How merlot can you go, Portland? There’s no shortage of world-class wines produced right in our own backyard. But whether you’re a barrel-aged oenophile or still a bit green on the vine, there’s always more to discover about the metro area’s booming wine industry, from local tasting rooms to festivals and tour companies.
Ready? Yes way, rosé.
Wine down ‘round town
Start sipping at these tasting rooms and wine bars within city limits.
Hip Chicks Do Wine, 4510 SE 23rd Ave., Portland | The city’s oldest urban winery has aged like, well, fine wine. At this 1999 vintage, you can have a glass on the patio with your pooch, host an event, or weigh your options with a tasting.
Mermosa PDX, 1422 NW 23rd Ave., Portland | Since its introduction in early 2024, this spot has become a community hub for brunch and private events while offering its own wine club, which elevates BIPOC and women-made wines.
ENSO Winery, 1416 SE Stark St., Portland | Walk into this Buckman neighborhood “garage” and try the small-lot wines, where each batch receives the full attention and experimentation needed to bring you unmatched complexity.
Erath Winery, 1439 NW Marshall St., Portland | In a neck of the woods known for breweries, enjoying a pinot noir will push beer to the back of your mind.
Noble Rot, 1111 E. Burnside St., Fourth Floor, Portland | Science, or simply magic? Either way, the views from this rooftop restaurant pair perfectly with its diverse wine list and delicious dishes, made with garden produce grown on-site.
Still haven’t got your fill? Check out these other urban wineries.
Dave Cho is the first Korean-American winemaker in Oregon; his wife Lois founded the nonprofit Oregon AAPI Food and Wine.
Photo via @getchowines
Pours on the periphery
Not close enough to walk to, but no so far that you’ll need to stretch your legs when you get there, these suburban sips are up next.
Amaterra, 8150 SW Swede Hill Dr., Portland | Equal parts restaurant and events space, this perch in the West Hills astounds with sweeping views of the Tualatin Valley and quality wines under two labels. Purchase a one-time $25 social membership to visit the private clubhouse.
Cooper Mountain Vineyard, 20121 SW Leonardo Ln., Beaverton | You can taste a respect for the land in these wines made with organic and biodynamic practices for several decades.
Villa Catalana Cellars, 11900 S. Criteser Rd., Oregon City | No matter the season, you’ll feel a world away exploring this magical property’s rare plant conservatory tasting room; reservations are required.
Cho Wines, 24399 NE Albertson Rd., Hillsboro | Married couple David and Lois Cho went from busking in Santa Monica to being featured on Wine Enthusiast’s “Future 40 Tastemakers” list in 2023; they kept that momentum going by opening a tasting room earlier this year.
Wine a little, laugh a lot at a tasting with Dobbes Family Winery.
Photo by @dobbeswinery
Vines worth the drive
Visiting all 700+ wineries in the Willamette Valley — not to mention the vineyards in the Columbia Gorge on both sides of the river — is certainly a Sisyphean task, but here are our suggestions to get your feet (and your whistle) wet.
Stoller Family Estate, 16161 NE McDougall Rd., Dayton | Book one of the property’s guest houses to get the most out of whatever tasting experience you decide on. Fun fact: The brand’s logo pays homage to the vineyard’s past as a turkey farm, which raised 700,000 free-range birds at its peak.
Domaine Serene, 6555 NE Hilltop Ln., Dayton | Although a visit to “America’s Most Awarded Winery’s” chateau in wine country is a must, you can also sample its vintages at the locations in downtown Portland and Lake Oswego.
Rex Hill Winery, 30835 OR-99W, Newberg | Sophistication is key at this luxury boutique winery, where you can relax in the newly renovated hospitality space, or learn how each wine is crafted on the Legacy Tour.
Argyle Winery, 691 OR-99W, Dundee | We’re willing to bet our bubbles that you’ll find something you like at “Oregon’s original sparkling wine house” — but there are still options just in case.
