When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Division Wines
Why Division Wines is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Division Winemaking Company, founded in 2010 by Kate Norris and Thomas Monroe, is an acclaimed urban winery located in Southeast Portland, Oregon. This innovative winery is known for crafting approachable, balanced, and unique wines inspired by European regions like the Loire Valley, Burgundy, and the Northern Rhone. Division Wines focuses on minimal intervention winemaking, emphasizing terroir expression from responsibly farmed vineyards, many of which use organic and Biodynamic® practices. Visitors and locals appreciate Division Wines as a vibrant urban wine oasis, perfect for gatherings and wine enthusiasts seeking distinctive varietals such as Pinot Noir, Gamay, Chardonnay, Rosé, Chenin Blanc, Riesling, and more. The winery’s offerings include several labels – flagship Division, more accessible Division-Villages, the Rhone-inspired Gamine, and an experimental label, Tripod Project. An appointment-only pick-up service in Portland’s Wine Yard and a robust shipping program make acquiring these wines easy. Division Winemaking Company’s commitment to celebrating varietals they love to drink, coupled with their collaboration spirit within the local wine community, makes it an ideal destination to enjoy exceptional wines while connecting with fellow wine lovers.
Here's what people think of Division Wines
As of recent, Division Wines holds a 4.9-star rating based on 298 reviews.
Reviews from customers overwhelmingly praise Division Wines for its impressive quality, diverse offerings, and authentic approach to winemaking. Many reviewers highlight the balanced flavors, drinkability, and minimal intervention style that allows the natural vineyard characteristics to shine. The approachable nature of their wines, combined with excellent value, frequently comes up as a major positive. Customers also appreciate the winery’s dedication to organic and Biodynamic vineyard sourcing, which enhances the wine’s character and story. Positive feedback often mentions the staff’s knowledge, friendly service, and their support for local agriculture and sustainability practices.
On the less favorable side, some reviewers note that wine tasting at the pickup location is available only by separate reservation, which can be inconvenient for visitors hoping for spontaneous tastings. A few customers mention limited availability of certain wines due to sellouts or library-only selections, which could disappoint collectors. Shipping cost and scheduling can sometimes be a concern, although bulk orders benefit from discounted rates.
Overall, Division Winemaking Company enjoys a stellar reputation with a 4.9 rating from nearly 300 reviews. Fans of the winery emphasize its role as a leader in Portland’s urban winemaking scene that offers a fresh and thoughtful take on varietals often overlooked, while celebrating a community-centric, sustainable approach to wine. This makes Division Wines a must-visit and a reliable source for quality Oregon and Washington wines.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Madison W.
I’m obsessed! Absolutely incredible wine & fantastic humans here. We love visiting Division Wines to have a flight (3 half pours for $18!!), a cheese board (best in the city!), soup (yes, really), salad, or pick up bottles of wine for special occasions (they are so helpful with finding the perfect pairings). This is the best spot for wine in town. And the food is fantastic too, so don’t sleep on it if you want a bite to eat with your wine.
Ms May
This wine tasting experience with Division Wines was fantastic! Their staff were so knowledgeable and incredibly friendly. The combination of expertly paired cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh bread makes for a delicious and well-balanced platter. The wine flight, adds variety and depth to the tasting, allowing you to explore diverse flavors. The setting feels cozy yet elegant, perfect for a relaxing and enjoyable afternoon.
Breanna Brown
I have been to Division Wines a handful of times now with friends and my partner and it is by far my favorite wine bar to go to. The price is right, the selection rotates and their flights are the perfect amount of wine for me and I get to try new wines everytime I go there. Their food is also really great! This last time we got a dessert (Tiramisu), roasted beets with goat cheese, a veggie and lentil soup, some good ol bread and butter, and their salmon dip. All of it was so delicious! Nothing is ever just so-so. Always so delicious! They have a wonderdul bottle shop too I like to peruse while waiting for a seat. I've never waited more than about 20 minutes when it's been a little busier. Everyone is so knowledgeable about the wines and help me find great ones every time I've been. Would absolutely recommend to anyone interested. In the summertime I liked sitting outside and playing small board games. Great place to go and inside is very cozy.
Cheyenne Terbrueggen
My favorite wine bar in Portland. Wonderful wine, great snacks, beautiful environment, and fantastic people.
Tiff
Love love love this place. The meat and cheese plate was a good size for two. Wine list is large and the shop is so convenient. Josh did a great job. Seats and bar stools available. Really cute wine bar
How to reach Division Wines
None
Website: None
Why rally at Division Wines with your friends?
Division Wines offers an exceptional venue for gathering with friends or loved ones thanks to its warm, inviting atmosphere and unparalleled wine offerings. Nestled in the heart of Southeast Portland, this local gem combines a friendly wine shop and an engaging wine bar, creating the perfect setting for socializing and relaxation. When you step inside, you’ll find a welcoming space with a mix of sit-down tables and a bustling wine bar where groups can comfortably unwind. The staff’s expertise and genuine passion for wine shine through in their recommendations, ensuring every guest discovers something they love. Whether your group comprises casual wine drinkers or dedicated aficionados, Division Wines caters to all tastes with its thoughtfully curated selection, including unique and harder-to-find bottles. With a rating of 4.9 based on nearly 300 reviews, visitors consistently praise the establishment for its excellent customer service and lively yet cozy ambiance. This makes Division Wines an ideal hub for a memorable meetup, where good conversation flows alongside exceptional wines and small plates, fostering a delightful shared experience for everyone.
