A cicerone’s guide to Bend Ale Trail must-try beers
November 7, 2025
10 minute readBend boasts a rep as a beer mecca, but wine lovers here find their own brand of heaven. While the Willamette Valley to the west offers some of the world’s finest pinot noir, the high desert vineyards near Bend flourish with unique varietals. Central Oregon wineries specialize in cold-hardy grapes like Marquette and La Crescent, making Bend a hotbed of creative wine picks.
Not only that, but Bend tasting rooms pour selections from world-renowned wineries like Willamette Valley Vineyards and Stoller Wine Group, along with locally-sourced wine and special bottles imported from around the globe. Whether your palate is pleading for chardonnay or a hearty syrah, you’ll find what you’re craving in Bend’s budding wine scene.
Oregon’s rich landscapes and welcoming climate have fostered a haven for winemakers and oenophiles alike. While areas west of the Cascades soak up most of the glory, Bend has emerged as a surprising star in the state’s renowned wine scene. Though younger and less traditional than its beer brewing counterpart, Bend’s wine culture attracts both connoisseurs and curious newcomers.
Central Oregon wines offer a distinct twist on the classic grape varietals you might know. Unlike the cool, wet climate of the Willamette Valley, Bend’s high desert environment and dramatic temperature swings bring us hot days and cold nights. This unique geography presents a challenge, but also an intriguing opportunity for local winemakers, especially when working with hybrid grape varieties like Frontenac and Traminette. These grapes, specifically chosen to thrive in Central Oregon’s climate, contribute to the development of unforgettable flavor profiles in the region’s wines.
The best way to dive into Central Oregon’s wine scene is by visiting our local wineries, wine bars, and tasting rooms. Grab your glass and get sipping!

Set against the backdrop of the majestic Cascade Mountains about 30 miles north of Bend, Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards boasts breathtaking views and award-winning wines. A tasting room, framed by majestic views, offers wine by the glass or in flights or bottles for purchase. You can also choose from a variety of delicious appetizers, salads, and pizzas. Faith Hope & Charity also offers winery tours. The vineyard has a family-friendly atmosphere and hosts events like weddings, live music, and even a classic car show.
Maragas Winery bridges the gap between Old World traditions and contemporary innovations. Just north of Bend on Highway 97, the winery sits on 15 acres with a diverse selection of 35 grape varietals including established European grapes and experimental varieties. Savor innovative wines in an inviting tasting barn, while taking in mesmerizing views of Smith Rock State Park. Pair your wines with delicious appetizer plates or cheese and charcuterie boards.
Lava Terrace Cellars began in 2012 in northeast Bend and has matured from its initial five-acre planting to managing 4,800 vines. Growing grapes at 3,400 feet in elevation has its challenges, but Dina and Duane Barker have racked up international recognition and medals for wines including Marechal Foch, Marquette, and La Crescent. The winery hopes to open a tasting room soon but for now you can sample these unique varietals at the Elixir tasting room in Bend.
Why go to Tuscany when a visit to Bend can punch your ticket for old-world wines. Founded by two Italians, Italo Durighello and Tony Pecolatto, Black Goat Winery embodies the spirit of Italian winemaking with generation-old family techniques. They source select grapes from small farms throughout the Pacific Northwest and turn them into artisanal, small-batch wines. Located in Terrebonne, just 30 minutes north of Bend, Black Goat Winery has no tasting room of its own but you can still enjoy their wines at local restaurants and wine bars.
Crooked Wine Company started out as Central Vineyards goes big on sustainable viticulture by creating small-batch, low-intervention wines that epitomize the essence of our high desert terrain. While they don’t have a tasting room, wine enthusiasts can discover their unique offerings at Bend retailers like The Pantry, Jackson’s Corner, West Coast Provisions, Reed Crossing Market, and more.

Experience the essence of Oregon wine culture at Willamette Valley Vineyards’ Bend Tasting Room & Restaurant with sustainably crafted wines and Pacific Northwest-inspired cuisine, all in a cozy atmosphere featuring barrel booth seating and fireplaces.
Amaterra Kitchen + Social Club uses grapes sourced from the northern Willamette Valley where the best Pinot Noir vineyards are planted. This members-only gathering place requires a one-time $25 social club fee that’s applied to two bottles of wine you can take home or enjoy here with your meal in a sleek, well appointed setting.
