Discovering Harry & David: An Exclusive Journey Through Oregon’s Premier Gourmet Gift Company

(Pear Orchard – Rogue Valley)

It’s a rare and truly special occasion to be invited behind the curtain of a company as renowned and steeped in history as Harry & David. Last week, I had the incredible fortune to receive just such an invitation, flying cross-country from the sun-drenched warmth of Florida to the vibrant, fall-infused landscape of Southern Oregon. My mission? To immerse myself in the world of this iconic gourmet gift and fruit company. Every moment of this journey was savored, offering a profound glimpse into the dedication and craftsmanship that defines Harry & David.

Our adventure began in Jacksonville, a charming and eclectic town nestled near the home offices of Harry & David. Our gracious hosts for the duration of the trip were the delightful Magnolia Inn, a bed and breakfast that exuded warmth and character. Our group comprised eleven enthusiastic food bloggers, transforming the inn into our lively base camp. The camaraderie among us, a blend of new acquaintances and old friends, made the Magnolia Inn feel like a home away from home. It was a wonderful gathering of culinary minds, ready to explore the heart of Oregon’s gourmet scene.

The eleven of us who filled every room at the Magnolia Inn included a wonderful mix of talented bloggers: Brenda, Brian, Carrie, Dara, Gaby, Heather, Julie, Maggie, Matt, Sommer, and myself. Each morning, we awoke to the inviting aroma of fresh coffee and a delicious breakfast, just steps from our comfortable rooms. After full days of exploration, we returned to an array of thoughtful treats, from homemade cookies and milk to exquisite wine and cheese pairings. Every detail was meticulously planned by the innkeepers, Susan and Robert, whose hospitality was truly exceptional. Their genuine warmth and friendliness made leaving Jacksonville genuinely difficult. I am already dreaming of a return visit to this charming inn, perhaps with my own family one day, to relive the enchanting experience of Southern Oregon.

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

Speaking of outstanding hospitality, our dear friend Sandy, who resides in Medford and expertly coordinated our entire trip, extended an incredibly special invitation. On the very night of our arrival, she hosted all eleven of us – a boisterous group of bloggers, cameras in tow – for a memorable dinner at her home. It was an extraordinary gesture, welcoming us into her beautiful space and sprawling backyard, where we dined alfresco under the crisp fall air and twinkling stars. The setting was as idyllic and dreamy as it sounds, perfectly encapsulating the magic of Southern Oregon.

Sandy’s menu was a magnificent showcase of Harry & David specialties, thoughtfully incorporated into a truly gourmet experience. We started with a bountiful fruit and cheese plate, prominently featuring their famously juicy pears and delightful preserves. There was also a stunning vegetable platter served with an irresistible mango cream cheese dip that none of us could resist. The main course began with Sandy’s homemade rendition of Harry & David’s Wild Mushroom Leek Soup, a comforting and flavorful dish that was an absolute delight after our long day of travel. She expertly served fresh salmon, perfectly broiled and enhanced with their flavorful Pepper and Onion Relish. Accompanying this were several exquisite sides from Harry & David’s newest line of entrees, including a decadent Lobster Risotto that was so good it circulated around the table for multiple servings. To cap off this incredible meal, Sandy presented her warm Pear Pumpkin Pecan Cake, served à la mode with a scoop of creamy maple ice cream. Despite being completely satisfied, I found myself scraping my plate clean – a testament to the exquisite flavors and Sandy’s impeccable culinary skills. It was a truly memorable evening that highlighted both Harry & David’s quality products and the warm hospitality of the Rogue Valley.

What truly elevated our dinner at Sandy’s was the undeniable atmosphere of easy, comfortable entertaining – a true reflection of Sandy’s signature style. It was a night filled with genuine laughter, great conversation, and the joy of shared food. Fun was absolutely on the menu, making it a perfect start to our Harry & David experience.

(iPhone cheesin’ with Carrie, Julie & Sandy)

A Deep Dive into Harry & David’s Operations: Orchards, Factories, and Craftsmanship

A significant portion of our days was dedicated to comprehensive tours of the various facets of Harry & David’s sprawling operations. This included everything from their expansive orchards to their state-of-the-art chocolate and candy factories, and their meticulous packaging facilities. Each visit offered unique insights into the meticulous processes that ensure the quality of their renowned gourmet gifts.