Mt. Hood Winery, 2882 Van Horn Dr., Hood River | A bottle of Summer Red and the postcard-worthy perspective of the namesake peak are all you need.
Que syrah syrah. For a more full-bodied list of local wineries, bottle shops, and wine bars, be sure to check out our map.
Drink outside the box
Do we detect hints of... spontaneity and... lasting memories? Book one of these experiences to venture beyond the traditional tasting flight.
Immersive Art & Wine Tour | On this collaborative trip, you’ll dive into immersive art gallery Hopscotch with Rainbow Juice Frozé in hand, before heading to Dundee for a prix fixe lunch at Wooden Heart and a tasting at Artist Block Wine.
Equestrian Wine Tours | Giddyup and grenache, anyone?
Vineyard & Olive Grove Walking Tour | Stroll the property with one of the operation’s experts, sampling various wines in the actual vineyards where the grapes were cultivated. Then stop by the state-of-the-art olive mill and taste test different olive oils.
Wind, Waterfalls, & Columbia Gorge Wine Tours | Feel the spray of the state’s tallest plunge on your face and soak in scenic sights before imbibing.
Wine De Roads | On this cycling adventure, you work up a sweat as you pedal between three wineries — “unique spin,” indeed.
When there’s no designated driver on duty, these companies provide tours and shuttles to and from wine country:
- NW Wine Shuttle
- Backcountry Wine Tours
- The Good Vibes Tour
- Serendipity Wine Tours
- Triangle Wine Country Tours
Lawn games, food, and live music — we raise our glass to that.
Photo by Cheryl Juetten Photography + Alt Wine Fest
Uncork these events
With such a robust wine community, there are plenty of opportunities to get together with like-minded wine lovers throughout the year.
Portland Seafood & Wine Festival | March | Portland Expo Center, 2060 Marine Dr. W., Portland
Set sail on the showroom floor to discover 175+ booths, stocked withe everything form fresh Dungeness crab to wine, spirits to local art.
PDX Urban Wine Experience | May
Coinciding with Oregon Wine Month, this your chance to taste your way through every AVA and contribute to local nonprofits.
Queer Wine Fest | Sunday, June 30 | Remy Wines, 17495 NE McDougall Rd., Dayton
Billed as the world’s first event of its kind, this gathering highlights the accomplishments of LGBTQ+ winemakers.
Alt Wine Fest | Sunday, July 14 | Abbey Road Farm, 10280 NE Oak Springs Farm Rd.
Pinot noir is great, but it’s also so mainstream — give some love to Oregon wines made with lesser-known grapes at this celebration created by Martin Skegg and Mallory Smith.
International Pinot Noir Celebration | Friday, July 26-Sunday, July 28 | 410 NE Third St., McMinnville
Mark your calendars for the final edition of this showcase of wine from around the world and farm-to-table cuisine, which is calling it quits after 38 years.
BIPOC Block Party | Saturday, Aug. 31 | Mac Market, 1140 NE Alpine Ave., McMinnville
Partake in the revelry and get behind Our Legacy Harvested’s mission to open doors to the viticulture industry for those historically excluded.
Wine Country Thanksgiving | Last two weekends in November | Locations vary
Feast on fall releases, food pairings, live music, and special discounts; wine country is a cornucopia where your cup runneth over.
Friendsgiving | Saturday, Nov. 30 | Stillwater, 455 NE Irvine St., McMinnville
Even if your job’s a joke, you’re broke, you’re love life’s DOA — this gathering of 12 wineries for a “spirited tasting event pairing exciting new Oregon wines with holiday-inspired bites” will be there for you. A portion of sales will benefit the Yamhill Community Action Partnership to improve the lives of low-income residents through housing stabilization, energy services, a regional food bank, and youth outreach.
Deck the Hills | Dec. 9-10 | Locations vary
Stock up for the holidays and pick up any last minute gifts when these wineries ride their sleighs into the city.
