2024 Classes and events

April First Friday Tasting: Willow Wine Cellars, $10
Apr
4

April First Friday Tasting: Willow Wine Cellars, $10

Brendan and Tarnna are true garagiste winemakers, literally fermenting and bottling juice in their renovated garage in the Columbia Gorge. Brendan got his start in wine hospitality at Chrysalis Winery in Virginia before moving to Napa, where he led wine tours and attended night classes for viticulture and enology. Brendan and Tarnna met at a bakery in Napa, and moved to Tarnna’s hometown in Hood River, where they managed their friend’s backyard hobby vineyard and made their first twenty cases of rose.

As the years progressed, Tarnna completed her master’s in education, the two had a couple of kiddos, and scaled up their production to 900 cases. They’re making a variety of wines, sourcing fruit from Washington and the Columbia Gorge.

Join us as we taste through a selection of their wines! Your $10 ticket will be credited toward a purchase of two Willow bottles.

purchase tickets here, $10

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Foundations I: Wine for Newbies, $25
Apr
16

Foundations I: Wine for Newbies, $25

Join us for an introduction to the basics of wine. All of us, at some point or another, have found ourselves boggled by retail shelves or restaurant menus. Between regions, varietals, styles, and jargon, approaching wine can seem impossibly daunting. This class is geared toward those who love wine, but find themselves a little (or maybe more than a little!) lost.

We’re going to cover the most essential concepts surrounding wine production and how to read a wine label. With these skills, you’ll be equipped with the right set of tools and questions to tackle the world of wine.

purchase tickets here, $25

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The Wines of Languedoc-Roussillon, $40
Apr
23

The Wines of Languedoc-Roussillon, $40

Languedoc and Roussillon were the first places in France that recovered from the phylloxera epidemic that decimated the vast majority of European vineyards at the turn of the 20th century. While they were known as a “wine lake” for decades, churning out millions of gallons of table wine, recent years have seen a resurgence of radically cool juice made from grapes in old vineyards that have never seen chemicals.

A broad spectrum of styles is made in this region, ranging from sparkling wine (where the monks of Saint Hilaire discovered it in the early 1500s) to fortified wines, and we’ll be exploring daily drinkers and fancy juice from allocated producers. Prepare to have your minds and palates blown, in the best of all possible senses.

purchase tickets here, $40

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Oregon Wine Fair & Maker’s Market
May
3

Oregon Wine Fair & Maker’s Market

May is Oregon Wine Month, and were kicking it off right! Join us for a wine tasting fair, featuring six indie winemakers, and a vibrant marketplace of local crafts and gourmet foods!

These innovative winemakers are much-loved in the local wine scene. Some folks you might be familiar with, others perhaps not. But we guarantee this much: their wines are tremendous, approachable, and affordable! Taste through 18 wines, with bottles available for purchase.

It’ll be a party vibe with local food vendors and artisans and makers. Vendor details will be released in the coming weeks.

Come support small businesses and celebrate Oregon spring with us!

Purchase advance tickets here, $20

Pre-sale ends April 30th; tickets will be available at the door for $30.

OEL wine club members will have exclusive, early access starting at 2pm. Doors will open to everyone else at 3pm.

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Foundations II: Demystifying Wine Tasting, $25
May
7

Foundations II: Demystifying Wine Tasting, $25

If you have a foundational understanding of how wine comes into existence, and a grasp of the most essential concepts that surround wine, then it’s time to dive into wine tasting. Wine can (and should!) be mysterious, but we’re going to provide you with a firm foundation to understand—and thereby better enjoy—the wines you drink.

Before exploring the various areas of aroma and flavor profiles, we’ll talk about the key structural elements that compose a glass: sweetness, alcohol, acidity, and tannin. Alongside a little bit of science and a dose of psychology, we’ll provide tips and tricks to navigate the choreography and mechanics of tasting.

purchase tickets here, $25

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May
14

The Willamette Valley, $45

In honor of Oregon Wine Month, we’re nerding out about the world-class Pinots and Chardonnays of Oregon. How did the Valley historically come to exist as a beloved wine region? Why does the Willamette Valley have so many danged AVAs? What could possibly merit these distinctions in a relatively small region? We’ll be getting into some of our favorite Pinots and Chardonnays, talking about soils and microclimates of each sub-AVA within the Valley, and how they distinctly affect the wines made from their grapes. Get ready to learn about the history, geology, topography of the Willamette Valley, and dive into some truly exceptional wines. Expect a bonus pour or two from Dave’s home cellar of wonders that are not widely available.

purchase tickets here, $45

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May
28

The Esoteric Wines of Oregon, $35

While Oregon is most famous for Pinot and Chardonnay, in recent decades experimentalists have been planting grapes that are native to the more obscure (and sometimes classic) regions of Europe. These are, admittedly, the varietals that get us especially riled up when it comes to local wines, given that they’re vinified in such limited amounts by wickedly creative folks who are rebelling against the mainstream. Join us on an expedition through the most exciting things happening in the Willamette Valley, Columbia Gorge, and beyond!

purchase tickets here, $35

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Jun
6

Grape Ink First Friday, $10

Jarad Hadi worked alongside some of the top viticultural and winemaking consultants in France before returning home to Oregon. He plants and farms vineyards in the Tualatin Hills AVA, the most northerly sub-appellation of the Willamette Valley, precisely because of the high altitude vineyards here.

Jarad is a brilliant farmer, and makes almost absurdly tiny quantities of wine from the best plots that he farms. Supremely attentive in the vineyards, Jarad eschews chemicals, and crafts his wines with as minimal intervention as possible. His wines range from the classic to the creative.

Come taste through his wines, with your ticket credited toward a purchase of two bottles.

purchase tickets here, $10

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Jun
11

Foundations III: The Essentials of Pairing, $25

If you’ve come to appreciate how wine can elevate a meal, but want to understand how wine and food interact–in both desirable and undesirable ways–then this is the class for you. As we taste through our flight, we’ll be investigating how these wines interact with various food components (salt, fat, acid, and heat, as it were). We’ll empower you with the resources to ask the right questions of wine stewards and sommeliers when you’re looking for the perfect bottle or glass to accompany your meal.

purchase tickets here, $25

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Mar
26

Bargain Wines from Famous Regions, $35

This class will explore the world’s most famously expensive regions, specifically with an eye to finding quality wines from those areas without spending hundreds of dollars. Ever heard of French crémant? Or second labels from Bordeaux? Or the Mâconnais? If not, you’re in for a treat as we taste through and discuss bomb wines that are way more affordable than their more famous counterparts, and just as delicious.

purchase tickets here, $35

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Mar
19

Foundations III: The Essentials of Pairing

If you’ve come to appreciate how wine can elevate a meal, but want to understand how wine and food interact–in both desirable and undesirable ways–then this is the class for you. As we taste through our flight, we’ll be investigating how these wines interact with various food components (salt, fat, acid, and heat, as it were). We’ll empower you with the resources to ask the right questions of wine stewards and sommeliers when you’re looking for the perfect bottle or glass to accompany your meal.

purchase tickets here, $25

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Mar
12

Women in Wine: The Art of Micro-Winemaking, $40

We’re thrilled to host Diana Schultz of Augustina Cellars and Meg Rulli of Flipturn Cellars for a class that celebrates the vinous dimension of Women’s History Month. These two ladies will lead us in a class that highlights their wines, and discussing their winemaking journeys along the way. Diana and Meg manage every aspect of their wine production and business, from vineyard contracts to winemaking to marketing to selling. If you’re curious to learn about how two indie winemakers do their thing, this will be a supremely insightful evening, with conversation directed by a flight of six wines lovingly made by Diana and Meg!

purchase tickets here, $40

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Here’s some info about our two guests, and their work:

Diana (she/her), the owner and winemaker of Augustina Cellars, lives for her passions, of which she has many. When trying to draw on the origin of her intrigue in the world of wine, she realizes how closely connected it is to food. Even in high school, when a friend brought over a bottle of Bordeaux from their parent's cellar, Diana pulled out the deli cold cuts and pre-sliced cheeses to make (the most generic) cheese and charcuterie plate to compliment the wine. However, the inexperienced tastebuds of teenagers had them spitting out the wine and dumping the bottle down the sink. Oh, the shame! She has since spent two decades honing her palate, testing her skills in naming the varietals and regions as well as assessing quality. She is a certified Spanish Wine Scholar, Italian Wine Scholar from the Wine Scholar Guild and WSET Level 3. Diana is a wine educator at The Wine & Spirit Archive in Portland. The next adventure of learning is all that goes into winemaking by making her own which she started in 2019.

Diana loves to dance, attend live theatre, music, Blazer games and stand up comedy. Her favorite way to enjoy time off is spent leisurely cooking, outside in her own backyard or the beautiful lakes, rivers and trails of the Pacific Northwest. All good food is her favorite. She wants to travel everywhere and drink all the amazing wine on this planet.

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Flipturn Cellars celebrates the unexpected flips and turns in life. Owner Meg Rulli's passion for wine began during her college study abroad in Barcelona, where she discovered the joy of pairing wine with food. Years later, Meg traveled abroad for an entire year exploring renowned global wine regions. She grew increasingly passionate about wine when she returned to the States and set up roots in Portland, immersing herself in the vibrant Oregon food and wine scene.

In 2019, Meg pursued the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) program, earning her certification as a Level 3 Wine Expert and deepening her fascination with the grape-to-glass transformation. In 2020, without prior winemaking experience, she took a bold leap and purchased 1 ton of Syrah fruit from Yakima Valley. Through learning by doing and mentorship from talented Oregon winemakers, she produced her first vintage and launched her brand, Flipturn Cellars.

Flipturn Cellars sources grapes from vineyards committed to regenerative farming. Meg crafts small-batch, minimal intervention, food-friendly wines, inspired by the wines she has fallen in love with during her travels.

In addition to Flipturn Cellars, Meg creates educational wine content for everyday wine enthusiasts for her brand, Barrel Dork.

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Mar
7

March First Friday Tasting: RAM Cellars

Vivianne Kennedy, the owner and winemaker of RAM Cellars, is a true pioneer in the Oregon wine scene, and crafts small lots of premium, low intervention wines in SE Portland. Viv is the first transgender winemaker in Oregon, and we’re excited to host her at OEL for the first time! A portion of all RAM Cellars revenue is returned to the communities that she is part of, focusing on non-profit organizations that support and uplift queer and transgender folks.

$10 to taste through a flight of three wines, with your ticket credited toward a purchase of two bottles!

purchase tickets here, $10

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Feb
24

Magic Uncorked

Well, our first magic show was a raging success, so we’re excited to host a few stellar magicians for our second Magic Uncorked. This time around, you’ll enjoy walkaround and close-up magic in the bar from 6-7:15 before heading into the Vinum Lounge for a seated show at 7:30. Your ticket includes a glass of wine or a non-alcoholic beverage and three hours of incredible magic! Please note that tickets will not be available at the door!

purchase tickets here, $35

Here is some information about the magicians:

John W. Stevens has been called, “The Mr. Rogers of Magic,” and is a family entertainer who has been delighting audiences for over 35 years. Known for his captivating magic tricks and joyful performances, John brings a blend of wonder and laughter to every show. His career has spanned generations, enchanting children and adults alike with his magical stories.

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Wunderkid Moto McChesney might not have graduated high school yet, but this fellow has been accepted into the world-renowned Junior Program at the Magic Castle in Los Angeles! Auditioning for, and being accepted as a magician member of the Castle is something most magicians can only dream of. Before he got into the Castle, Moto made waves in the Portland magic community by earning 4th place in a statewide magic competition after just one month of performing. From grand stage illusions to close-up magic performed right in the palm of your hand, Moto offers captivating entertainment for any and every audience.

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TJ Newton’s journey into magic began with the charm of early variety television shows that inspired him as a child. By his teens he was mentored by a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and earned a spot in both his mentor’s magic club and the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians by age fifteen.

From that humble beginning, he quickly became a staple in his community, performing for private parties and teaming with a young talented juggler and best friend performing under the name “TJ and Thompson.” Together they performed for audiences including fairs and other public events in the area.

After shifting focus to theater, TJ performed on stages along Oregon’s North Coast from the early ’90s until his move to Oregon City in 2022. His theatrical experiences include a small role in the television show Leverage and training in improvisation, character development and acting at the Portland Actors Conservatory.

Now after 40 years from when it all began TJ is circling back to his first love of performance: magic.  He brings with him a wealth of storytelling and comedic timing he has honed through those many years on the stage.

