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Wines tasting and Wine Bars on the Oregon Coast
Oregon ranks third in the number of U.S. wineries, but only fourth in wine production. Its wine industry has been built on small wineries producing wines of impeccable quality. It's hard to imagine the region without a glass of wine being close at hand. The wine tourism is encroaching on not just Oregon farm country, but the Oregon coast as well. There is an exploding industry of wine bars on the coast, including wine shops around Depoe Bay.
Nehalem Bay Winery (75 miles north of Depoe Bay) It resembles parts of France or Germany’s Black Forest, sitting in the middle of lush pastures, small mountains and thick forests. The winery even looks a bit like an old, rustic European home from some angles. But inside the tasting room, it’s tie-dye t-shirts over dress attire for employees. The décor boasts everything from local history and comic pictures to images of Ken Kesey scrawled on the walls.
After all, it’s here where Kesey sometimes showed up to read his works, It’s here where big pig roasts and music festivals break the mold of most any winery you’ll find in Oregon.
Wine And Romance – Gleneden Beach (3 miles north of Depoe Bay). A tiny little shop in the midst of The Shops at Salishan belies its size with the plethora of treasures for the romancer to be found. At Wine & Romance, old B&W movies play on a TV in the background, setting a classic yet fun atmosphere that's conducive to making the right find for that relevant other. Wine in a large array of brands and varieties, lovely gifts, Moonstruck Chocolates and gift baskets occupy this nifty little spot that will charm you. Some wines are occasionally featured, providing the opportunity for wine tasting of these brands. Gleneden Beach. (541) 764-0238.
Anne Amie Vineyards – This vineyard also has a store outlet in Lincoln City (10 miles north of Depoe Bay). Formerly known as Chateau Benoit Winery, Anne Amie is named after the daughters of new owner Dr. Robert Pamplin (owner of The Portland Tribune and radio station KPAM AM-860). The main vineyard is in the Carlton area, with a few others scattered around Oregon wine country, and there's a retail outlet at the Factory Stores at Lincoln City.
When Pamplin took over in 1999, he brought in winemaker Scott Huffman, who in turn brought in new grapes. Now, they have a Pinot Noir that is fruit-driven, with "fine tannins and perfect balance,"
Their estate includes a 16-acre Pinot Noir vineyard and an 11-acre Riesling that was planted in 1979. Other sites are in the Newberg area, with densely planted clones of Pinot Noir, including 777, 115 and Pommard, as well as Pinot Gris. 800-248-4835
Flying Dutchman Winery – Otter Rock. Overlooking the ruffian waters of the Devil's Punchbowl, near Newport, the Flying Dutchman is the only working winery on Oregon's coast. While grapes will not mature in the wet coastal environment, the Dutchman utilizes vineyards in the Willamette Valley, then hauls them over the coast range to be crushed and aged. All this is done by hand with old-style, hand-cranked machinery. On the average, they crush about 16 tons of grapes a year - which leaves them maxed out for room. Thus, their award-winning vino is only available at this outlet and on their website.
In their tasting room, you can see the barrels in the back. Their picnic area, behind the tasting room, overlooks the stunning seas and oceanic drama of the area. It's a unique place, in a very unique spot on the coast.
The Flying Dutchman Winery is open every day of the year. Summer hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (541) 765-2553.
Depoe Bay Winery on 101, Depoe Bay. Features the "Cave of Wine," where an artificial cave was created to enhance the tasting atmosphere.
Blu Cork Wine Bar (12 miles south of Depoe Bay) at Newport, Oregon. Legendary at a year old, Blu Cork features some of the most impressive gourmet food you’ll find on the entire coast, as well as a large selection of wines in an atmosphere that’s unforgettably cozy and fun. Plus, their weekend live music shows are now quite famous for the innovative combo of jazz, folk and light alternative rock. This place is constantly breaking new ground on the Oregon coast. 613 SW Third Street, Newport. 541-265-2257. See their live music schedule here.
Village Market & Deli (12 miles south of Depoe Bay) at Newport, Oregon. Gleaming and resplendent is the fare at this sleek bistro-style eatery in the middle of history-smothered Nye Beach. With a partial ocean view to accompany this culinary adventure, it is still a bit of a hidden secret in this intricate and charming section of Newport that is itself a little off the beaten path. It specializes in fine food and a "small but proud" wine shop. The bistro-like spotlights their fine wines and a truly impressive selection of local and international beers. From Chimay (the good stuff brewed by Trappist monks) to delicious new finds like Central Coasters Siletz Brewing Company (try their Red Head Ale or any of their other, wonderful dark beers). 741 NW Third, Newport. 541-574-9393.
Nye Beach Gallery – Newport. Wine and art together – how can you go wrong? A tiny but impressive wine shop augments this Nye Beach beauty. There’s a free wine tasting session every Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., which often features some ecstasy-inducing cheeses. 715 NW Third, Newport. (541) 265-3292.
Swafford’s Champagne Patio – Newport. Fine dining, a huge array of wines – and recently they put in a wine bar which keeps daylight hours. 1630 NW Coast Highway. (541) 265-3044.
Most of the state’s production is in the northern Willamette Valley, not along the coast. From vineyards on lush rolling hillsides in the foothills of the Coast Range. In this cool environment, Pinot Noir has made the wine industry justly famous. Umpqua, south of the Willamette, is generally considered a cool-climate region, as Pacific breezes and rainfall nourish the land. Even further south, in the Rogue Valley, a mixture of climates exists. The Applegate Valley, red Bordeaux varietals and Syrah ripen at higher elevations with high diurnal temperature variations,
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