Red Slate Wine Co.

The owner David is an excellent person and very professional with his establishment. I had hosted my grand opening with him when I first moved into the business and it was awesome. He knew I was on a budget at that time and he made it work for me. I highly recommend Red Slate for your party, function or just a wine tasting.

Red slate is a great place to learn about wine whether you’re a novice or enthusiast alike. So far my experiences have been more about education than socializing. The owner David is a sommelier who enjoys passing on his knowledge to eager participants. He is very laid back and uses an unpretentious approach to his teaching. He encourages everyone’s involvedment regardless of knowledge level. The format or wines largely depend on the type of class you attend. I do like that he takes an opportunity to mix it up, bringing in both new and old world wines to showcase their differences.
Inside the space is very minimalistic and industrial, matching its surrounding neighborhood. With cement walls and floors, a large wooden bar and a communal table its layout is still inviting, which welcomes interaction. Besides wine classes Red Slate can offer a venue for small events or gathering’s. Another worthy mention is that it’s right next door to Olympic Provisions! David sometimes even provides their tasty charcuterie plates during his classes. So whether you collect wine or are still buying $ 2 Buck Chuck, Red Slate Wine Co. will offer something new for you.

Portland is awash in places to drink and purchase wine. After visiting many places through the past few years, Red Slate is still amongst my favorite places in the city. The owner is one of the hardest working wine retailers in the city, hitting up scores of industry tastings so he can deliver the best of what comes into Portland to his customers. If you’re an experienced wino, you can go in and chat about nerd trivia and interesting bottles. If you’re brand new, you can check out some nicely priced glass pours in a non-​pretentious atmosphere. Achieving this balance is a notable accomplishment, and is something that makes the best shops really stand out. The organized and themed tastings are also excellent, delivering a blend of education and experience in a fun and welcoming environment. The space is clean and comfortable, and the atmosphere is always friendly.

I have never been impressed with wine. Well, I am now. David Speer (your Personal Sommolier and the owner!) is the friendliest, least snobby wine guy I have ever met! I was lucky enough to visit Red Slate with a group of good friends for a private wine tasting event and that is when I fell in love with great wine.
The second time, I went for a tasting event (Dec. 9^th) family and friends and had a great time learning about small vineyards and winemakers from Italy. I only wished I lived closer (SW Beaverton is not close!!) so I could stop in more often.
I HIGHLY recommend Red Slate to anyone who enjoys fun, lively conversation and very tasty, though not expensive, wines.

It is a little out of the way from my side (the dark side) of the river, but I finally found a great little place that serves up the perfect storm for what a wine bar should be…
1.) They (David, the proprietor) offers an ever-​changing but very broad spectrum of damn fine wine from vastly different growing regions around the world.
2.) Red Slate is a smaller wine bar with seating for say 15 – 20 people, so you can actually have a conversation and enjoy the company without feeling like you are alone in a wine cellar together… if that makes sense.
3.) RS also has wine by the glass and flights… this changes ALL the time!!! On several different occasions they have/​host an importer for a very cozy and great wine tasting with light appetizers.
They have single bottles for sale, along with cases, but make sure to get on the email list for the specials that they have… Fantastic values from the world of wines and even some hard to find selections.
I cannot recommend this place enough! for a date or a few spare minutes alone to regain your composure after work and relax…