TJ’s magic promises to entertain and enthrall audiences as he attempts to impart on them the same sense of wonder and excitement as when he saw his very first magical performance as a child.

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Craig Martin, a dedicated magician whose passion for creativity and commitment to his craft shine through every performance. With a unique blend of humor and visual artistry, Craig has developed a distinctive style of Business Magic that transforms corporate events into memorable experiences. He seamlessly weaves your message into his act, ensuring that audiences not only enjoy the show but also remember the key takeaways long after the curtain falls.

With over 30 years of experience performing for respected companies like Costco, Nike, PDX, Microsoft, Home Depot, Holiday Inn, Survey Monkey, Seattle Genetics, Alta Pharmaceuticals, OpenSesame, Cricket, Kohler Engines, The Hilton, and many others.  

Craig takes pride in tailoring his performances to resonate with diverse audiences. His goal is to make corporate gatherings enjoyable and engaging, adding a touch of magic to the everyday.

Before embarking on his journey as a magician, Craig dedicated over 20 years to the United States Army, where he served in the 9th Mission Support Command in Honolulu, Hawaii. Responsible for the medical readiness of more than 4,000 soldiers across the South Pacific, Craig learned the importance of teamwork, communication, and collaboration—principles that he brings to every performance.

Craig Martin is not just a magician; he’s a storyteller who believes in the power of connection and joy. With every show, he aims to create moments of wonder that leave a lasting impression. Get ready to be entertained and inspired!

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Feb
21

February Furmint: The Wines of Central and Eastern Europe, with Stetson of Black Lamb Imports

As a continuation of our celebration of February Furmint, Join Stetson Robbins the man behind Black Lamb Imports, a sui generis company that specializes in the wines of Central and Eastern Europe. Taste through a flight of six wines from Central and Eastern Europe, with your ticket credited toward a purchase of three bottles. Here’s some info about Black Lamb:

Black Lamb is an importer of low technology wines and fermentables primarily from Georgia and Central Europe. These are not well known regions and their wines even less so. Ironically, it is this lack of attention that insulates the wines of these regions from the homogenization that defines modern wine. We are not interested in homogenous wine. We seek singular wines of imagination that communicate something about the place and people who made them. As importers, it is our job to bend the market to these wines rather than the wines to the market. Doing this protects the diversity of wine on our table and yours while encouraging, if not providing a livelihood for, the artisan craftspeople who produce them.

purchase tickets here, $20

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Feb
19

Foundations II: Demystifying Wine Tasting

If you have a foundational understanding of how wine comes into existence, and a grasp of the most essential concepts that surround wine, then it’s time to dive into wine tasting. Wine can (and should!) be mysterious, but we’re going to provide you with a firm foundation to understand—and thereby better enjoy—the wines you drink.

Before exploring the various areas of aroma and flavor profiles, we’ll talk about the key structural elements that compose a glass: sweetness, alcohol, acidity, and tannin. Alongside a little bit of science and a dose of psychology, we’ll provide tips and tricks to navigate the choreography and mechanics of tasting.

purchase tickets here, $25

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Feb
14

Valentine's Day Flight

Looking for the perfect way to add some sparkle to your Valentine’s Day plans? Your $30 flight comprises three elegant rosé sparklers, including a real-deal Champagne! Make it even sweeter with an optional Valentine’s Day cheese and dessert plate for $30 more, featuring decadent treats and perfect pairings.

Whether you’re starting your evening off right or winding down after dinner, this tasting is the ideal way to toast to love, friendship, and everything in between.

Please note that space is limited, and we have reservation times for 5pm, 7pm, and 9pm, which you will select upon checkout.

purchase tickets here

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Feb
13

Galentine's Day Trivia

For the ladies, we’re excited to host a Galentine’s Day Trivia! Your ticket includes a glass of wine, with a snack plate available for purchase with your ticket. Space is limited, so please reserve tickets for groups of up to 6. While this is a Galentine’s-themed event, all are welcome!

OEL’s co-owner Sarah Gregory has put together an exciting set of trivia questions, centered around the accomplishments of women throughout human history. Her lesser half, Dave, will be temporarily returning to his career as a teacher, and will be present to pour wine and grade your answer sheets.

