Hollie Choe moved to Central Oregon in 2012 with her husband and business partner, Johnathan Choe. They have 3 children, 2 of whom attend high school in Bend and 2 fur babies. They quickly fell in love with the outdoor activities in Bend and all that Central Oregon has to offer. In their leisure time, Hollie and her family enjoy hiking, kayaking, biking, fishing, bowling, and exploring beautiful Central Oregon.
Hollie has a rich professional experience in banking, real estate, licensed and clinical school counselor, and she currently is the owner of Constellation Realty and co-owner of Transworld Business Advisors of Oregon Central. Hollie graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services and a minor in Mental Health, and earned a Master’s Degree from California State University, Los Angeles in Marriage, Family, and Child counseling and PPS credential.
Hollie comes from a family of entrepreneurs and early on realized that many small business owners like her family’s spent years of blood sweat and tears building great businesses and living the American dream only to close shop when they could no longer run their businesses. They simply were not aware that they could sell their business and capture the value in them and give an opportunity to others. Had they known about the services that Hollie offers today as a business broker, they could have had secured a better retirement.
Hollie’s background and experience has fueled her desire and passion for helping other business owners achieve their transitions to a better retirement and new entrepreneurs with their own dreams of business ownership.
While Bend is commonly associated with brews and the nearby slopes, it’s also one of the most popular Oregon destinations for cannabis, and the city is filled with dispensaries of all kinds to visit. Our budtenders are friendly, our selection is broad, and if you’re over 21, you’ll find a lot to explore – the problem is knowing where to begin. To help, we’ve curated a list of 10 popular dispensaries in the area and what you should know about them, along with a few tips about visiting the cannabis scene in our beautiful city.
1. Tokyo Starfish
This local chain of dispensaries was named the best in town in 2020 by Bend Source Weekly, and a stop inside makes it easy to see why. Tokyo Starfish specializes in a wide variety of options, knowledgeable budtenders that are always happy to help, and customer service that knows how to make newcomers feel welcome. They’re always happy to bring down any of the current flower from the shelves for a quick inspection or smell, and typically have several strains available for a discount if you’d like to save.
While Tokyo has a couple of different locations in Bend, it’s easy to recommend their spot near Old Mill, which is within walking distance from a variety of shops and great places to eat. Also, there’s a rentable home above the shop nicknamed a “Bud n’breakfast” where visitors can arrange for a stay over a couple of nights. Just make sure you book early!
2. Oregrown
Source Weekly named Oregrown as their top dispensary pick in 2019, and it still holds top positions on the list, so you know it’s worth a stop. All dispensaries in Bend try to make their spaces as warm and inviting as possible, but Oregrown may be the most successful, with clean, well-decorated spaces that still provide tons of information for those who aren’t quite sure what they’d like to buy yet. It’s also very active in the local community, so you’re likely to see their label pop up as a sponsor for a wide variety of events, and there are few Bend festivals where they don’t have a tent open for people to explore. That also means they have a great collection of merch if you’d like to deck yourself out with 420-friendly clothes.
3. Fyre of Bend
Several things help Fyre stand out as a modern dispensary for the discerning user – including a gorgeous store location in midtown that feels more like a spa than a dispensary. Their website is also one of the best around for browsing a helpful selection of cannabis products and accessories. Like Oregrown, Fyre has plenty of its own merch to explore, too, and offers a variety of discounts based on everything from when you show up to special veteran discounts.
4. Substance
Substance refers to itself as a community dispensary, with several locations around Bend and an eye on destigmatizing the use of cannabis for both recreational and medical purposes. With so many locations, Substance is a great place to stop for a quick pickups and supports curbside pickups for those ordering online if you want to be extra speedy. It’s also a great place to support if you want to further cannabis advocacy and education.
5. The Vth LMNT
The hardest part about using the Vth is knowing how to pronounce it (the 5th Limit), but if you’re serious about your weed products, don’t let that stop you. The Vth describes itself using words like “artisan” and “boutique” but don’t assume that’s just hipster flair: The Vth is an organization of cannabis professionals interested in the very best and charts its flower carefully from indoor farms located in Hillsboro right to your Bend dispensary counter.
