PDX Wine Crawl: Top Three Wines by the Glass in Northwest Portland

Friday, October 10, 2014

Tom Champine, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Photo credit: iStock

Fancy a neighborhood wine crawl? You’re in the right city. Portland has no shortage of delightful, diverse spots in which to raise a glass of wine. In fact, so many that we’ve decided to break it down by neighborhood to showcase some of the best wine by the glass in each corner of the city.

Luckily, each quadrant of the city boasts plenty of fun wine stops – more, in fact, that can be included in one piece.

But in the spirit of new ideas and singling out some of the best of the city, we’ve narrowed it down a little for this one, and plan to cover every quadrant in weeks to come.

NW Portland

Northwest Portland has an abundance of shops, restaurants and bars to choose from. It’s an easy place to spend an afternoon with friends, shopping alone, or dining out. For a particularly interesting glass, or bottle of wine, there are more than a few standouts!

St. Jack (1610 NW 23rd, (503) 360-1281) This French-style bistro is a perfect place to find a wine treasure. The menu blends carefully new and old world favorites, alongside some more esoteric wines not typically top of mind. On a recent visit there, I was impressed to find a 2013 Provencal Rose, by the glass by Jean-Pierre Gaussen ($15). I ordered the Chateau Virgile, Costieres de Nimes Rose, instead ($9).

Of course, you could treat yourself to the Krug “Grande Cuvee” Champagne, 375ml (AKA “By the Glass”) for only $100 (a pretty good deal, when you think about it). Like many wine hotspots, St. Jack has a decent selection of NW regional wineries, featuring many different varietals like Melon de Bourgogne, by Helioterra ($9).

Remedy (733 NW Everett St Portland. (503) 222-1449) This newer watering hole in the inner NW has a terrific selection of solid standbys and excellent new ideas. Josh Wiesenfeld, general manager and sommelier, a Paley’s Place alum, has curated a list that will keep you entertained, for sure.

The cozy, lounge-y vibe will make you want to stay and explore the list further. Try the 2012 Brooks Riesling, or the 2011 Domaine Rochette Beaujolais Blanc. Remedy’s happy hour, the Daily Antidote, features a rotating selection of wonderful wines and sparklers of the day, along with cheese and daily snacks.

Andina (1314 NW Glisan St, Portland 503.228.9535 ) This stalwart in Portland’s Pearl District should be in your rolodex for great wine stops in the NW. Wine Director Caryn Benke’s beverage program is expansive, including multiple regions and varietals at many price points. At happy hour you can fetch a refreshing 2013 Domaine du Guillon, Côtes de Gasgogne, and follow up with a bold New World 2011 Finca la Linda Bonarda, from Mendoza. (each for $6).

Importantly, these sharp wine programs are supported by a knowledgeable staff that can answer your questions, and help steer you in the right direction.

Enjoy the hunt!

When not eating and drinking around Portland, sommelier Tom Champine works in Oregon’s wine country at Raptor Ridge Winery, performing national sales and market development.