By Linda Sutter

Roots and Shoots garden club ventured their way North on the 101 to visit our own backyard special producing Brandy Distillery. Approximately 3.5 miles off Carpenterville Road, making a right on Tantly and another direct right into the parking lot of this North Coast gem.

Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 1- 5 pm with sample tastings that are $1 a piece, or $5 for all.

Dave Nowlin and his father moved their way to the Oregon Coast from Southern California Modesto area to start their business. Dave’s father worked originally for Gallo Wine, learned the trade and wanted to retire in a peaceful environment.

This is the 21st year that the distillery has successfully produced specialty brandies, and liqueurs.

Dave receives his grapes from Cave Junction and his pears from Rogue Valley. It takes approximately 35 pounds of pears, and 500 pounds of black berries to make a fifth of brandy, or liqueur. The stills are fired by wood heat brought to 212 degrees. The product is then placed in oak barrels for a period of 24 months to 5 years to age before bottling.