Les Caves & Le Clos

"Perhaps the best date spot in Portland is the actual cave at Les Caves, Alberta’s subterranean wine bar — cut into the wall, this little perch above the bar is the ideal secluded spot for out-of-the-box couples. The nook is reservable; however, there isn’t a bad seat in the house when drinking cool, off-the-beaten-track wines found at this winemaker-owned bar. Those who prefer to drink outside can visit Le Clos, the open-air sibling to Les Caves." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden, Thom Hilton

"Wine nerds adore this subterranean bar from the team behind two of Portland’s buzziest labels (Ovum and Golden Cluster). Don’t expect an Oregon-heavy wine list, however: Sitting on a couch perched in a literal cave carved into the wall, visitors choose from glass pours of Georgian orange wine, beautifully executed gamay, and Pacific Northwestern wines made by the owners, among many others. Those looking for a surprise should opt for the Winesman’s Pick, an off-menu selection from Golden Cluster’s Jeff Vejr. The bar’s mulled wine is a nice pick on rainy days. Reservations are recommended." - Rebecca Roland, Brooke Jackson-Glidden, Nathan Williams

"Les Caves is one of those places that no matter where it’s written up or how many people are there, you feel like an insider once you enter the room. The wine bar, run by local wine makers and sommeliers, is set in a cozy basement that seats about 20. You’ll have the attention of whomever is working that night, and they’ll be happy to share their knowledge with you by the glass. Pair your drinks with some of (local favorite) Olympia Provision’s aged meats." - OMFGCO

"The coziest place to drink vermouth in Portland is likely the little cave carved into the wall at this subterranean wine bar. Tucked off Alberta Street down a nondescript alley, the winemaker-owned Les Caves often has a cool, distinctive list of glass pours, vermouths, and grilled cheese, housed at candle-lit tables or bar seats; however, those dextrous enough to climb into the nook should reserve it, so they can cuddle up on the couch and share a bottle of Khikhvi." - Carrie Uffindell, Eater Staff

"Le Clos, the outdoor sister to subterranean wine bar Les Caves, still has a hidden-nook sort of energy, furnished with church pews and couches where cool thirtysomethings drink skin contact wines." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden