although most of the pears had already been picked and transported to cold storage, we managed to spy a few resilient fruits still clinging to the branches – a tempting reminder of the season’s bounty!

What do you think? Do we pass as authentic pear farmers? We certainly had fun trying!

A Sweet Experience: The Harry & David Chocolate Factory

Following our refreshing orchard tour, we drove to the nearby Harry & David headquarters in Medford. There, we were warmly greeted by Charlie, the head chocolatier. Yes, the real-life “Charlie” of the Harry & David Chocolate Factory! Charlie, with an impressive 33 years of experience, is the ingenious creator behind many of the delectable Harry & David treats we all adore. He generously dedicated his morning to teaching us bloggers the delicate art of chocolate making.

Our creative assignment for the morning was a unique one: to literally paint with chocolate! Each of us received molds and an array of colored cocoa butter, with instructions to create our own chocolate 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 with chocolate involved, the challenge felt undeniably sweeter!

We all enthusiastically set to work, carefully painting beautiful autumn colors onto our individual leaf molds. The atmosphere was a delightful mix of concentration and playful creativity.

It felt like a joyous flashback to 4th-grade show and tell, as we proudly displayed our vibrant chocolate paintings!

Once our molds were adorned with color, we carefully filled them with melted chocolate and gently tapped each mold to ensure an even surface. Charlie then whisked them away to be refrigerated, allowing the chocolate to harden perfectly.

And just like that – voilà! Our chocolates were ready. Here are my little works of art, which turned out much better than I anticipated! I’m already looking forward to hosting a chocolate painting party with friends; I think it will be an absolute blast!

After our sweet adventure, we enjoyed a brief tour of the Harry & David headquarters, where an incredible array of delicacies was being crafted to perfection. From delicate cakes to rich chocolates and the universally adored Moose Munch, every corner hummed with delicious activity. Witnessing the sheer volume of Moose Munch being prepared was awe-inspiring – I could have happily taken a dive into it!

Culinary Delights and Local Flavors

Lunch at Deja Vu Bistro

Following our tour, we headed to Deja Vu Bistro for a delectable lunch. As we entered, we were greeted by yet another stunning autumn-themed table setting, which was absolutely beautiful and inviting. If you ever find yourself in Medford and visit this charming restaurant, I highly recommend ordering their pear onion soup and the steak salad – you will certainly not be disappointed!

The Award-Winning Rogue Creamery Tour

After a satisfying lunch, we were absolutely thrilled to embark on a “cheesy” tour of the renowned Rogue Creamery. This incredible establishment has garnered numerous awards for its outstanding products and commitment to quality.

We received an insightful introduction and brief tour from some of the dedicated cheesemakers, who instantly earned our profound admiration and respect. In an industry where expansion has often been equated with success, Rogue Creamery has made a conscious choice to keep their award-winning operation relatively small. This deliberate decision allows them to prioritize quality above all else, ensuring that every batch of cheese meets their exceptionally high standards. Despite their immense popularity, they remain committed to maintaining a manageable size, enabling them to continue doing what they love best: producing outstanding, melt-in-your-mouth, savor-every-bite delicious cheese. While they offer other fantastic products, let’s be honest – it’s truly all about the cheese!

While exploring their general store, Michael and I stumbled upon some truly brilliant products, which I promptly made room for in my already overstuffed suitcase! The name “heavenly” certainly wasn’t an exaggeration – these delights were exquisite!

After our cheesy expedition, we enjoyed a fabulous dinner at the Peerless Restaurant, followed by a fun girls’ night, culminating in happy food comas. The next day, I’m almost certain everyone awoke extra early, eager to savor every single bite of breakfast at the Winchester Inn. I must reiterate – the breakfast here is truly epic!

The Art of Gifting: Harry & David’s Signature Baskets

Energized by another incredible Winchester Inn breakfast, we loaded into our favorite little blogger bus, eager to head back to Harry & David for our second day of delicious discoveries.

A Universe of Gift Baskets

We arrived at a meeting room that was absolutely overflowing with baskets!

