Blackbird Wineshop

First, I had a coupon for wine tasting for two that was a gift from our adult son. My husband and I went in on Friday and the lady at the counter said it was good any day but Friday and tried to sell us wine tasting for $ 20. It did not say on the coupon anywhere that it was not good on Friday! So, I was miffed right off the bat. We said we’d come back another day and did on a Wednesday just after opening.
The staff was not very welcoming and seemed annoyed by the coupon. We were told to choose four wines each, or she would choose for us. There was no suggestions, help or assistance. We choose, and were told to sit at a table and wait. We waited a long time while the young lady chatted up co-​workers and vendors.
She brought us the wine and we tried to order a special Caprezza platter on the menu board, and were told it was sold out. No suggestions for something else, or offer to substitute. They had been open less than 30 minutes and it was sold out. As a matter of fact everything on the specials menu board was sold out. Really? We had to ask for water with the wine and we not given anything to eat with the wine not even a measly bowl of crackers or nuts.
The wine was mostly sub-​par, nothing remarkable. We drank up and left. I noticed the place is mostly all hipsters … we are not. I don’t think they care for anyone who is not. Just my intuition.
I would not recommend this place, especially with coupons or groupons as they clearly have an attitude about this. And, oh, bring your own crackers.

I’m parched and indecisive and did I mention thirsty? What I need is the perfect wine, something light, refreshing with depth. I’m lucky Andy is in today and he finds the PERFECT glass and I walk away with a bottle or two for later. I moved two years ago away from Blackbird and I still come back when I need something that no one else can find! Thank you Blackbird and Staff!

Open 7 days a week, Blackbird’s wine café and cheese shop offers a welcome respite on rainy days. In addition to a curated selection of local and international wives by the flight, glass, and bottle, they offer a rotating selection of 4 beers on tap. Cheeses are also available, as are crostinis, salads, and sandwiches.

Awesome wine bar to meet up with friends and enjoy a glass or two of wine. I went with a few other ladies and this was our first time. I wish I had known it was counter service but quickly figured it out. There is a whiteboard behind the counter area of the wines they offer by the glass, the type, the region and the flavors. I really like their descriptions and thought it was helpful. I had a couple glasses of their Cote de Rhone, and it was perfect. I needed to get a bottle because I could have sipped all night.
The food is nothing to sneeze at either. I ordered the special cheese for two and it was heavenly. Nuts, fruits and cheese… what’s not to like? I also tried their prosciutto plate and it was another perfectly presented and delicious plate of prosciutto, lightly dressed arugula and some large green olives. I could eat these two dishes all night.
The space is open and inviting. The staff is friendly and owner is charming. I would go there again for any occasion. Great place for the neighborhood.

Excellent place to visit to try delicious wines. We were in town for Thanksgiving and they did a tasting of Oregon pinots. We wound up buying two of the four bottles we tasted. And the cheese monger made us a delicious cheese plate to enjoy with the wines, kindly accommodating our specifications.

Recently here for a bachelorette party for a wine and cheese pairing class. It was a BLAST! We were served two cheese platters with different types of cheeses, olives, nuts and olive oil along with bread. They gave us a significant portion of 5 different types of wine, not your normal sip full at other tastings I’ve been to. The staff was very accommodating and friendly. We arrived to a beautiful table set up with water and menus to add anything additional to our tab.

Amazing. Just fantastic. The wines are amazing. The cheese and charcuterie platter was the BEST I’ve ever had. Staff was super knowledgeable and patient, and when I decided to buy a bottle of wine (a french blend), it was only $ 16. Affordable. And one of the best parts was also gluten free crackers. :-) This place made my day!
The only complaint I have is, when it turned 9pm, they basically kicked everyone out. The place was half full. As a restaurant manager… poor form. They could have made lots more money with another round from all the people still trying to enjoy their drinks and company.

Love love love this place! Great to have a local wine bar in the neighborhood. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. The owner is in the shop frequently and his love for Rosé inspired mine. Now my thirst for this beautiful liquid is insatiable.

Had been here once before, I remembered liking it so when their groupon popped up, I jumped at the chance to try it out again. Our server, Emily, was attentive, charming, and exceptionally knowledgable about each of the wines she served in our wine tasting. She really made our experience wonderful, I would go back just because of her. But then, the wine was also wonderful. The selection is broad and will fit any taste, and the prices are very reasonable. We also ordered a cheese plate and the avocado crostini. Both items prepared expertly and completely delicious. I cannot recommend this place enough!

the facility was nice and very clean but the lady that helped us — young, platinum blonde hair, thin — was not welcoming. Since it was my first time wine tasting I was oblivious to what my first step would be. I started looking at the menu and asked her a question about a particular item on the menu and this employee interrupted me and told me to look at the menu and the description is listed on the bottom.
When this employee was giving us our wines, she didn’t know the descriptions and came out with a partially filled bottle that wasn’t even enough for my group (4 people).
All in all I just would want the employees to understand that not everyone is familiar with wines and customer service should be priority.
My sister, who regularly goes wine tasting, said that today’s experience was one of the worst she has ever had.

