Our Winery
In 1995 business owner and entrepreneur,
Richard Cutler, moved to Otter Rock to
manage the restaurant and Inn at Otter
Crest. Although room rentals were doing
well, the restaurant left a lot to be desired
(3 years of losing money). Wine sales were
promising and an idea started to form. Open
to new opportunities and disciplines, Richard was ready for the challenge. What about a small winery right here in the restaurant?
Friend and vintner Larry Miller, of Stangeland Vineyards, offered to mentor and guide the entire operation. Permission was given to use the name of the restaurant, “Flying Dutchman”, as the official name of the winery. With a mentor, a title, a place to work, and a
White Wines
borrowed hand powered wine press, the Flying Dutchman Winery was in business. In 1998, the first wine pressing took place outside the restaurant windows, giving the patrons a unique dining experience. With the Pacific Ocean just feet away, the Chardonnay was squeezed out of the press, pumped through a hose that ran across the dining room floor into the kitchen, then into stainless steel tanks where the wine was fermented.
"Oregon's First Micro Winery"
By 1999 almost all the wine making work was done by restaurant patrons who just wanted to get in on the fun.
In the spring of 2000 big changes were in the works. Realizing the winemaking was a success and possible stand alone business, the current building was rented, and later purchased. So started the official operation of the winery! Our ocean front location in Otter Rock was open for
White Wines
business and that fall the first full blown wine grape harvest and grape crush was performed by friends and family.
That same family has owned and operated the winery (25 years) until recently handing over the ships wheel to a new family, longtime friends who look forward to a continued long and productive future; never stepping away from the excellence that has been the goal from the beginning. When visiting the Flying Dutchman you will see the awards and ribbons garnered through the years. We are proud of our product and proud to offer it to you. The next time you have that special occasion, whether it be a night at home or an evening with friends, please allow our family to offer you and your family and friends our very best.