What activities are available at Division Wines for groups?
Division Wines provides a rich variety of activities that make it a versatile spot for group meetups. One of the highlights is their wine tastings, which are often held on weekends and provide a fun and educational way for friends to explore different varietals and wine styles together. Tastings offer a structured yet casual environment for both novices and seasoned wine lovers to expand their palates and enjoy lively discussions. Beyond tastings, the wine bar complements the experience with an extensive by-the-glass list that features sparkling wines, rosés, reds, and whites, allowing guests to customize their drinking experience — even offering flights where you can sample three different wines side-by-side. Complementing the liquid offerings, Division Wines serves well-sized meat and cheese plates that are perfect for sharing, making it easy to pair snacks with your wines and encourage communal dining. The shop’s wide range of bottles also invites groups to pick out wines to bring home or for special occasions. This variety of activities makes the venue not just a place to drink wine but an interactive experience tailor-made for social gatherings.
What makes Division Wines an ideal place for a group meetup?
Division Wines is especially suited for groups due to its harmonious blend of ambiance, service, and versatility. The layout encourages intimacy without sacrificing a lively energy; tables and bar seating provide flexible options whether your group is small or moderately large. The friendly and knowledgeable staff create an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable asking questions, tasting, and learning about wines without any pretension. This approachability helps break the ice and sparks conversation, turning a simple outing into a memorable occasion. The location in Portland’s vibrant SE Division neighborhood also adds to the appeal, placing you in a lively area with lots of charm and energy. Additionally, pricing at Division Wines is reasonable, making it accessible for groups who want to enjoy quality wines without overspending. The peaceful yet dynamic environment makes it perfect for both casual weekend hangouts or more intentional celebrations. All these factors combine to make Division Wines a top choice when planning meetups that emphasize connection, discovery, and enjoyment.
How does the wine selection enhance the group experience?
At Division Wines, the thoughtfully curated wine selection elevates every group occasion by offering diversity and quality that cater to many preferences. Their stock ranges from approachable everyday wines to rare finds, sourced from responsibly farmed, terroir-driven vineyards throughout Oregon and Washington, often made using minimal intervention to preserve natural character. This ensures the wines tell a story, which adds an extra layer of interest and conversation points for groups eager to share knowledge and opinions. The availability of both bottled wines for purchase and a solid by-the-glass lineup allows groups to experiment without commitment, helping people find new favorites together. Offering flights of three wines lets guests sample and compare different styles side-by-side, promoting an interactive tasting experience. This richness of variety supports educational exploration as well as casual enjoyment. It’s not just about drinking but about engaging with wine as a craft and culture, making every gathering more meaningful and memorable.
What food options complement Division Wines' offerings?
Division Wines enhances the group meetup experience with carefully selected food pairings that perfectly complement their wine offerings. The highlight is their meat and cheese plates which provide generous portions ideal for sharing among two or more friends. These charcuterie selections offer diverse textures and flavors, balancing savory, creamy, and salty notes that heighten the tasting of different wines. The plates’ size and quality make them excellent companions to the expansive wine list, supporting a leisurely pace and fostering communal dining. Though not a full restaurant, Division Wines focuses on quality bites that enrich the tasting experience without overwhelming it, maintaining the spotlight on their wine craftsmanship. This pairing approach caters perfectly to socializing groups, encouraging conversation around the table while enjoying thoughtfully combined tastes. The food complements rather than competes with the wines, ensuring a harmonious and relaxed vibe throughout your gathering.
What kind of service and atmosphere should groups expect?
Groups at Division Wines can expect attentive, friendly service combined with an atmosphere that skillfully balances lively and relaxed. The staff goes beyond basic service by offering personalized wine suggestions tailored to group preferences, helping ensure every member delights in their selection. Their deep knowledge and approachable manner make the environment welcoming even for those new to wine. This encourages engagement and conversation, helping groups bond over the shared discovery. The ambiance is designed to feel comfortable and unpretentious, with a neighborhood vibe that invites guests to linger and savor their time. Whether seated at the bar or at tables, groups find themselves in a space conducive to meaningful interaction without noise or distractions overwhelming conversation. This balance of professionalism and warmth makes every visit rewarding and easy to repeat, reinforcing Division Wines as a go-to neighborhood spot perfect for any social occasion.
Why is Division Wines a great choice for special occasions and celebrations?
Division Wines stands out as an excellent venue for celebrating special occasions due to its unique blend of superb wine, friendly atmosphere, and intimate yet lively space. Whether you’re marking a birthday, anniversary, or simply a reunion, the venue’s carefully crafted environment fosters a sense of occasion without pretension. Their impressive wine selection allows celebrants to toast with something truly special or explore unique flights that add excitement to the event. Personalized recommendations from the staff help tailor the experience to the group’s tastes, enhancing the personal feel of the celebration. The shareable food options and cozy seating arrangements encourage connection and extended stays, making guests feel truly valued. Also, its location in the vibrant SE Division Street area adds cultural flair and accessibility, positioning Division Wines as more than just a wine bar — it’s a destination that elevates any gathering into a memorable event. This combination of elements makes it the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories with those you treasure most.