Bend, Oregon has a reputation as a beer town, the local wine scene has exploded in recent years with several new tasting rooms and nearby vineyards producing award-winning wines. Bend’s wine scene is intertwined with its farm-to-table culinary scene, and as a result, tasting rooms across Bend offer menus featuring fine dining options made from local ingredients. These tasting rooms are often cozy and fire-lit, perfect for any winter time tour through Bend. In the summer, inviting outdoor patios become a lively spot for wine-tasting in the sunshine. Read on to discover some of our favorite spots to wine and dine this year in Bend.
Domaine Serene
The upscale and cozy Domaine Serene Wine Lounge in downtown Bend brings an expansive portfolio of new and vintage wines curated from multiple different vineyards: Château de la Crée and Maison Evenstad in Burgundy, France, as well as their Dayton, Oregon winery. Stop by for the Sommelier Experience, an extensive guided wine tasting that will delight the palate. For dinner, consider starting with a handcrafted cheese and charcuterie plate before moving on to caviar, beef tartare, oxtail ragout, wagyu steaks and more. Domaine Serene also offers a tiered membership program, with many fine wines reserved only for members to taste.
Stoller Wine Bar
Stoller Wine Bar is located in Bend’s bustling Box Factory district and brings urban style to the chic world of wine tasting. Guests can sip and savor award-winning wines from multiple vineyards and wineries, including Stoller Family Estate, Chehalem Winery, History, Chemistry and Canned Oregon. Enjoy a glass, tasting flight or wine by the bottle while snacking on locally purveyed cheeses, meats and crackers. For larger appetites, Stoller Wine Bar offers professionally paired plates with each selection of wine, crafted from local ingredients that support local farmers and ranchers.
Elixir Wine Group
For a selection of some of the finest imported wines from Argentina, Chile, France, Italy, Mexico, Uruguay and more, head to the Elixir Wine Group, just across the street from Stoller Wine Bar in Bend’s Box Factory. Originally a wine bar that highlighted wines from the southern hemisphere, Elixir expanded their portfolio to include imported European wines in 2012. Elixir Wine Group owns three vineyards as well, located in the Willamette Valley, Argentina and Mexico. The chef behind Loyauté fine dining, a private French pop-up dinner service, Josh Podwils became the head chef at Elixir Wine Group in mid 2021. Since then, he and his experienced kitchen staff have been wowing guests with locally curated meals designed to pair with the wines on the tasting list. Chef Podwils has a reputation for serving meals using seasonal ingredients from local producers and showcasing the vibrant flavors of Central Oregon.
For a more food-focused tour of Bend, visitors should consider some of these amazing local culinary tours, which include food trucks, pub crawls and a tour based around Bend’s best steaks. For those looking to exclusively explore the Bend wine scene, consider checking out Bend Wine Tours, an aptly named tour of Central Oregon vineyards and wine tasting rooms. The Local Pour, offered by Wanderlust Tours, offers a unique experience to guests as they explore a variety of breweries and distilleries, based on their availability. This tour offers a behind the scenes look at select locations, offering guests a whole new perspective on brewing and distilling.For a less guided experience, consider checking out some of the top restaurants in downtown Bend, which feature flavors that will keep any foodie satisfied.
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Winter Tours You Have to Try in Bend and Central Oregon
Twinkling lights, fresh snow and fire pits bringing people together; it’s winter in Central Oregon! Bend and the surrounding towns within Central Oregon are great places to cozy up when the snow falls, and even better places to take part in winter recreation. Locals love to explore the nearby Cascade Mountains, with Mount Bachelor and plenty of sno parks located just a 30 minute drive away. Back in town, there are several breweries, cideries, wineries and distilleries waiting to be sampled. With so much to do, it can be tough to know where to start. Luckily, tours in Central Oregon that showcase the best outdoor and indoor recreation are available to help visitors make the most of their winter vacations.
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Top 5 Tours to Take in Bend, Oregon
Bend is a nature-lover’s paradise blended with a hop-head’s dream; nowhere else will you find this much craft beer and this many outdoor activities. The city’s been growing quickly, reaching 100,000 residents in 2020, and with the growth comes plentiful opportunities for adventure. From walking the very halls that brew your favorite beer to any number of adrenaline-inducing sports, we have you covered for the five best types of guided tours in Bend, Oregon.
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Casual Family Weekend in Sunriver
Imagine this: you’re riding your bike through a rolling meadow, the Cascade mountain range in the background, and the only sound is from the whir of a prop plane taking off against a crisp blue sky. Up ahead, your children pull carrots from their pockets and present them to a gathering of friendly horses in an adjacent pasture.
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Elk Lake Resort a Great Winter Getaway – And Getting There is Half the Fun
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Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway: Pull Off For a Central Oregon Adventure
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