Spindrift Cellars

“Spindrift” usually refers to seaspray, particularly that blown from cresting waves during a gale. It also refers to a gem of a winery visitors can easily experience when heading from Corvallis to the Oregon coast, and vice versa. However, more than just a convenient stop in Philomath, Spindrift Cellars turns out to be a microcosm of outstanding southcentral Willamette Valley vineyards.

Owned by Matt and Tabitha Compton, Spindrift Cellars primarily relies on 250 acres of grapes from a number of vineyards that Matt manages through his company, West Vine Farms. He knows what he’s buying, because his company nurtures each vine using eco-friendly, sustainable practices. With pride, the Comptons note that their pinot gris, which comes from Deer Haven Vineyard, is “certified sustainable” and Salmon Safe. Matt views his duty as winemaker as preserving the essence of the varietal character through a combination of wild and cultured yeasts and the judicious use of oak. His goal is to produce food-friendly wine that’s approachable and enjoyable, from first sip to last.

The Spindrift facility itself is bowling-alley big, with more than 8,500 square feet of space in which to make and sell wine. With this much capacity, it’s no surprise that the Comptons lease space to other wineries, including Domaine Meriwether (which explains why visitors see bottles of Domaine Meriwether’s sparkling wine in the tasting room). Another label visitors might see is the Comptons own second labels – Spinnaker. However, the wine with the distinctive wave crest on the label brings the focus back to Spindrift Cellars. For a nominal tasting fee, visitors can sip several Spindrift Cellars pinot noirs (its specialty), pinot blanc, pinot gris, and chardonnay.

At Spindrift Cellars, you are in a cork-free zone, so there’s no need to fret about the cork shortage. Plus, the bottles are easy to open and can be stored upright. More and more Oregon wineries have embraced the twist-off cap trend. If you really must hear the sound of a popping cork, get someone to accompany the decanting ritual with the ol’ finger-in-the-cheek sound effect. Sounds as good as the real thing.