Wine Bars: From Local to International Tastes

While Washington County is home to more than 25 wineries, many of which offer tasting rooms, at times it's fun to sample wine in one spot--particularly if you're headed out in the evening after the 5 p.m. closure of most tasting rooms.

So peruse the menus of these 21-and-older wine bars; whether you choose local or international glasses to try, chances are you'll enjoy relaxing with a satisfying selection for your palate.   

The Friendly Vine in Forest Grove is a wine shop and tasting room with an owner who is a certified sommelier. They're open six days a week and offer wines by the glass or tasting flights, "with values to fit all tastes and cellars."

Parallel 45 Wine Bar is on the lake in the Tualatin Commons, which is the heart of Tualatin. Choose from 50 wines by the glass and more than 100 by the bottle, as well as beer on tap and a full food menu featuring small plates such as prosciutto-wrapped asparagus and entrees such as Pork Osso Bucco. There are new wine flights each month, as well as daily wine specials.

Split Dine and Drink is in Tigard's Bridgeport Village, and offers the choice of wine tastes (1 oz.), half glass (3 oz.) or glass (6 oz.)--all of which are guaranteed good with the use of its unique enomatic wine dispensing system. Enjoy a range of wines from near and far. A unique cocktail menu is also available, with offerings such as the "Bridgeport Coffee" combining vanilla vodka, coffee and Irish cream. A full, classic menu is also available, with features such as pasta and panini.

Urban Decanter is another Forest Grove spot, located right on Main Street. Enjoy wines by the taste, glass, bottle or case, and choose from a daily wine menu. To accompany the perfect pinot, try the small plates of gourmet Oregon foods, including a selection of paninis and scratch-made soup. Unique offerings include coffee from Wine Country Coffee Roasters and a full selection of cigars.

Wines of Oregon is in the tiny town of Timber, and showcases some tiny Oregon producers, but these are big, robust tastes that are otherwise hard to find under one roof. Better yet, they're open every day and are located right off Highway 26. The varietals range from chardonnay to muscat.

Taste for yourself why Oregon's Washington County is known for wine, in more ways than one! Or check out our complete listing of wineries.