Depoe Bay Winery: Wine with a View
While most people know Depoe Bay for its postcard-worthy harbor—the smallest navigable one in the world—or its near-constant whale sightings, those who wander a little further off the beaten path are rewarded with their handcrafted wines made with passion, aged with ocean air, and served with the kind of hospitality. Small, spirited, and surrounded by the salty mist of the Pacific Ocean, this intimate winery invites visitors to slow down, sip up, and truly taste the uniqueness of what is the Oregon coast.
A Winery Born from the Sea
Depoe Bay Winery is part of the Flying Dutchman Winery, a small but mighty operation located just steps from the Pacific. Its tasting room sits perched above the bay, with views of the churning ocean and sometimes even a spout or fluke from a passing whale. But what really sets this winery apart isn’t just its views—it’s the way the wine itself reflects the coast.
Here, open-air fermentation is the rule, not the exception. That means as the grapes ferment, they do so not in sealed, climate-controlled rooms—but in the cool, salty air of the Oregon coast. This method allows the maritime environment to subtly infuse the wine with its essence. It’s not something you’ll taste overtly, but it’s there—a minerality, a brightness, a ruggedness—that whispers of crashing surf and foggy mornings.
Their lineup includes staples like Pinot Noir, a grape that thrives in Oregon’s climate, and more adventurous offerings like Blackberry Wine, a sweet but not cloying ode to the wild berries that grow along the coast. You’ll also find Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Riesling, all crafted with care and coastal character.
The staff here are down-to-earth and genuinely passionate about wine, happy to guide newcomers and enthusiasts alike through a tasting flight that tells the story of Oregon from vineyard to glass.
When to Visit: Season by Season
While Depoe Bay Winery is open year-round, the experience shifts dramatically with the seasons. Each time of year offers something unique, depending on what kind of trip—and what kind of wine—you’re craving.
Spring (March to May): Whale Watching & Wildflowers
Spring on the coast is vibrant and full of life. Gray whales migrate north during March and April, and Depoe Bay is one of the best spots in the U.S. to watch them. Imagine sipping a glass of Pinot while a whale surfaces in the distance….
The weather can still be unpredictable, but the views are stunning, and the tasting room provides a warm, dry perch for storm watching or whale spotting. Spring also brings blooming wildflowers to nearby coastal trails like Devils Punchbowl and Cape Foulweather, perfect for a wine-fueled afternoon hike.
Summer (June to August): Sunshine & Coastal Road Trips
Summer is peak season along the Oregon Coast. The skies clear, the roads fill with travelers cruising down Highway 101, and the town of Depoe Bay comes alive with events, shops, and seafood shacks.
This is the perfect time to enjoy a tasting flight outside, take a bottle of chilled white to a beach picnic, or catch live music at local venues. If you're traveling with family, summer offers plenty of nearby attractions—Otter Crest, Newport Aquarium, and Yaquina Head Lighthouse—all within a short drive of the winery.
It’s the most sociable and sunny time to visit, but also the busiest—so booking ahead, especially for lodging, is recommended.
Fall (September to November): Harvest & Coastal Calm
For wine lovers, fall is arguably the best time to visit. The grape harvest begins in early September and continues into October, making it a great time to see the winemaking process in action. The crowds taper off after Labor Day, and the coast begins to quiet, taking on a golden, reflective quality that pairs beautifully with a glass of red and a slow afternoon.
Autumn brings richer, heartier flavors to the wine menu—and the food scene follows suit, with Dungeness crab, smoked salmon, and fall-inspired menus showing up in local restaurants. If you're the type who prefers crisp mornings and cozy evenings, this is your moment.
Winter (December to February): Storm Watching & Solitude
Winter is for the romantics. For the dreamers. For the people who love curling up in a cozy tasting room while the sky turns gray and the sea turns wild. Storm watching is a local tradition here, and few things are more dramatic than a Pacific squall rolling in as you sip on a bold Syrah with hints of smoke and spice.
This is also the season of holiday markets, quiet beaches, and spontaneous moments—like catching sight of a whale right from the tasting room. With far fewer tourists and a peaceful pace, winter offers solitude, reflection, and a deeper connection to the landscape.
Before or after your tasting, stroll through the charming town of Depoe Bay. Watch the "Spouting Horn", a natural ocean geyser that shoots water up through the rocks during high tide. Browse local artisan shops, or stop for a bowl of rich, creamy clam chowder from the Sea Hag Restaurant, just down the street.
Want to linger longer? Plenty of oceanfront inns and cozy Airbnb cabins are within walking distance, making it easy to turn a wine tasting into a romantic overnight escape. In a world full of commercial wineries and overdone tasting experiences, Depoe Bay Winery feels like a breath of fresh, salty air.