And yes, there will be prizes.

purchase tickets here, $20

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Feb
8

February Furmint: The Wines of Hungary

We’re featuring wines from Central and Eastern Europe throughout February in celebration of February Furmint, and our first of two tastings will focus on the wines of Hungary.

Last year, Dave met Eric Danch, a hilarious and supremely passionate fellow who fell in love with the wines of Central and Eastern Europe while working for a show that combined European cabaret and Vaudevillian circus. Eric’s six years in the circus catalyzed a career focusing on the wines that his European colleagues drank, and he spent close to a decade spreading love for these wines in the Bay area before taking over and transforming the Blue Danube Wine Co. into Danch and Granger Selections with his business partner Catherine Granger.

This tasting will highlight six wines from the Hungarian side of the Danch & Granger portfolio, foregrounding the historical regions of Somlo and Tokaj; these white wines will range from dry to off-dry to fully botrytized, covering a breadth of traditional styles that are rarely seen in the United States.

Your ticket will be credited toward a purchase of three bottles.

purchase tickets here, $20

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Feb
7

First Friday Tasting: Sealionne, $10

In 2023, we hosted our first Winter Wine Market, where we were introduced to Ben and Piper of Sealionne wines, whose bottles were an absolute hit! We’re thrilled to have them back for a tasting of their critically acclaimed juice. Here’s some info about the label:

Inspired by SeaLyon, a 1920-1930’s classic wooden boat designer from New York City known for exceptional performance. The brand was conceived by Ben and Piper with family while cruising through our happy place - perched in the cockpit of a 1925 SeaLyon called the Herschel. While drinking wine and feeling the freedom of slicing through the water, we felt compelled to bring this sense of adventure to our wine making journey. Sealionne wines, rooted in our beautiful Ribbon Ridge Estate property in Newberg, Oregon, is also a place for exploration. We make wines that we feel embody the freedom we experience while adventuring and traveling with those we love.

Taste through a flight of Sealionne wines, with your ticket credited toward a purchase of two bottles. Free for club members!

purchase tickets here, $10

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Feb
5

Pink Bubbles, $45

Who doesn’t love pink bubbles? They’re fun, they’re tasty and just the right kind of wine to share with someone you adore – or want to! In this class we’ll explore a world-wide variety of sparkling roses, from pet nats to Champagnes. Learn about how varieties and production methods create different styles – from pale blushes to big, full-bodied versions – to find what YOU love.

Taught by our own Tanya Zumach, WSET 3 and Master of Champagne.

purchase tickets here

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Jan
29

Foundations I: Wine for Newbies

Join us for an introduction to the basics of wine. All of us, at some point or another, have found ourselves boggled by retail shelves or restaurant menus. Between regions, varietals, styles, and jargon, approaching wine can seem impossibly daunting. This class is geared toward those who love wine, but find themselves a little (or maybe more than a little!) lost.

We’re going to cover the most essential concepts surrounding wine production and how to read a wine label. With these skills, you’ll be equipped with the right set of tools and questions to tackle the world of wine.

purchase tickets here, $25

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Dec
20

Two Year Anniversary Party

Well, we survived our two years of business, all thanks to you. We’ll be pouring some amazing wines from giant bottles, along with munchies from local cheesemongers and chocolate makers. Ever tried wines from 9 liter or 12 liter bottles? Neither have we, but we’re going to. This isn’t a class, it’s a party!

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Dec
18

Champagne Master Class, $60

Take your Champagne knowledge to the next level with this in-depth Master Class, taught by our very own Tanya Zumach, WSET3 and Master of Champagne. As we taste through six premium wines, we’ll explore the diverse regions, cult grower-producers, and grand marques that define the world of Champagne. Dive into the nuanced roles of oak and reserve wines in crafting exceptional cuvées, and experience a live sabering demo! Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a budding connoisseur, this class will refine your palate and deepen your appreciation for the complexity and artistry behind every bottle. 

purchase tickets here, $60

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Dec
15

Winter Wine Market, $30

This year’s winter wine market is all about German, Austrian, Alpine, and Champenoise wines! We’ll be featuring the wines of four importers ( Vom Boden, High Five, Archetyp, and Prufrock), each of whom will be pouring samples of two premium wines for your enjoyment and holiday shopping.

