Tucked into the heart of Portland's thriving culinary landscape, Living Room Wines is the kind of intimate, thoughtfully curated wine shop and bar that makes oenophiles feel right at home. With a selection that leans toward the organic, biodynamic, and esoteric, this cozy haven is a refreshing antidote to predictable pours, offering bottles that tell stories of terroir, tradition, and innovation.
On a recent visit, the staff's passion was palpable as they guided us through a flight of standout pours. The Frauwallner “Weissburgunder" Pinot Blanc (Vulkanland Steiermark, AT, 2023) was a revelation-crisp and mineral-driven, with whispers of green apple and white peach, finishing with a touch of saline freshness. A perfect testament to Austria's underrated whites.
Equally compelling was the Burklin-Wolf "Blanc" Riesling Blend (Pfalz, DE, 2022), a dynamic mix of Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and Silvaner. This German gem balanced ripe stone fruit with a racy acidity, its subtle floral notes unfolding with each sip. A versatile crowd-pleaser that could pair with anything from spicy Thai to a lazy afternoon.
For those who prefer reds with finesse, the Durin Rossese (Riviera Ligure di Ponente, IT, 2023) was a masterclass in elegance. This Ligurian beauty, light on its feet yet bursting with wild strawberries, rose petals, and a hint of crushed herbs, was a reminder of Italy's gift for producing reds that are both vibrant and nuanced.
What sets Living Room Wines apart isn't just its expertly chosen inventory-it's the warm, unpretentious atmosphere that invites exploration. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious novice, the team's enthusiasm makes every visit feel like a discovery. With its ever-rotating selection and welcoming vibe, this Portland gem is a must-visit for anyone who believes wine should be as exciting as it...
Read moreIf you’re looking for: cozy yet sexy, relaxed yet upscale, a place to gather with friends yet also a place to get some work done - all with an amazing selection of delicious and interesting wines and yummy bites - look no further, and welcome to your new fav neighborhood wine bar!
We came in for happy hour yesterday, and I already can’t wait to go back. We had a flight of wines (we asked the server to choose, and he had such a great descriptions of each one that made it fun and educational for us)! Also had the mulled wine and the meat and cheese board, both super tasty.
Kid friendly til 6pm?!…Not that I’d choose to bring my kids here, but the option is always a nice touch. This one will definitely be in my regular rotation, and it should be...
Read moreLike many in the neighborhood I imagine, I'd been driving past this place on Lombard for months, curious about what was going in there. Very pleasantly surprised! The space is chic, there's a good selection of interesting bottles along the wall, including some apertif wines, and an inspired 'by the glass' selection of on the menu. The way the bar it set up is nice, it serves as the focal point of the space, with more casual seating and wines to browse around the sides.
Didn't get a chance to try any food, but saw the bar snacks and cheese plate on other people's tables and it looked good.
It was pretty busy when I went, which was early evening on a Saturday. But a table always seemed to open up just as someone came in. Hope to get...
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