Crater Lake Cellars

A gazillion tourists drive by Crater Lake Cellars on their way to Crater Lake National Park and don’t realize they have passed a gem of winery in the sleepy town of Shady Cove. Tucked between the Union 76 gas station and Bel Di’s Restaurant along Highway 62 is the diminutive winery and tasting room of Crater Lake Cellars. It’s intimate, friendly, and a great place to discover this area’s enchanting history.

Owners Steve and Mary Gardner are a match made in winemaking heaven. Steve, who has a background in chemistry, becomes animated discussing fermentation science. Mary’s background includes a solid dose of marketing with a degree in that field from the University of Oregon. Together they make a full slate of wines: pinot gris, chardonnay, pinot blanc, gewürztraminer, muscat, syrah, pinot noir, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, dessert red and white wines, and a red blend. There’s even an unusual “white grenache” wine to baffle experienced wine tourists who think they have tasted it all.

Gracing the Gardners’ Wood House White Wine is a photo of the area’s historic Wood House, off Highway 62 at Eagle Point. The community faces the loss of this historic landmark. However, thanks in large part to Steve and Mary, it may be possible to preserve the building for future generations, because a portion of the proceeds from sales of their wine go toward its preservation.

The Fire House #4 Red Wine’s label, with its image of an original 1956 firefighter’s helmet, commemorates those who protect the community. No doubt, those earlier firefighters would be stunned to see that their former district fire hall is now occupied by a winery. In keeping with tradition, Mary took a picture of her dad’s 1949 Packard in front of the covered bridge at Eagle Point. That charming photo now adorns bottles of their pinot noir.

Inside the intimate tasting room, the blue cedar interior creates a relaxing atmosphere in which to sample their wines. The custom-made door has a speakeasy to permit visitors to keep an eye on a sleeping kid or a dog in the car. Tasting these delightful wines is one thing, but budget plenty of time for Mary to share the many stories found on the bottles.