Baskets…

…baskets…

…baskets! While Harry & David is widely celebrated for its stunning gift baskets, I was truly astonished by the sheer breadth and depth of their selection. No matter the occasion, price point, or desired contents, it’s highly probable that they have the perfect basket to suit your needs. Their catalogue even dedicates an entire page to the myriad varieties of Moose Munch, showcasing its immense popularity!

Beyond the baskets, Harry & David now proudly produces its own signature line of wines. We had the pleasure of sampling these, and I must confess, we eagerly requested more! Seriously, if you appreciate fine wine, be sure to explore the option of adding a bottle to your next gift basket. I found every single one exceptional, even the Pinot Noir, which isn’t typically my preferred varietal, was surprisingly outstanding!

Official Chocolate Tasting

Our main assignment for the morning was the highly official task of chocolate tasting. I always tell people, being a food blogger can be a tough job, but someone has to do it! We meticulously sampled various chocolates, appreciating the nuanced flavors and textures. It was a delightful sensory experience, affirming Harry & David’s mastery in confectionery.

Into the Cold Storage and Retail Therapy

After our delicious tasting, we had the opportunity to pop into the cold storage facility to glimpse the pears harvested from the very orchards we had visited. Let’s just say our visit was brief, because when they describe it as “cold,” they mean COLD! However, these pears thrive in such conditions, which contribute to their incredible juiciness and ensures they’re perfectly ready to be enjoyed throughout the holiday season.

Following our chilly tour, we were treated to another stunning lunch, this time at Penny & Lulu. This restaurant was an interior decorator’s dream come true, with fresh flowers, rustic decor, and charming, beautiful touches adorning every space. Accordingly, every course we savored was beautifully presented with a “floral” theme, featuring fresh flowers artfully woven into each dish – an absolutely delightful and memorable treat!

I must say, though, the company was just as beautiful as the meals. I truly cherished getting to spend so much quality time with such wonderful blogging friends, sharing laughter, stories, and culinary delights.

After lunch, we made our way to the Harry & David Country Village store for a little retail therapy of our own. Having sampled so many incredible Harry & David specialties over the past few days, we each arrived with meticulously prepared shopping lists, ready to indulge! Michael even discovered the stylish neon green mini carts, which were tres cute and perfect for navigating the store.

Harry & David’s thoughtful gesture of shipping our purchases directly to our homes meant we didn’t have to worry about carrying our delicious haul on the plane. Mine arrived just today, complete with the essential ingredients to recreate Sandy’s famous brie – I absolutely cannot wait!

Behind the Scenes: The Packing Plant Tour

Our final adventure of the day was an illuminating tour of the Harry & David packing plant. This massive facility is where all the incredible produce is meticulously sorted and packed, ensuring only the highest quality items make it into their famous gift baskets.

…as well as the iconic baskets themselves!

The kind and experienced packing professionals from the facility guided each of us in assembling and packing our own custom gift baskets to send to someone special. Here is my masterpiece, adorned with the pretty bows we learned how to tie. I proudly sent mine to my dear mama! The evening culminated with a lovely farewell dinner at 2Hawk Winery. We enjoyed an intimate wine tasting on their beautiful covered patio, savoring the local vintages.

A Memorable Farewell: Dinner at 2Hawk Winery

…and then proceeded to our private dining room downstairs for an exquisite dinner. It was truly a wonderful and fitting end to a truly magnificent time together, filled with camaraderie, discovery, and unforgettable flavors.

Grateful Reflections and Continued Connections

My deepest gratitude goes out to Harry & David for their incredible hospitality and for making our time in Southern Oregon so exceptionally special. A huge thank you also to Sandy for her invaluable role in bringing together such an amazing group of bloggers. I am truly thankful to call these talented individuals my friends and to have shared my first unforgettable Oregon memories with them. This trip was a perfect blend of culinary exploration, behind-the-scenes insights, and the joy of new connections. It reinforced the magic that happens when passionate people come together around a shared love for food and community.

To learn more and stay connected with the world of Harry & David, be sure to visit their engaging website, and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Don’t forget to check out their new and exciting blog, where deliciousness truly abounds!

Disclaimer: My trip to Oregon for this blogger event was generously sponsored by Harry & David. As always, all opinions expressed are 100% my own. Thank you for reading and for supporting the brands that I genuinely love and that play a vital role in making this blog possible.