Portland’s array of uniquely local wine bars, with their carefully curated chalkboard menus, are reason enough to set sight on the Pacific Northwest.
Situated adjacent to Oregon’s iconic Willamette Valley appellation, I certainly expected Portland to be a compelling wine town. But what blew me away is the extent of Portland’s intense and complex wine culture, characterized by diverse wine bar personalities.
I was excited to try a range of Oregon wines beyond the quintessential Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris exports widely available to me in California. At my first meal, I was immediately mesmerized by Oregon’s Ovum Memorista Riesling that perfectly paired with my meal at PaaDee, a modern-casual Thai spot. This set the tone for my next three days in Portland.
Portland’s expansive wine bar scene ranges in style. Some wine bars focus on Oregon wines while others run to off-beat and international, with a high proportion of venues focused on natural wine.
And what’s immediately clear is that the wine culture is pervasive, and Portland’s denizens take wine seriously.
Here are a few of my favorite Portland wine bar experiences, best partaken with an immersive dive into their charming neighborhood settings.
Bar Norman
Set in the Division neighborhood on the east side of the Willamette’s industrial river, Bar Norman’s space is airy industrial meets shabby chic farmhouse. But don’t let the adorable, cozy interior fool you, this is one serious changing-chalkboard wine scene.
Owner and award winning sommelier Dana Frank, carefully curates her wines by the glass that range from elegant to obscure and funky. While not for everyone, one of my most memorable glasses was the Hassan Dede from Turkey aged by ancient tradition in a clay amphora that permeate the wine.
There are so many fascinating options on Bar Norman’s chalkboard that I was relieved I could create my own flight.
This stellar Portland wine bar with its low-key neighborhood vibe will be one I continue to haunt on future trips.
Les Caves
Les Caves, set in the Alberta Arts District, was a particular destination on my Portland wine bar itinerary. Yet, I hesitantly followed sidewalk signage that pointed me down a narrow alley between two buildings that led to a sort of concrete backyard. The only place to go was down. As I decended the basement stairs lined with a Bacchanalian mural, things were getting a little more interesting.
Entering the subterranean stone wine bar, Les Caves’ name practically describes itself. Full of cozy ambiance, Les Caves has an old world European feel. But there’s nothing old-fashioned about this cool Portland wine bar.
While Les Caves’ owners also produce Ovum, it is not conceived simply as a winery tasting room. It is decidedly a wine bar and features a tightly crafted and interesting menu of wines by the glass from its own vineyards as well as international selections. I was tempted by several phenomenal whites and roses – so, it was perfect that Les Caves offers half-glass tastings.
Les Caves’ compelling cavern is designed with a variety of seating options so inviting it’s difficult to choose where to camp-out for the evening. I opted for the convivial bar, but was torn by the chill candlelit tables or the cozy couch alcove carved out of the stone wall.
Les Caves was one of my favorite Portland wine bar experiences for its perfect balance of friendly hospitality, cool setting, and great wine list.
Thelonious
UPDATE: Thelonious in Portland appears to be permanently closed. Follow his adventures and wine recommendations on Instagram. Hopefully, there will be a future incarnation.
Doubling as a wine merchant, Theolonius hadn’t originally been on my radar as a wine bar destination. But after chatting with a local sommelier, I eagerly added it. Thelonius is a fantastic local retail wine spot, but it also opens up a few interesting bottles each day for sampling by the glass.
Patrons can wander the shop with a glass in hand and peruse the interesting bottle offerings. This Blanc de Cab Franc is one of the best glasses of white wines I’ve ever had – and definitely a favorite of this trip.
I enjoyed sitting out on Thelonious’ front sidewalk at one of its small picnic tables to people-watch The Pearl. Thelonious also has an upstairs cozy area where you can lounge. Snacks available.
Thelonious is the perfect blend of wine bar / wine merchant that I wish was my local neighborhood watering hole.
Bar Rione
Bar Rione was a change-up from my circuit of natural wine bars. Set in The Pearl on the ground floor of a modern building, Bar Rione is a more traditional contrast to Portland’s cutting-edge wine bar scene.
What I liked about Bar Rione is that I could change things up a bit and get a good glass of Italian wine in a super friendly setting.
While the space is modern, it has plenty of ambience and tasty small plates. It’s a great go-to spot in The Pearl.
OK Omens
OK Omens ranks as one of my very favorite Portland wine bars in the laid-back Hawthorne District. This spot is serious both about its natural wine and its small plate culinary perfection.
First up, I couldn’t resist ordering the Dealer’s Choice – bartender’s choice of one-ounce wine shots. A great – and fun – way to start the meal.
Next I moved on to glasses of orange and red wines. The housemade bread and butter are addictive.
And, of course, I had to have OK Omen’s signature Tillamook Cheddar Beignets, which are destination-worthy.
The plate of seared Calamari was as delicious as it is beautiful.
OK Omens is a must-go for its perfect harmony of ambiance, friendliness, delicious-creative plates – and fantastic wine options.
Explore Wine in Portland
In just a few short days in Portland, I just couldn’t make it to all of Portland’s wine bars. Guess I’ll just have to go back. This map features my fave wine bars as well as those that are still on my list.