Emma Mannheimer
Emma Mannheimer is a Seattle-born, Portland-based writer and editor. Read More
Portland’s Best Boozy Flights
Discover the greatest spots to sample local wines, beers, ciders and spirits.
Emma Mannheimer
Emma Mannheimer is a Seattle-born, Portland-based writer and editor. Read More
If you sometimes struggle when it’s time to choose which drink to order, tasting flights are the perfect solution. Sip your way through a flight of local beverages, and enjoy the flavors and value — these budget-friendly picks run $7-12.
Wine Tasting Flights in Portland
Blackbird Wine & Atomic Cheese Shop
Visitors to Northeast Portland’s Beaumont District are drawn to the glowing interior of Blackbird Wine & Atomic Cheese Shop. The shop’s shelves are filled with hand-selected finds from artisans around the globe. Blackbird also offers themed $12 tastings Friday and Saturday evenings, with four thoughtful wine selections (plus the occasional bonus taste). Snacks are plentiful and delicious, with cheese selections and crostini worth a visit alone. As a bonus, the majority of bottles can be purchased for under $20. On warm days, be sure to take advantage of the shaded outdoor seating.
Vino
Celebrate the week’s end in style at Vino on bustling Southeast 28th Avenue. Every Friday from 4:30–8 p.m., the wine experts at Vino offer five exquisite pours for a reasonable $10. Two or three bonus pours are on deck for an additional small charge. Whether you’re a budding sommelier or a total wine novice, Vino’s Friday Flights are for you. Bread is offered as a palate cleanser, but we recommend grabbing snacks from a nearby food cart to compliment your tasting.
Cider Tasting Flights in Portland
Portland Cider House
Portland Cider Company boasts one of the state’s largest cideries at its Portland Cider House on Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard. Established in 2012, the local cidery uses both English traditions and Northwest-perfected micro-brewing techniques to create its ciders. Bright flavors include habañero, sangria and berry, adding a flavorful spritz. Drinkers at the cider house can select five lip-smacking varieties from their 28 taps of signature and seasonal creations. When you’ve crafted your custom flight, you’ll be one ounce shy of a pint for just $7.
Beer Tasting Flights in Portland
Base Camp Brewing
Nicknamed “Beervana” for a reason, Portland is awash with craft breweries keeping things flavorful. Founded in 2012, Base Camp Brewing remains a crowd favorite for its emphasis on quality beer and outdoor adventure. Base Camp’s famed S’mores Stout is one of the available offerings in its six-glass tasting flight, priced at $10. (Extra-thirsty visitors can upgrade to 10 brews for $15.) Food trucks are on hand for hungry imbibers, and the patio is perfect for summertime sipping.
Take a Sip
Beer
Portland is home to more breweries than any other city on earth. (No wonder we call it “Beervana!”)
Wine
With wine country in its backyard, Portland overflows with wine bars and urban wineries, offering special varietals from around the world.
Craft Spirits
Powered by a collective of Southeast Portland spirit makers, Portland's craft distilling era is coming of age.
Breakside Brewery
The Oregonian named Breakside IPA “The Best Beer in Oregon” in 2015; it also took the gold medal for American-Style IPA at the 2014 Great American Beer Festival. But it’s by no means the only beer worth tasting at Breakside Brewery, which opened in 2010 and now has three locations. The brewers frequently create adventurous brews, including barrel-aged and sour beers. For $10, visitors can fill their sampling flights with six 5-ounce pours. Choose from three year-round and three seasonal brews, like the German pilsner, West Coast pale ale and a Guajillo-chili-laced porter.
Vodka Tasting Flights in Portland
Kachka
Kachka may be best known for its Russian seven-layer dip and bouncy pelmeni dumplings swimming in a rich broth. This Soviet-inspired drinking spot, however, also pours the best selection of vodkas in town. Six different flights each feature a trio of fine vodkas, with prices ranging from $12–$50. Vodkas like Jewel of Russia Classic, Portland Potato and Hammer & Sickle are sure to tickle your tastebuds and curiosity. Pro tip: Although not offered in the flights, the house infusions are also spectacular, particularly the horseradish.