Had a great time at a cheese/​wine pairings which included 5 wines to taste (a French Rose, Pinot Grigio, Grenache, Pinot Noir, and a Barbera. The pours were generous and the owner was friendly and knowledgable. This is a wine shop I will return to because the wines are nicely arranged by region, the ambiance is classy, but not stuffy, and the food is great! I had the prosciutto crostini with a great glass of Tempranillo. Our waitress wasn’t warm or friendly, but she was efficient. I would definitely recommend this spot for a relaxing lunch or wine tasting with a group.

I came with friends for their all day Sunday Happy Hour, which apparently does not exist. The person working the counter said he’ll knock a buck off a glass of wine if we mention HH but still not a good deal. Instead, we opted for buying a bottle for the 3 of us to share but there’s a $ 7 corkage fee! The food was good but the service was not. I understand he’s probably understaffed, but that’s the restaurant’s issue. I know the table next to us was not satisfied with their food and the guy just brushed it off saying, well, «I wrote down what you ordered,» placing blame on the customers instead of just saying something, «I’m sorry you didn’t like what you got, but come back and try some of our other items.» It just was not good service. In addition, he said he would bring an ice bucket back to keep our wine from cooling in the sun and he forgot. He also said he would bring us the check and also had to be reminded. Not a great experience…

The staff at Balckbird are very friendly and helpful. We came here for the wine tasting, it was great. They also have good selections of cheese. My even had my favorite (Humbodth Fog). I would come here again the next time we are in town.

A friend and I went to Blackbird Wine Shop on New Year’s Eve. I wanted to take her to a local wine shop, and Blackbird did not disappoint. The owner, Andy, is super friendly, knowledgeable, and quite generous with his wine pours!
The location is spacious with seating inside and out. They sell artisan cheese in the back of the shop, but I didn’t get a good look at all of the offerings. I will definitely return to Blackbird to buy a bottle of wine, but it is a great place to go and have a glass or two. There was a bit of a wait when we first arrived, so Andy kindly offered us a samples of Rosé Brut and Cabernet Sauvignon. I ordered a glass of the Côtes du Rhôné, which I highly recommend.
Along with the broad selection of wine, Andy offers a handful of beer on tap, and he informed us that he recently acquired a liquor license, so there is hard alcohol available as well. If you’re hungry, you can order a variety of crostinis, paninis, cheese plates, soups, and some other great items!
We went in the afternoon, but I’d love to go back and see what the atmosphere is like at night. While we were there, a classic movie was playing in the background (fun!). Apparently there are also wine education classes on Fridays after 4; I can’t wait to attend one!

I’m very confused by those who think Andy doesn’t smile. What a lovely, welcoming man, and this place reflects his sweetness and knowledge perfectly. The mushroom soup (Anthony Bourdaine’s recipe, reportedly) was transcendent, and the perfect pairing for my 2007 pinot noir. Fantastic experience and I fully intend to make this a regular stop on my Portland trips!

We had a groupon for a wine tasting here. We ended up also ordering some really amazing cheese and bread based on a recommendation from their very own cheese monger. The shop is cute and has a great selection of wine. The tasting was great and the shop workers know their stuff and can help pick out a nice glass to enjoy there or a bottle to take home. Prices were also pretty reasonable.

Wonderful wine shop!
On any given day, I can stroll in and have someone assist me with a great bottle of wine in my price range.
It’s also a great spot to have a glass (or three) of Rose in the sun. They have some really yummy cheese boards as well.

I recently moved back to Portland, and have been to this shop several times. Whether I am sitting with my laptop having lunch and a glass of wine, or just buying some cheese to take home, I have always had exceptional service and delicious food/​wine!
Tip: Take home a loaf of the Salt Slab bread with your cheese, it is DIVINE.

Thank God I Unilocal!I live a block away and have wine often. I don’t know what Unilocalers see in Blackbird. They have some tasty goodies and the wine is fine. If Andy, part-​owner, understood customer service, they would kill it in Fremont! He is so rude and condescending, that I would rather commute for wine than visit his venue. I have visited Blackbird many times in the last few years. People often ask if Andy knows how to smile. Maybe he should find a job he likes because it definitely isn’t here.
There would be nothing better than a nice wine shop with good service in Fremont-​Beaumont!

Wow this place is great … The staff is well versed in their wines and the small plates are done simply but with robust flavors. Andy the owner will stop by and say hello
And talk about wine and food… Great place will be back again!

