The old Mohler cheese factory, on Hwy. 53 a mile east of 101 in Nehalem, was transformed into the Nehalem Bay Winery and produced its first blackberry wine in 1974. Bought by current owner Ray Shakelford in the early nineties, the winery began a longstanding tradition of hosting community events such as Fourth of July and Labor Day parties, and the annual Memorial Day Bluesfest and August Bluegrass Barbeque, which feature musicians of the finest caliber. In the stone-floored tasting room, you can sample many varieties, including a Pinot Noir Blanc, Gewurztraminer, and a Nehalem Red Sweet. The room is stocked with oak barrels, cinnamon brooms, and winesacks made by the people of Mondulkiri Province, Cambodia Proceeds from the sale of those items support Vietnam vet Shakelford’s ongoing aid to that area.