A new destination for wine enthusiasts has emerged in Portland as Landmass Wines opens its tasting room on NE Fremont Street, offering an inviting atmosphere and a range of high-quality wines at reasonable prices.
Landmass Wines, founded by owners Malia Myers and Melaney Schmidt, initially made a name for themselves with their sparkling wines, which garnered significant acclaim.
Despite the quality of their offerings prompting thoughts that prices should be higher, the winery has successfully expanded its portfolio, currently featuring 17 wines split between sparkling and still varieties.
With prices ranging from $20 to $84—many in the $26 range—Landmass Wines has managed to capture the attention of wine lovers who appreciate the intersection of quality and value.
Unfortunately, a challenge arose when zoning restrictions prevented Myers and Schmidt from establishing a tasting room at their Cascade Locks winery facility.
However, a fortuitous turn of events occurred when Kate Wood decided to close her Crewel Summer flower shop, a space that Myers and Schmidt were already familiar with from hosting pop-up events there in the past summer.
Citing the move as a “no-brainer,” Myers and Schmidt seized the opportunity to open their tasting room in that location, officially launching on Mother’s Day.
The new tasting room is tucked away at the end of a long, narrow courtyard, providing a peaceful oasis that contrasts with the lively nearby block, which also hosts the Wonderly cocktail bar and Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai.
Visitors to Landmass are encouraged to indulge themselves with an assortment of Pip’s delicious doughnuts and pair them with the Landmass x Sugarpine Bubbly Rosé—a delightful pairing that promises fun and flavor.
The outdoor seating area at Landmass is designed for relaxation, where guests can sip their wines amid greenery and shade, away from street noise.
The tasting room offers a broad selection of wines, from a chillable red that belongs in every Portland home to an array of sparkling wines.
Unique to Landmass Wines, the production of sparkling wines includes four different methods: Charmat, pétillant naturel, forced carbonation, and traditional.
As highlighted on their website, Landmass is proud to be “the first and only winery in Oregon to independently produce all four styles of sparkling wine,” a distinction the owners find quite exciting.
Guests should not miss sampling the 2023 Landmass Sparkling Chenin Blanc, priced at $42 and made using the Charmat method, which involves fermentation in a pressurized stainless steel tank—a method requiring specialized equipment and expertise.
Schmidt remarked on the complexity of this method, noting, “Only lunatics do Charmat.”
The Chanin blanc is sourced from high-elevation vineyards in the Rogue Valley American Viticultural Area, a choice that enhances the fresh and fruit-forward qualities celebrated by the winemakers.
As Myers and Schmidt have described, the chenin blanc features exquisite notes of honeydew melon, white peach, and nectarine, with the yeast impact adding sophistication to the vibrant fruit characteristics.
While enjoying their wines, guests at the Landmass tasting room can also treat themselves to Mediterranean-inspired small plates crafted by Portland chef Josh Korn.
One of the highlights includes a fresh-baked focaccia from neighboring Red Sauce Pizza, which adds to the unique culinary experience offered at the tasting room.
As word spreads about Landmass Wines, the tasting room is quickly becoming a must-visit spot for oenophiles and casual drinkers alike.
With their serene environment, delectable wine options, and high-quality culinary pairings, Landmass Wines has carved out a niche that is sure to attract visitors eager for a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
You can plan your visit to the Landmass tasting room from noon to 8 p.m. Friday through Monday at their location, 4727 N.E. Fremont St. For more information, visit their website at landmasswines.com or reach out via email at [email protected].
image source from：oregonlive
