Ted Harris · Portland Real Estate

Local Brewers

Portland and certain other Oregon cities (such as Hood River and Bend) are well-known for their beer. It is often said that Portland is the home of the microbrew revolution. Some illustrate Portlanders' interest in the beverage by an offer made in 1888, when local brewer Henry Weinhard volunteered to pump beer from his brewery into the newly dedicated Skidmore Fountain. However, the renown for quality beer dates to the 1980s, when state law was changed to allow consumption of beer on brewery premises. In short order, microbreweries and brewpubs began to pop up all over the city. Their growth was supported by the abundance of local ingredients, including two-row barley, over a dozen varieties of hops, and the pure water from Bull Run and other watersheds of nearby Mount Hood.
Today, with 33 breweries within the city limits, Portland is home to more breweries than any other city in the world. The McMenamin brothers alone have over thirty brewpubs, distilleries and wineries scattered throughout the metropolitan area, many in renovated theaters and other old buildings otherwise destined for demolition. Other notable Portland brewers include Widmer Brothers, Bridgeport Brewing Company and the MacTarnahan's Brewing Company. In 1999, "beerhunter" and author Michael Jackson called Portland a candidate for the beer capital of the world because the city boasted more breweries than Cologne, Germany. A popular nickname for the city in beer appreciation circles is "Beervana".
Portland hosts a number of festivals throughout the year in celebration of beer, including the Oregon Brewers Festival. Held each July, it is the largest gathering of independent craft brewers in North America. For a complete list of Brewpubs, click here!

Vineyards and Wineries

Spend a day in wine country. The number of wineries in this region has more than quadrupled in the last two decades. Most of Oregon's wine comes from the Willamette Valley region, which is especially known for its Pinot Noirs. Today Oregon has a reputation for producing world class wines. Principal plantings include Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Other reds include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel. Other whites include – Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Sémillon and Gewürztraminer.

Be sure to allow enough time to enjoy touring at a leisurely pace. There is much to see and taste while visiting the tasting rooms. Each one is unique! For more information on local wineries, including scheduled tours (leave the driving to someone else) click here!