The sun is out. The birds are chirping. It’s a perfect time to visit a winery. Eater Portland editor Brooke Jackson-Glidden shares her picks for the best wineries with good food:
🍇 In the City: Statera Cellars
This wine tasting room is unusual: You can get there by bike and public transit, since it’s located in an industrial spot on the Central Eastside. It’s an all-Chardonnay winery (aside from their private label offerings).
Also: There’s a giant installation of stuffed animals hanging in the middle of it. And they serve a slightly fancy version of cup of noodles that pairs well with the wine.
“It’s off the beaten track,” says Jackson-Glidden. “And the wine is really good, too.”
🍷 Close-In: Amaterra Winery
Amaterra is still within the city of Portland and less than 15 minutes from downtown. The restaurant has wine pairings and Pacific Northwest food — salmon, morels, leeks, and the like. (Check out the happy hour menu if you’re looking for a more casual, less spendy option.)
“You feel like you're in the Willamette Valley,” says Jackson-Glidden. “The wine is really lovely and the space is just gorgeous. It's like a really fun spot.”
🍇 Out in the Willamette Valley: Soter Vineyards and Mineral Springs Ranch
You may know Soter’s organic, natural wines already, since they are served all around Portland, but the vineyards are still worth a trip. There’s a restaurant on site that uses the food grown right on the ranch — including honey, chickens, and beef.
“Any type of wine drinker [will] probably be happy here,” says Jackson-Glidden. “The wines are really, really well done. But the food is also really cool.”
Bonus: If you’re out for a hike in the Gorge, check out Loop de Loop Winery, which is a casual spot with amazing wine and views.
Plus, for more places to wine and dine, check out Jackson-Glidden’s other recommendations on the City Cast Portland podcast.
