Oregon is home to “the Beaune of the New World,” named for the French town of Beaune at the center of the French Burgundy winemaking region. As such, there is no shortage of excellent wineries and wine bars eager to strut their stuff. Stop by any of the following 10 bars scattered throughout Oregon for a relaxing night out on the town with some of the area’s most delicious wine.
As the name implies, Nebbiolo is both an award-winning restaurant and wine bar in Oregon City, Oregon. They regularly host live music and wine tastings, with a calendar that is constantly being updated. In addition to over 30 wines, served by the glass, and 300 bottles, they serve dinner entrees, tapas, artisan cocktails, and have a happy hour. The interior is warm, the food is good, and the wine flows freely, so stop by.
Arrivederci Wine and Jazz began over 10 years ago as a small wine shop and has since grown into a full-fledged restaurant and outpost for some of the finest jazz talent in Oregon. Check their online schedule for the evolving list of musical acts, with a new performer scheduled almost every night. With over 50 bottles from Italy, California, Australia, Washington State, and Oregon, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from for a romantic evening.
Part of the greater Tesoaria Vineyard and Winery, the Portland Wine Bar & Winery Tasting Room wine bar provides the perfect opportunity to taste all the fantastic wines developed on the premises (as well as a few others). From their website: “We’re the most award-winning winery in Oregon for the past several years. Enjoy our great selection of award-winning wines such as our Bulls Blood, Barbera, Dolcetoo, Primitivo, Sangioveses” and many more. Tapas are served, too.
The Harvest Wine Bar in lake Oswego, Oregon, offers a fine selection of mostly regional wines in addition to delicious tapas, lunch options, appetizers, and dinner entrees. Stop by for their weekly wine tastings or daily Happy Hours and enjoy an evening out on the terrace. Their wine list is extensive, with an ever-rotating inventory of around 150 different bottles to choose from. Most often, they aim to stock bottles that aren’t mass produced, so you’re trying something new and fresh whenever you give one a go.
The Wine Shop and Beer Tasting Bar in Bend, Oregon, has been a local favorite for over 10 years. They are the Source Weekly’s Best of Central Oregon Award Winner, and have over 600 unique labels to choose from. In addition to wine tastings, they hold other events, including wine glass art days and organized hiking. Join their wine club for 15 percent off your next bottle order.
503 Uncorked specializes in local wines, grown from Willamette valley grapes. They boast over 50 artisanal wines, as well as bottles from across the world. Almost every day of the week brings a new event, including Bottomless Mimosas and Sake Bloody Mary’s on Sunday, $5 Mondays, Tapas Tuesdays, Wine Wednesdays, artist visits on Thursdays, and live music on Fridays. Come in for a glass, order a platter or share a flat bread pizza, and take in the ambience.
The Dundee Bistro is located next door to the award-winning restaurant, the Dundee Bistro, and offers a sampling of “sparkling wines and grower champagnes, alongside wines from prominent local producers, Ponzi Vineyards and Hamacher Wines.” Many of the bottles stocked here aren’t available elsewhere in the area. Food is served here, too.
The brainchild of winemaker Rob Stuart, R. Stuart and Co. Winery specializes in Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris from their winery and served at their wine bar a few blocks down in McMinnville, Oregon. The winery, located in the heart of Oregon wine country, is known as “the Beaune of the New World,” and provides Stuart with the grapes for his Big Fire label. Stop into the bar to try the wines and have a snack.
Alloro Wine Bar in Bandon, Oregon, aims to offer “pitch perfect food and spirits for your enjoyment.” They provide “award-winning Italian inspired coastal cuisine, wine cellar, and seasonal menus” paired with their extensive selection of bottles. Alloro recommends you make reservations, as their limited seating fills up around the year. You won’t be disappointed with their selection of Oregon Reds and Whites, Italian bottles, Sparkling options, and Reds and Whites from elsewhere.
The Columbia River provides the perfect backdrop to WineKraft, a well-regarded wine bar in Astoria, Oregon, that boasts excellent views and an ample selection of wines. While small plates are offered, including almonds, marinated olives, and an artisan selection of cheese, the true star is the wine. You’ll find all manner of reds, whites, pinks, bubbles, and dessert wines at various prices. But most glasses and bottles are quite reasonable, especially for the relaxing experience of a visit.