Your $30 ticket includes samples of eight wines ranging the spectrum of whites to reds to real deal Champagnes and small bites from Cow Bell. In addition to the wines, local makers and artists (to be updated as we confirm) will be selling their work.

Club members will have access to the market at 4pm, and early access also includes a bonus sample from each importer!

purchase tickets here, $30

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Dec
11

Traditional Method Sparkling Wines, $35

While Champagne absorbs much of the Holiday glow at this festive time of year, we also want to shine a light on the dazzling array of sparkling wines made outside of the Motherland. All our selections will be made in the “traditional” or Champagne method, where the bubbles are created naturally in individual bottles. But then the differences in grape varieties, terroir, and winemaking styles will come into play. Some are crafted as an homage to Champagne, others are made with local grapes to be distinctly different. All will offer festive flavors, versatility in food pairings, and compelling quality for the price. 

A native New Yorker, Oliver Longwell caught the wine bug in 2012 after a number of years working in government and politics. He has worked for leading wine retailers in New York and Los Angeles, with a particular focus on organically-farmed and natural wines. Oliver is a Certified Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers and works as a freelance wine consultant. He enjoys experimenting with fermentations, especially ciders. He and his wife moved to Northeast Portland in 2021 and welcomed their first daughter in 2022 and second daughter in 2024.

purchase tickets here, $35

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Dec
6

Lagniappe Wines First Friday Tasting, $10

Lisette Hrapmann hails from New Orleans, worked with Brianne Day of Day Wines, and began crafting her own juice from Columbia Gorge grapes.

Lisette’s wines honor her roots, as her label Lagniappe (“a little extra”) indicates. Her “Fizzy Lizzy Swampwater” pet-nat, “Stoop Juice” Dolcetto, and “Seersucker” Sauv Blanc are creatively named and labeled, but more importantly #deliciousaf.

purchase tickets here, $10

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Dec
4

Foundations III: The Essentials of Pairing

If you’ve come to appreciate how wine can elevate a meal, but want to understand how wine and food interact–in both desirable and undesirable ways–then this is the class for you. As we taste through our flight, we’ll be investigating how these wines interact with various food components (salt, fat, acid, and heat, as it were). We’ll empower you with the resources to ask the right questions of wine stewards and sommeliers when you’re looking for the perfect bottle or glass to accompany your meal.

purchase tickets here, $25

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Nov
20

Champagne Uncorked, $45

Join our own Tanya Zumach (who happens to hold a Master of Champagne certification) to discover the magic behind the world’s most celebrated wine in this fun and immersive class! From the rich history of Champagne to the complex production process, you’ll gain a deep appreciation for what makes this wine truly unique. Explore how Champagne stands apart from sparkling wines around the globe, and dive into the diverse styles with six wines to taste—from classic blends to single varietals. We’ll even pop off the experience with a sabering demonstration! Whether you’re a newbie or just want to learn more, this class will elevate your understanding and enjoyment of Champagne.

purchase tickets here, $45

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Nov
13

Decoding Bordeaux

Along with Burgundy, Bordeaux is France’s other most famous red wine region. Although not nearly as old as Burgundy, Bordeaux’s reputation has skyrocketed since the late 1980s, when the up-and-coming wine critic Robert Parker made certain vintages and producers famous. We’ll be discussing how to comprehend Bordeaux’s complex appellations and classification systems, and how to find lesser-known Bordeaux wines of high quality. As you might expect, dear reader, we’ll be enjoying a variety of styles from Bordeaux, ranging the breadth of styles Bordeaux has to offer.

purchase tickets here, $45

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Nov
8

FRI 11/8 Importer and producer Tasting: Black Lamb and Kabaj, $15

Founders of import company Black Lamb, Stetson and Kristyn are nationally recognized for their pioneering efforts in preaching a vinous gospel concerning the wines of Georgia and Central Europe. And get this…they just moved to the Portland area from New York City. We’ll be hosting Stetson for a tasting of four wines from a unique Slovenian producer. Read about Stetson, his import company Black Lamb, and KABAJ below!

My wife and partner Kristyn and I started our wine import company Black Lamb in 2018 in California. Most of our professional wine experience has been with indigenous wines from Central Europe and Georgia: we are attracted to low-technology, grower-produced wines that range from the dogmatically traditional to the new and unknown. KABAJ is an estate in the Slovenian wine district of Goriška Brda whose wines exemplify both.

