Sunnyside has many watering holes but did you know we have three places to drink natural wine? First things first: Natural wine is made from grapes that are organically grown and fermented with native yeasts (found in the cellar or on the grapes themselves). It also doesn’t have any synthetic chemicals added during the wine-making process. (You’d be surprised how many mass-market wines do.) And natural wine has either low or no sulfur. All three of these spots have outdoor seating—and in addition to wine you can order beer and NA beer options.
Randy Spencer opened Company in August 2022. Open seven days a week, Company often has wine tastings—including a recent one featuring natural wines from Albania. They also host DJs, book signings, and Friday music gigs. (Wednesday-Sunday mornings, the space also morphs into Maggie’s Coffee.) “We try to involve the community in a cultural exchange,” says Spencer. “Come for the drinks; Stay for the company.”
Victor Martinez, also the owner of Ardor wine shop, opened Nil in December 2021. Nil has a sleek bar with stools where guests can perch, appreciating work by local artists while learning more about natural wines from Martinez. He also hosts fun events like book swaps, ‘zine release parties, and—on the last Tuesday of the month— “Tuesdays are Dead,” where he projects a live Grateful Dead show.
Marc Kramer opened his Southeast Portland tasting room in 2024 to showcase the low-intervention wines he makes at Oak Flat Vineyards. The vineyard, dedicated to Rhône-style wines, is located near the Dalles in the Columbia Gorge—but the tasting room and winery are right here on the corner of Belmont and 47th. Kramer’s focus is on Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre (in-the-know wine-drinkers call this popular Rhone-style blend GSM). Though Kramer doesn’t use the term “natural” to describe his wines, he practices “beyond organic” agriculture and adds no synthetic chemicals to his wine. You can order fantastic food here, as well. In addition to French dishes like steak Béarnaise, and duck à l’orange, you’ll find a charcuterie plate and Little T baguette sandwiches on the menu. Wines by the glass start at $14 and you can get a free flight with the purchase of two bottles.
Company: 916 SE 34th Ave.; companybar.co
Nils Wine Bar: 4243 SE Belmont St. #300; nilwinebar.com
Oak Flat: 4701 S.E. Belmont St.; oakflatvineyards.com