Blackbird rules.
Not only do you get to taste stellar wines, I mean, really great local and imported wines, but the food is awesome too.
Andy, the owner is a delight. With each generous pour, he was visiting at our table and we had terrific conversations about the wines, and shared stories. Andy would find out our preferences and tailor the tasting to suit us and even brought out special wines that he thought that we would like. It felt like we were old friends. The gal that works there too is always just as friendly and helpful as well.
The cheese counter in the back is oh so tempting and the plates, crostini and panini menus are all bomb. In particular, the avocado crostini and the media noche panini are just freaking awesome.
Currently, as of February 25, 2014, there is a Groupon for half off tasting at Blackbird. Trust me, at $ 10.00, jump at this offer. You’re welcome.
2014 — Review # 16

We came in last night to use a Groupon deal that I purchased. We each got a flight of wine (5 tastings) and also ordered a cheese plate with some almonds, honey, and artisan bread. The service was excellent, the wine was excellent, the cheese was excellent; we just loved everything about it. If you are looking for a ncie date night spot and you like wine and cheese (or maybe you want to see if you like wine and cheese) this is a great place to go.

Blackbird Wine Shop owner Andy Diaz is a veritable walking encyclopedia of information about wine and wine making. As if Portland has its’ own local Hugh Johnson! Without Andy in the mix this would still be a wonderful neighborhood wine shop. With him on deck it is a fantabulous place to buy wine (by glass or bottle or case) as well as «all people are welcome here» place to settle in to sip a glass (or two) and enjoy a delicious nosh from Atomic Cheese (located at the back of the store) and have a conversation while listening to great music set at a nice backdrop level to support human interaction and not compete with it. All around, as good as it gets we think.
We listened to Andy helping neighborhood folks coming and going («Mary is looking for a wine to go with her lasagna tonight…», «We’re here to pick up the case you’re holding for us…», «What’s an Amarone…») during the hour we were there eating and sipping. When we moved on to buying bottles of vino and Andy helped us with decision making for a couple of Italian varietals.
My wino… umm, oenophile… hubby and I thought the best advice we could provide to Yeeps and other Peeps regarding Blackbird Wine Shop is simply this: Go! Whether you be newbie to vino or accomplished in enjoying the wonders of wine, this a place for you. The holidays are coming and I can think of no better resource than Andy Diaz to help you pick the right bottles to go along with the food and festivities or even to enjoy in a quiet «bah humbug» moment.
Now a pause for a nod to my Unilocal friend Bob S who reviewed this place some time ago causing me to bookmark it and finally just get in the door during a visit to Portland. I wonder what took me so long.
VIBE
Casual, bright and unpretentious. Seating for maybe 40, some at standard height wooden tables and chairs, some at a communal standard height table with chairs and some at a high bar height communal table with stools. That the bulk of the seating, maybe ¾, is standard height with chairs with backs makes me say ‘woohoo’! Being past the age of finding high seating comfortable, and stools without backs impossible, I’m grateful not to have to worry about falling off a bar stool if I want to take a seat and imbibe. (You think I’m kidding?) Outdoor seating in front weather permitting. The music was perfect for wine drinking; Fiona Apple, Bobby Darin, Etta James, Satchmo, Nora Jones… you get the mix. Particularly nice to have it at a volume that made us aware it was there but not have to shout over it. Excellent.
WINE
Bottles of wine for sale line the walls on each side of the shop. A blackboard over the cash register lists an interesting and ever changing array of wines by the glass. By the glass prices are reasonable (@$ 7 — $ 10) and pours are generous in good quality stemware. Prices by bottle are equally good, starting around $ 14 and going way on up depending on what you’re buying. We walked out with a lovely 2012 Arneis, my favorite Italian white and not so easy to find, for $ 17 (a local top end restaurant has this on their list for $ 39 /​bottle) and a red Andy recommended, 2009 Rosso Piceno Superiore ($ 17). Andy may even pull down a wall mounted world wine map for regional orientation for a recommendation.
FOOD
As we were enjoying a bowl of excellent French Onion soup ($ 7) with a splendid fresh thyme infused vegetarian broth and a chevre and oven roasted tomato sandwich with Mamma Lil’s peppers made on Little T Baker Salt Slab bread ($ 7) served with a fresh arugula salad around 1“ish” on a Saturday and walked right in to order it and our wine and take a table, we thought about all the folks standing in line from brunch at this place or that on a chilly Saturday. Atomic Cheese provides the eats and they also sell artisan cheeses and charcuterie (Iowa’s La Quercia prosciutto as example) and you can even buy a loaf of the delicious Little T bread to take home.
THIS N THAT:
1) DARUMA CONNECTION: Andy is also owner of the recently opened and much praised sushi restaurant Daruma which is just a few blocks from Blackbird.
2) ACCESSIBILITY: Level in and throughout. Abundance of standard height table seating.
3) PARKING: More on street parking on 44^th than you might expect to find in some neighborhoods. However for folks who need accessible parking, I didn’t see a single spot including in the small lot associated with this building.
4) NO TV: Thank goodness!!! Couldn’t pick up unsecured Wifi. Which doesn’t mean it isn’t there… call ahead of that matters for you.

Andy is awesome (my Puerto Rican brotha)
his wine selections are well thought out. Love the salsa music too! Great place to just have a great glass of wine chill the **&%$ out
Some softer lighting and seating would really help this space.
Oh hey, the food is really underrated here too.
Really nice imported cheeses pair well with
what ever wine you are drinking.
Nice outdoor seating
Prices are very reasonable.
Cheers