Oregon’s Portland Region: A Guide to Wine Country and Artisan Culture

Take some time to drink and sample in the Portland Region, which includes Portland, Oregon, and its neighboring municipalities.

The Portland Region of Oregon is easy to get sucked into. You may hike beautiful trails, enjoy the craft beer scene, bike through alpine woods and rolling vineyard slopes, and discover the quirky, laid-back culture of the city. However, you must not overlook the delectable treats that go along with these strenuous activities. This is the starting point for seeing Oregon’s wine country, so be prepared for top-notch wineries situated in scenic settings, vibrant wine bars, and specially prepared foods that fit well with the wine culture.

Time out for a selfie at picturesque Ponzi Vineyards in Sherwood, Oregon

On the Vine

The wine scene in the Portland region is comprised of clinking wine glasses, platters piled high with fine cheese, and lush slopes. Pete’s Mountain Vineyard & Winery in West Linn should be your first trip. Gorgeous views of Mt. Hood and the Willamette River may be seen from the patio and tasting room here. The vineyard organizes Dinner in the Field every summer, where a chef-crafted food and a few chosen wines are paired.

Proceed to Ponzi Vineyards, a family-run, cutting-edge, LIVE Certified Sustainable winery near Sherwood. Seated in front of the Chehalem Mountains and enjoying a glass of pinot noir, you can feel good about safeguarding the land. Proceed to David Hill Vineyards & Winery, a well-liked destination for Old Vine Pinot Noir among wine enthusiasts. Discover a hilltop estate with a charming historic farmhouse that serves as the venue for the tasting room and numerous events with a wine theme.

Amazing vistas of Mount Hood at West Linn’s Pete’s Mountain Vineyard & Winery

Incredible Mt. Hood views at Pete’s Mountain Vineyard & Winery in West Linn

Best Wine Bars

Local wine bars in the city center entice wine lovers and novices alike with their fascinating wine selections, delectable small meals, and cozy settings. Wine connoisseurs with a bubbly palate should visit Ambonnay, Portland’s first champagne and sparkling wine bar. Anticipate bubbly options by the glass or bottle accompanied by “nibbles” like truffle popcorn, mantequilla olives, and artisanal cheeses. Check out Pairings for a little free-spirited entertainment. Known as “Portland’s Weirdest Wine Shop & Bar,” Portland Wine Shop & Bar Arrive for the quirky environment (imagine wine pairings based on your zodiac sign or favorite movie character), but depart with a genuine respect for the carefully chosen wine selections.

Bar Vivant offers Portland-style pinxtos (tapas) with a San Sebastian influence, the perfect way to round off your wine bar hopping. It’s the kind of place where you anticipate excellent wine but are equally taken aback with outstanding bar cuisine. You’ve just won the lotto for your sweet tooth if you’re craving French macarons, different eclairs, and desserts with a Parisian flair. The bar is located in the same building as Pix Patisserie.

Drink regional wines in tasting rooms and bars that specialize on wine.

Sip local varietals in wine-focused bars and tasting rooms

Gourmet Maker Society

Makers of artisanal foods and delicacies are booming, which makes perfect sense given that Portland’s chefs and winemakers select items that reflect their environment. Quin Candy, for instance, creates rosé lollipops, and Olympia Provisions uses meat from the Pacific Northwest to manufacture cured sausages, salamis, and pates, all of which are available for purchase at neighborhood stores.

Sea salt is harvested from the Oregon Coast by Jacobsen Salt Company and sold either as a stand-alone prized condiment or mixed into specialized foods like the well-known salted caramels. Try the pinot noir salt, which was modeled after the iconic wine of the Willamette Valley. The dairy-free chocolate truffles at Missionary Chocolates are exquisite, featuring flavors like salted caramel, spicy cinnamon, and Meyer lemon. Get one or more delicious boxes as gifts. Naturally, there’s a danger that these treats won’t reach their intended destination. With us, your secret is secure.

Truffles from Missionary Chocolates with flavors and Jacobsen salt on top

Missionary Chocolates truffles topped with Jacobsen Salt and other flavors

Getting There

Fly into Portland International Airport (PDX) and rent a car to explore the city and surrounding wine country.