Because sometimes you’re just a little beer’d out, here are the best places to find good wine and good times in Bend and beyond. For all its attention to beer, Central Oregon also has many fantastic places to enjoy a great glass of wine—some of which are even made locally. Whether you’re in the mood for a pinot or a port, or just craving a good chardonnay, one of our local wineries or wine bars will have something to fill your glass.
Elixir Wine Group
Where: 11 NW Lava Rd., Bend
Open: Monday to Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
The newest wine tasting room opened on NW Lava Road in Bend earlier this year. Elixir Wine Group, which has been importing and producing wine for more than two decades. Browse the collection at the new location and try a flight of rotating wines.
The Good Drop Wine Shoppe
Where: 141 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend
Open: Monday to Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m.
For one of the best selection of domestic and international bottles, look no further than The Good Drop Wine Shoppe in downtown Bend. The shoebox-sized shop is filled with a fantastic selection of bottles that you are meticulously sourced. Owner Sarah has spent time building relationships with winemakers around the world and introducing wonderful bottles to her loyal customers. Stop in to try some wine, and discover something new.
Faith, Hope and Charity Vineyards
Where: 70450 NW Lower Valley Dr., Terrebonne
Open: Daily noon to 5 p.m.
Price: $10 tasting
Named for Central Oregon’s Three Sisters peaks, Faith, Hope and Charity Vineyards is an estate vineyard and tasting room on 312 acres in Terrebonne. Take a tour, sip on a flight of wines, and learn about the process of growing wine grapes in the arid and unpredictable climate of Central Oregon. Along with a variety of wines, there is also a menu of small bites as well as pizza to snack on while you relax and enjoy the views from the vineyard. If you’re looking for a little more action, there is live music at the tasting room and vineyard every Saturday night from 6 to 9 p.m. Grab a friend, and make this Terrebonne gem a destination wine date. (Shown in photo above.)
Maragas Winery
Where: 15523 US-97, Culver
Open: Hours change depending on the season, so check their website for the most up to date information
Price: $15 tasting
Set off Highway 97 in between Culver and Terrebonne with stunning views of Smith Rock, Maragas Winery has been open and producing old world style, barrel aged wine for more than a decade. After some starts and stops growing its own wine grapes, the winery has come into its own and produces European varietals as well as French American hybrids. Stop in for a tour and a taste of its current releases. The wine world is taking notice of Maragas’ accomplishments—the winery received silver medals for four of its bottles in the 2018 San Francisco Chronicle wine competition. And keep an eye out for its annual grape stomping event during crush in September, one of the best times of year to visit the winery.
Naked Winery
Where: 330 SW Powerhouse Dr. #10, Bend
Open: Monday to Saturday 12 p.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m.-6 p.m.
Price: $15 for a full tasting, $2 a splash
Find a fun atmosphere as well as glasses of great wine at Naked Winery in the Old Mill District. The wine shop and tasting room is family friendly and also has a small selection of snacks for wine-tasters. With wine made from grapes that are sourced from Oregon, Washington and California, you’ll find a variety of flavor profiles in its wines.
Portello Winecafe
Where: 2754 NW Crossing Dr., Bend
Open: Sunday to Tuesday 4-9 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
If you’re looking for more than just a tasting of wine, your best bet in Bend is Portello Winecafe in NorthWest Crossing. The upscale, intimate setting is perfect for a date or getting together with friends. Let the experts guide you in finding a glass to complement your meal from the menu that features light and flavorful European-inspired fare. (The happy hour menu has some of the best deals in town as well.) Flights of wine are available every Saturday and Sunday night.
Va Piano Vineyards
Where: 425 SW Powerhouse Dr. #301, Bend
Open: Monday to Saturday noon to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6:00 p.m.
Price: $15 wine tasting
Sip on wine while enjoying a front-row view of the Deschutes River. Va Piano Vineyards is a new addition the Old Mill District that hails wine from Washington state. The family vineyard and winery in Walla Walla primarily uses estate-grown grapes in its small-lot batches. You can also pair your wine tasting flight with cheese plates ($18) that can be enjoyed inside the modern tasting room or outside on the patio.
The Wine Shop and Tasting Bar
Where: 55 NW Minnesota Ave.
Open: Tuesday to Thursday 1-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 1-11 p.m., Sunday noon to 7 p.m.
Find a selection to suit the whims of just about any wine and or beer lover at The Wine Shop and Tasting Bar in downtown Bend. Open late into the evening throughout the week and weekend, the cozy space is a great place to discover a new bottle or brew from regional makers and beyond. There’s also a menu of food, so you can stick around for a snack or a meal while you taste. A recent addition is a series of taps featuring ales from owner Melanie Betti’s side project, Spider City Brewing.