Looking for a wine shop in Bend with a selection of Oregon’s finest? Good Drop Wine Shoppe offers a vast selection ranging from Pacific Northwest specialties to rare vintage offerings. FERM & fare focuses on organic and responsibly farmed wines. They also serve up flights and small bites for a delightful tasting experience. The Wine Shop and Tasting Bar is a great spot to buy some of the most interesting wines in the world, and their by-the-glass wine list offers something for everyone. They also boast Spider CIty Brewing beer on draft, plus an array of top-notch spirits.
Local Oregon and Washington wines await in a cozy setting at The Winery at Manzanita, formerly Bend Wine Bar, where you can try an array of exceptional wines, craft beers, and ciders from renowned regions like the Willamette Valley, Columbia Gorge, and Columbia Valley.
Fans of Walla Walla, Washington’s winemaking legacy are in for a treat at the Bend Bledsoe Family Winery tasting room. Founded by NFL star Drew Bledsoe and winemaker Josh McDaniels, this tasting room boasts nationally acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon and varietals. Enjoy the spacious barrel-stave marquee setting with a street-side patio in Bend’s Box Factory.
Indulge in acclaimed wines at Stoller Wine Bar in the Box Factory, a great spot to savor award-winning elixirs from their family of brands. Delectable dining options pair perfectly with their wines, and their proximity to Hayden Homes Amphitheater makes them a perfect spot to stop for pre-concert sips.
Expand your wine horizons with Elixir and its collection of fine international wines at the Bend-based Wine Bar and Tasting Room. Here you can shop and sample selections from a global collection, as well as Elixir’s own handcrafted wines and selections from other local vineyards. The winemaking is a collaborative effort between Elixir president and winemaker Kirk Ermisch and his daughter, Hannah. With all wines they produce, grapes are hand-picked, fermented in open-top fermenters, then aged in French oak barrels for a year prior to bottling.
Step into a vibrant atmosphere at Evoke Winery’s Bend tasting room in the Old Mill District, the perfect place to savor a glass while shopping or heading for a concert at Hayden Homes Amphitheater. Formerly Naked Winery, Evoke is known for risque-sounding wines like Make Out Merlot, Booty Call Sweet Rosé, Virgin Chardonnay, and more. Evoke prides itself on using high-quality fruit from well-respected vineyards throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Va Piano Vineyards Tasting Room in the Old Mill offers a cozy haven where you can enjoy premium wines from this Walla Walla winery. Sip your chosen selection while taking in the beauty of the Deschutes River from the outdoor patio. Explore diverse wines, from everyday favorites to the exclusive Black Label vintages. Feeling peckish? Indulge in a charcuterie board or decadent chocolates alongside your wine.
Located in the Century Center off SW Century Drive, Laurel Ridge Tasting Room offers flights, tastings, and bottle service featuring wines from their vineyards nestled near Newberg, Carlton, and McMinnville. Reservations are recommended, as is their delectable charcuterie board.
Flights Wine Bar provides a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere ideal for delving into curated wine flights. Knowledgeable staff are available to guide you through their diverse selection and assist you in discovering new favorites. They offer not only retail sales to bring your finds home but also delightful dining experiences featuring wine pairings and mouthwatering desserts.
Craving the simple pleasures of wine and oysters? Hasta Que Olvidamos offers unique wines and vermouths you won’t find anywhere else in the world. They’re created in small batches in Napa, California, by winemaker Tim Colla. All wines are on tap and available to drink in their lovely westside space, or to go. If you’re sticking around, pair your drink with a variety of small plates and oysters.
Portello Lounge (formerly Portello Wine Bar) offers a distinctive dining experience in Northwest Crossing. With its living room ambiance, plush velvet couches, and moody lighting, it’s the perfect setting for a date night or an intimate meal with friends. Portello offers an extensive wine selection, scrumptious food pairings, a full bar and cocktail program, and regular live music.
Many of Bend’s wineries and tasting rooms are highlighted Drinkable Diversions stops along the famed Bend Ale Trail. These stops are tailored for non-beer enthusiasts, where you can enjoy cideries, distilleries, kombucha breweries, and of course, wineries throughout the area. As you sip and explore, collect passport stamps from each Drinkable Diversion stop. Once completed, you can swing by the Bend Visitor Center for prizes!
From the bustling downtown wine bars to the serene vineyards surrounding the city, Bend has something for every wine lover. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or new to the world of wine, Bend’s diverse wine scene promises a memorable and enjoyable experience. So, let’s raise a glass!
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