Portland is having a natural wine moment. (Not sure what natural wine is? Start reading my columns!) While it’s been possible to get the stuff around town (a shout out to Pairings bottle shop, which has been devoted to natural wine for years), there’s never been this kind of buzz… so over the next few days, I’ll be sharing my picks for spots to get your natural wine fix.
First up is a place that’s not open yet. Dana Frank, part owner of Bow & Arrow winery and the sommelier who oversaw the natural wine list at Dame as well as running a wine pop up called Natty by Nature, is opening her bar in July. Bar Norman (named after her grandfather) will offer 25 wines by the glass and be “fun and loud and upbeat.” There will also be space for classes, tastings, dinners, and dance parties (watch out for Scott Frank’s yacht rock megamix). There will also be a hospitality mentorship program for newbie wine professionals. Right now there’s a Kickstarter to help raise funds for the build out (there’s under a month to go for the $35,000 target). If you can help, it will be a welcome addition to Portland’s wine and bar scene.