The Heart of the Harvest: Exploring the Harry & David Orchards

The orchards were, without a doubt, a major highlight for me. Standing amidst rows of perfectly cultivated fruit trees, particularly the famous Harry & David Comice pears, was truly awe-inspiring. I was profoundly impressed by the immense pride and dedication evident in every aspect of their fruit cultivation. Each piece of fruit is not merely grown; it is nurtured, hand-picked, and handled with an extraordinary level of care. This meticulous attention ensures that every pear, peach, and apple meets the stringent quality standards that loyal Harry & David customers have come to appreciate and expect. The commitment to delivering only the finest, freshest fruit is a cornerstone of their legacy in Southern Oregon.

From Bean to Basket: The Gourmet Production Facilities

Beyond the orchards, we delved into the delicious world of their in-house production. All of Harry & David’s decadent desserts, artisanal chocolates, and exquisite candies are crafted right on-site. The aroma alone within the chocolate and candy factories was intoxicating, a sweet symphony that promised incredible treats. Over the course of just a few days, I indulged in my fair share of their legendary Moose Munch, a rich and crunchy gourmet popcorn that became an instant favorite – so much so that I believe I experienced genuine withdrawal symptoms upon my return! During our exploration of the Rogue Valley, I also developed a newfound appreciation for Oregon Pinot Noir, eagerly anticipating the delivery of a few bottles I selected during my trip.

The Art of Gifting: Packaging and Presentation

Witnessing the intricate process of creating Harry & David’s iconic gift baskets was another fascinating aspect of our tour. It’s an art form, really, assembling a diverse array of gourmet items into beautifully presented packages. The care taken in selecting each item, arranging it aesthetically, and ensuring its safe delivery underscores the brand’s commitment to the ultimate gifting experience. Every basket tells a story of quality and thoughtfulness, from the orchards of Southern Oregon directly to the recipient’s door.

A Memorable Farewell: Harry & David’s New Wine Collection Launch

Our final night in the Rogue Valley culminated in a truly unforgettable surprise: an exclusive introduction to Harry & David’s brand-new line of wines, complete with an eight-course wine-paired dinner. The event was held in an authentic “crush house,” where the intoxicating aroma of freshly crushed and fermenting grapes permeated the air, creating an absolutely mesmerizing atmosphere. It was a sensory delight, an experience that perfectly blended the region’s viticultural heritage with Harry & David’s expanding gourmet offerings. This spectacular evening provided the perfect high note to conclude our immersive journey. For those eager to delve deeper into the specifics of these exciting new wines, my fellow blogger and new friend Matt provides an excellent overview in his post here.

Let a group of bloggers with big cameras loose in a pear orchard in the middle of nowhere and this is what you get – a sight to see for anyone driving by, that’s for sure! I think we heard “caaaar!” warnings yelled a few times during this scenic photo opportunity, a testament to our enthusiastic photography amidst the beautiful Rogue Valley landscape.

Connecting Through Culinary Passion

It is always a joy to connect and reconnect with fellow bloggers, especially those who share an unwavering passion for food, travel, and storytelling. My time spent with my roommate and friend, Dara, was particularly special. We experienced the true essence of (non-Florida) fall in Southern Oregon, surrounded by good food, wonderful company, and an abundance of laughter. This trip underscored the incredible community within the food blogging world and the joy of sharing unique culinary adventures together.

To Harry & David, and to Sandy – thank you. Your exceptional hospitality, dedication to quality, and warm welcomes truly set a benchmark. You are all, in my book, a class act.

(Thanks for sharing this great photo of us, Sandy!)

(Disclosure: My trip expenses were generously covered by Harry & David; however, I was not compensated for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.)

More Harry & David and Rogue Valley Recaps

It was almost impossible for me to cover every single incredible detail of this trip, so please enjoy these additional recaps from my fellow bloggers, offering even more perspectives on the Harry & David experience and the beauty of the Rogue Valley:

• Peanut Butter Fingers:
  • Dinner at the Coughlins’
  • Harry & David Orchard Tour
  • Lithia Park and Déjà Vu Bistro
  • Harry and David Gift Baskets
• A Thought For Food:
  • A Visit to Harry and David + The Rogue Valley
• Farmgirl Gourmet:
  • Harry & David – A Southern Oregon Experience
• A Good Time With Wine:
  • Harry and David Launches Wine Collection