The next frontier for Oregon wine looks a little different than you might expect: Trade the gently rolling landscapes in the Chehalem Mountains or Dundee Hills for converted industrial spaces, where self-starting vintners craft some of the Pacific Northwest’s most lip-smacking wines without a vine in sight. Whatever you miss in pastoral ambience is made up for with an approachable and unpretentious tasting-room culture. And with close to two dozen wineries across the city, you can easily spend a day visiting tasting rooms, sipping through the urban wine scene one flight at a time. For a broad selection of local wines, head to Division Winemaking Company (2005 SE Eighth Ave.), a winery and tasting room set in an airy and modern space. Here you’ll find Loire Valley-inspired wines such as gamay noir and sauvignon blanc made with Oregon fruit. Owned by urban wine pioneers, the winery often hosts seasonal On the Urban Wine Trail Trendsetting vintners craft wines in the heart of the city. events and pop-up pizza nights. Another must-visit across the Willamette River is Enso Winery (1416 SE Stark St.). Set in a renovated mechanic shop with leafy vines cascading over the brick-covered entrance, the lively atmosphere is welcoming for all, whether you’re new to wines or a connoisseur. The menu includes wine flights and snacky bites. As with all Oregon wineries, it’s best to make a reservation for the best experience. Other excellent urban tasting rooms include Hip Chicks Do Wine (4510 SE 23rd Ave.), Helioterra Wines (2025 SE Seventh Ave.), Battle Creek Cellars (820 NW 13th Ave.) and Boedecker Cellars (2621 NW 30th Ave.). At family-run Fullerton Wines (1966 NW Pettygrove St.), you can pair your pinot flight with seasonal bistro fare. Best of all, you can tour the urban wineries by foot, bicycle or rideshare — all the while discovering some of the city’s most lively neighborhoods. AARON LEE / OREGON WINE BOARD Boedecker Cellars 25 PortlandUncovered.com
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