We are excited to announce that winemaker Jean Michel Morel of KABAJ will visit Oregon for the first time this November. Caught between the Alps and the Adriatic Goriška Brda, this is the most northerly position where olives are grown and home to some of Europe's tastiest stone fruit. It is also one of the places where orange wine is old-fashioned, and KABAJ has long been dedicated to this style of vinification. The diverse selection KABAJ produces establishes that, at least in Brda, vinfiying white wine with the skins results in wines of greater drama, longevity and specificity than those vinified without the skins. Come meet one of the most experienced and opinionated professionals making the best of contemporary skin-fermented white (and red) wines. 

purchase tickets here, $15, with your ticket credited toward a purchase of two bottles at the event

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Nov
6

SOLD OUT: Foundations II: Demystifying Wine Tasting

If you have a foundational understanding of how wine comes into existence, and a grasp of the most essential concepts that surround wine, then it’s time to dive into wine tasting. Wine can (and should!) be mysterious, but we’re going to provide you with a firm foundation to understand—and thereby better enjoy—the wines you drink.

Before exploring the various areas of aroma and flavor profiles, we’ll talk about the key structural elements that compose a glass: sweetness, alcohol, acidity, and tannin. Alongside a little bit of science and a dose of psychology, we’ll provide tips and tricks to navigate the choreography and mechanics of tasting.

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Nov
1

Arabilis: November First Friday Winemaker Tasting

Allison and Kenny McMahon (and baby Penelope) are the forces of nature behind Arabilis, a relatively new label in the Willamette Valley. Both have Ph.D.s from Washington State University; Kenny’s dissertation was on the science of traditional method sparkling wine, and Allison’s was on the intricacies of Syrah. After spending some years working applying their expertise to research and data in a variety of fields, they came to the Willamette Valley with the intention of making Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and traditional method sparkling wine.

Allison and Kenny will be pouring a selection of their wines, including their newly-released (and killer!) bubbles!

reserve tickets here, free!

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Oct
30

Weird Wines: Halloween Edition

In and of itself, we will admit that wine is not a terribly spooky thing, and such, does not blatantly endear itself toward Halloween festivities. This said, we’ll be getting into wines that are kooky, sometimes off-putting, and always fascinating. Our flight will consist of wines that are not commonly found on shelves or restaurant glass pour menus: oxidative whites, gamey reds, and eclectic fortified wines are the name of the game tonight.

purchase tickets here, $45

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Oct
28

Magic Uncorked: A Live Magic Show

Back when he was a teenager, Ora's co-owner, Dave, was very awkward. So awkward, in fact, that he was a competitive card magician and went to a magic camp (the one that the Disney movie is based on, that David Blaine, Michael Carbonaro, and Adrien Brody also attended). It's debatable whether or not he's gotten any less awkward, but hosting a magic show was always the ultimate goal of opening a wine shop. Sarah (Dave's far better half, and far better business partner) didn't permit OEL to be a hybrid magic/wine shop, so this is the next best thing we've got.

Your ticket includes a glass of wine or non-alcohlic beverage. Although minors are allowed, this show is geared toward a PG-13 audience (primarily because Dave's favorite word is the eff-bomb).

purchase tickets here, $20

We've recruited three friends to perform at our inaugural "Magic Uncorked" in honor of Portland Magic Week, and here's some info about them:

John W. Stevens has been called “The Mr. Rogers of Magic,” and is a family entertainer who has been delighting audiences for over 35 years. Known for his captivating magic tricks and joyful performances, John brings a blend of wonder and laughter to every show. His career has spanned generations, enchanting children and adults alike with his magical stories.

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Rudy Tinoco has been performing magic for more than twenty-five years. His magic has been featured in Magic Magazine, The Hermit Magazine, The Linking Ring and Reel Magic Magazine. He specializes in close-up card magic, and also has the ability to entertain a crowd of hundreds with his stage show. He’s also the founder of The Magician’s Forum, an online magic forum that serves as a positive place for magic lovers to share their passion for all things magical

Rudy sees magic as a way to not only entertain and amaze his audiences, but also as a way to interact with people in such a way that they feel like they are an integral part of the magic.

