Women in Wine: Portland Spotlight
Over the past few weeks, I carved out time from all the AKL things to visit a few of my favorite female winemakers and wine bar owners around Portland. These women aren’t just pouring great wine—they’re shaking up the industry, telling their own stories, and doing it all with heart. If you’re local (or local-ish), consider this your unofficial wine trail.
1. CHO Wines
Oregon's First Korean-American-Owned Winery
Founded by Dave and Lois Cho, CHO Wines blends cultural heritage with next-level wine skills. Lois, the CEO and co-founder, also created the nonprofit, Oregon AAPI Food and Wine, to elevate Asian American voices in a space that’s still largely Eurocentric. Together, they’re changing what Oregon wine looks and feels like—and I was lucky enough to visit during Bubbles Week.
What I Tasted and Loved:
2023 CHO Bubbles – Playful and bright, this Pinot Gris-Chardonnay blend tastes like Oregon summer in a flute. Zippy citrus and orchard fruit with a super clean finish.
2015 Blanc de Noirs – Aged for nearly four years on lees with zero dosage, this is elegance in a glass. Tart cherry, brioche, lemon curd, and the softest whisper of sage.
2020 Pet-Nat ("Method Dave") – Undisgorged and wild in the best way. Tart strawberry, minerality, and a whole-cluster press give it that crunchy, earthy character I love.
Why I’m Obsessed:
There aren’t many Oregon winemakers leaning into bubbles the way Dave is, and he’s absolutely nailed a range that feels top-tier but fun and approachable. Their tasting room is also a full-on design moment: intentional materials, thoughtful flow, and yes, a very kid-friendly layout. Lois made sure there are toys, a playmat, outdoor cornhole, and even oversized Connect 4. My boys would thrive here.
Also—blankets for chilly shade time? Caviar and chips to kick off the tasting? A cheese board with multiple meats, cheeses, nuts, honey, marmalade (not just crackers)? It's hospitality at its finest. Oh, and don’t leave without grabbing merch or following them on social. Everything they do intentionally beautiful and FUN!
Visit: chowines.com | @getchowines
2. Landmass Wines
French Vibes, Oregon Roots
Let me just say: I’ve been a full-on Landmass fangirl since 2020. Malia and Melaney are the dream team behind the label, and their wines have been my go-to client gifts for years (not to mention a staple in our own fridge). Now that they’ve opened a tasting room in NE Portland? Run, don’t walk.
What I Tasted and Loved:
Multitude White Blend – 80% stainless Pinot Gris and 20% neutral oak Chardonnay. This one hits all the right notes: pear, loquat, floral, and just the slightest kiss of vanilla. It’s bright but not sharp—basically made for summer.
Why I’m Obsessed:
We live in the mecca of biodynamic, French-style wine, and this one delivers without being fussy. I’m not usually a Pinot Gris fan, but the Chardonnay gives it a little softness that balances it out. Whether I’m at Black Butte, on a picnic blanket, or just mom-ing with a Stanley tumbler in hand—this wine is it for me.
Their tasting room? Tucked off Fremont with a sweet little patio, metal + wood signage, and cozy greenery everywhere. Malia even built a massive custom curved bench (yes, built it herself!) and Venetian plastered the back wall. Swoon. They were also showcasing work by local artist Nicole Williford when I visited—love.
And then there’s the branding. Their canned wine, "Tomato Season," is dry sparkling red perfection. It’s giving: boat day, backyard BBQ, and cute cooler must-have.
Visit: landmasswines.com | @landmasswines
3. Beso Wine Bar
Lake Oswego's Best-Kept Secret (Sorry for Spilling)
Vanessa, the owner of Beso, has been in my corner since I started my business. She’s smart, intuitive, and deeply embedded in this community. Her wine bar in Lake Oswego is equal parts cozy, feminine, fresh, and completely unpretentious.
What I Tasted and Loved:
Erbaluce di Caluso – Giacometto Bruno – Ancient grape, alpine vibes. Think green apple, chamomile, wet stone, and a surprising bit of nuttiness. Dry and delicious.
Ercole Piemonte DOC Rosato – From the same region as my fave Arneis. Strawberries, grapefruit, a hint of watermelon—all mineral, no sugar bomb. Pairs perfectly with goat cheese and toast.
2023 Muga Rosado (Spain) – Garnacha, Viura, and Tempranillo blended into a floral, fruity, slightly bitter pink that’s crisp without being too zippy.
2022 Eola Hills Pinot Noir (Oregon) – Red cherry and cranberry with soft florals and minimal tannin. Chill it slightly on a hot day and thank me later.
Why I’m Obsessed:
Vanessa knows her stuff, and I trust her palate more than my own. I never look at the menu—she surprises me every time, and it’s always a win. She also rotates her food menu often, serving up house-made, locally sourced brunch, lunch, and dinner bites that are just so good.
The vibe? Bright, pink, and somehow both lively and peaceful. I’ve brought the boys here, stroller in tow, and felt totally welcomed. It’s the kind of place where other guests will hold your baby so you can finish your glass. That’s the community you can expect when visiting Beso!
Visit: beso.wine | @drinkbeso
4. Suzor Wines
French Soul Meets Oregon Soil
Founded by Mélissa Rondeau and Greg McClellan, Suzor is a love letter to heritage and place. I’ve known Mélissa since 2020, and her taste, talent, and eye for design is next level. We’ve gifted their wines to clients for years, and every bottle is as beautiful as the next.
What I Tasted and Loved:
Aligoté – Belle Promenade Vineyard – Linear, mineral, and just a bit salty. Aged in Italian amphora for an elegant texture and ultra-clean finish.
2021 ‘Sunflower’ Chardonnay – Volcanic soils meet gentle oak. Bright acidity, soft edges, and total finesse.
"Wild Child" Orange Wine – Skin-contact Pinot Gris that balances funk with fruit. Approachable and textured with just enough grip.
2022 Menefee Pinot Noir – Made from Greg’s family vineyard (original Ponzi plantings from 1968). Deep roots, minimal intervention, and site-specific beauty.
Why I’m Obsessed:
They’re part of Winery Lane Collective, which I hadn’t heard of before visiting but instantly fell in love with. It’s housed in the old Ponzi family estate and includes bocce courts, gardens, shady patios, and even a dreamy B&B called Sosta House. The tasting room blends lime-washed walls and modern warmth with vintage soul. I’ll be back—probably for yoga on the lawn and another glass under that giant oak tree.
Visit: suzorwines.com | @suzor_wines | winerylanecollective.com
The Final Sip
Every one of these spots holds a special place in my heart—not just for the wines (though wow, are they good), but for the women behind them. They’ve built something real and rooted, and I left each visit feeling inspired and proud to live in a place where women are shaping the future of wine. Now I get to share a little of that with you: I’m giving away a bottle from each of the four spots featured in this post. Want in? Leave a comment with the wine you’re most excited to try on our reel to enter!
XO,
Ashley