Flying Dutchman Winery

Borrowing a phrase from the 1970s the owner and winemaker of the Flying Dutchman Winery, Richard Cutler, likes to say, “We will sell no wine before its time.” Richard is referring to each step of the winemaking process. For example, Richard points out that his “cold-soak” process allows freshly harvested and de-stemmed grapes to sit outside soaking in the salt air for seven to 10 days before the fermentation process begins. Other wineries allow the grapes only three days to cold soak. He could also be referring to the fact that once barreled; the wine matures for 10 to 36 months, before bottling. Once bottled, many of his wines lay sideways for at least 12 months. Goodbye bottle-shock.

Richard often lauds the salt air spray of the Oregon coast in slowing down the process and allowing the cold soak and fermentation processes to takes their sweet time. He’s coined the phrase “salt air fermentation” to make the case perfectly clear. But to really appreciate what Richard is saying WineTrail adventures need to visit the Flying Dutchman Winery in Otter Rock. When you step outside your car and your lungs fill with the salt air you know that the grape juice is in good hands.

Don’t look for vineyards when visiting the Flying Dutchman Winery. Richard gets his grapes from a variety of vineyards in the central and southern portions of Oregon. Don’t look for the Flying Dutchman ship either. After all, legend has it that the Flying Dutchman never reached port. Rather walk around awhile and check out the amazing views and the spectacular picnic grounds. The tasting room and gift shop resides on the Devil's Punchbowl State Park and the famous 'Devil's Punchbowl' cauldron. Speaking of the gift shop, imagine a fusion of winery and nautical items and you get the most unusual wine retail shop in Oregon and certainly wins our top honors. Great views, great picnic area, and great gift shop. But it’s the wines of the Flying Dutchman that matters.

By the way, before you hike down to visit the Otter Crest tide pools and explore Beverly Beach, you might want to pick up some ice cream, snacks and espresso from his concession stand located in a 1934 Dodge Truck outside the Flying Dutchman Winery. Even a latte pairs nicely in this salt air.