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Award-winning magician Seren Goldsmith will leave you laughing and amazed with her unique blend of comedy and magic (science?). Is it really magic, or an example of Clarke's 3rd law? Come judge for yourself! Side effects of experiments may include laughter, confusion, and mild drooling.

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Oct
23

Foundations I: Wine for Newbies

Join us for an introduction to the basics of wine. All of us, at some point or another, have found ourselves boggled by retail shelves or restaurant menus. Between regions, varietals, styles, and jargon, approaching wine can seem impossibly daunting. This class is geared toward those who love wine, but find themselves a little (or maybe more than a little!) lost.

We’re going to cover the most essential concepts surrounding wine production and how to read a wine label. With these skills, you’ll be equipped with the right set of tools and questions to tackle the world of wine.

purchase tickets here, $25

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Oct
9

Beaujolais, $35

Beloved by sommeliers for their versatility and gluggability (few grapes produce more delightfully chuggable wines than does Gamay Noir), the wines of Beaujolais rarely disappoint if one knows where to look. Beaujolais is a bit south of the famous Burgundian Côte-d'Or, and it has experienced a popularity boom in recent decades, thanks to brilliant marketing campaigns that introduced Beaujolais Nouveau to American markets for Thanksgiving. Being a birthplace of the natural wine movement, Beaujolais has so much more to offer than the bombastic bubblegum and banana of the Nouveau style, and we’ll be exploring the easy-drinking regional wines, and also the more site-specific wines of the Beaujolais Crus. We’re stoked to host Kellee Fiardet, Portland’s resident Bojo expert, who is our guest instructor for this shindig.

Meet Kellee Fiardet, a passionate and innovative young professional making waves in the wine industry. As the co-owner of New Wave Wine Co. an importing and distribution company based in the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon, Kellee has carved a niche for herself in curating a portfolio of small-production, natural-focused French wines that embody the essence of terroir. Kellee takes great pride in bringing these hidden gems to wine enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest, fostering a deeper appreciation for the artistry and individuality found in each bottle.

With an impressive tenure of over 15 years in the field, Kellee's journey began in the Oregon wine country but it was her time spent living in France where her love affair with wine truly blossomed. She immersed herself working harvest in Beaujolais for three consecutive years, gaining invaluable hands-on experience and deepening her understanding of the winemaking process. Her time in Europe also saw her collaborating with these same French winemakers, representing their wines internationally. Kellee honed her language skills and learned to speak French while living in France and furthered her expertise as a judge in wine competitions learning to hone her discerning palate and enhanced her ability to identify exceptional wines.

Kellee's dedication to her profession is evident in her diverse background. Prior to venturing into entrepreneurship, she worked for various importers, where she showcased her knowledge selling portfolios of French, Italian, and domestic wines. Eager to expand her education and appreciation of wine, Kellee travels the world, seeking out new experiences and opportunities to further her knowledge. She continuously strives to unearth hidden gems and introduce wine enthusiasts to the beauty of artisanal, natural French wines. Kellee's entrepreneurial spirit, extensive industry experience, and global perspective make her an inspiring figure in the wine industry, and her commitment to quality and authenticity sets her apart as a true connoisseur and advocate for the art of winemaking.

purchase tickets here, $35

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Oct
4

Parra Wine Co. and Nueva Aventura: October First Friday Tasting, Free!

Sam Parra and Adrian Cornejo were among the very first indie winemakers we worked with, in the early months of our existence, and we’re stoked to have them back for Hispanic Heritage Month! Sam is originally from northern California, where he first learned how to make wine before heading to the Willamette Valley. Adrian and his brother Hernan grew up on Hiyu Wine Farm (their dad moved up to the Gorge from Mexico, and took care of the orchards on the property before vines replaced them), where they helped to manage the vineyards and make wine; Nueva Aventura began almost 10 years ago, and Adrian trained under Nate Ready, the Master Sommelier behind Hiyu.

Adrian and Sam will be pouring a selection of wines ranging on the unconventional side of things. Sam will be showing his dessert and hibiscus-infused wines, as well as two different expressions of Tempranillo, while Adrian will be showing mostly red wines on the bigger end of the spectrum.

reserve tickets here, free!

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