6. Oregon Euphorics
Oregon Euphorics is another great stop if you’d like to browse, with a handy Westside location that’s also a perfect stop if you’re heading up or down from Mt. Bachelor – and it has a minimalistic ordering process online that’s great for finding what you’re looking for. They’ve also got a rewards program if you want to be a frequent visitor. Oh, if you’re on a mission to check out some of the best beer in Oregon, don’t forget to stop by Goodlife Brewing’s taproom just next door for some brews and food.
7. Smokelore
One of the most popular downtown dispensaries, Smokelore is a great stop for those who want to browse downtown shops, restaurants, and bars but are also interested in stopping by a dispensary. The dispensary, located close to Old Town’s historic homes, is surprisingly cozy thanks to its retrofitted designed that combines cabin charms with smooth shopping and service: You may find yourself spending more time there than you thought, or asking if you can snap a photo of a display to share with friends.
8. Cannabend
Cannabend has a friendly spot toward the northern section of the city, a walk away from midtown’s Mckay’s Cottage, which is a common recommendation for breakfast in Bend. Like other dispensaries in the area, Cannabend has a robust array of discounts, including a rotating discount based on the day of the week (Saturday if you want dabs, Wednesday for pre-rolled joints, and so on).
9. Dr. Jolly’s
Don’t let Dr. Jolly’s back-of-the-lot location on 3rd street dismay you: It’s one of the friendliest dispensaries in the city with top notch service and a spacious storefront that allows you to shop through a broad selection of expertly arranged products and accessories. If you want a lot of flower choices or are visiting with a group, it’s an excellent cannabis stop.
10. DiamondTREE
DiamondTREE has been in the Central Oregon cannabis business for more than 10 years, starting as a medical dispensary and expanding into a wide variety of marijuana products when recreational weed was legalized. That’s one of the reasons it has won multiple reader poll awards for one of the best dispensaries in the region. There are both eastside and westside locations to stop by, and their experience in the industry makes both shops great places to stop if you want a large selection and helpful advice.
8 Tips for Buying Cannabis in Bend, Oregon
You’ll need your government-issued ID when walking into a cannabis dispensary: It’s not a big deal, but budtenders will need to check it before you can start shopping.
If you’re staying at a hotel or an Airbnb, always check their smoking and cannabis consumption policies. You may need to find a smoke-friendly area or make other adjustments depending on the rules at your location.
People like to shop for cannabis in different ways, with eyes on different specifications. Bend products are generally tests for THC and CBD with clear percentages provided, but many dispensaries always make recommendations based on strain if you want the indica and sativa details.
There are daily limits to what customers can purchase in Oregon, which is worth keeping in mind if you’re only in Bend for a limited amount of time. That limit includes nothing more than 1oz of usable cannabis, 5 grams of concentrates, 16oz or edibles, and so on. And, and please keep in mind it is still illegal to transport cannabis products across state lines.
“Public” consumption of recreational cannabis in Oregon is technically illegal and can result in hefty fines. That includes places like city parks, riversides, street corners, and so on. People may sometimes ignore this, but if you light up in these areas know that it comes with a risk.
Want to save a little time? If you live in a cannabis-friendly area, you may know about Dutchie, the online platform that enables buyers to order their buds online and then pick them up, the same way you would with food. Well, while Dutchie works with over 5,000 dispensaries in the country, it was founded and headquartered in Bend, Oregon, so you can bet that our dispensaries are online friendly.
We know it’s still a concern about whether a dispensary requires cash or not for a purchase. Dispensaries in Bend are sometimes supported by local credit unions and other institutions that allow them to accept credit cards (including Tokyo Starfish and other top picks), so you don’t always need to worry about having cash on hand. If a dispensary does require cash, they generally make sure there’s an ATM at hand.
Tipping your budtender is always a nice move, especially if they helped you locate a particular flower you had in mind or provided advice on what sort of product would work best for you.
Planning a Permanent Move to Bend?
Moving to a new city can be stressful – but it shouldn’t be. Moving to Bend works to inform those interested in coming here about everything they should know. That includes where to live and what to know about renting, work opportunities, how to navigate the school system, and much more. Visit our site to learn more about our specific relocation services and how we can help you today.
Welcome to the Bend Relocation Services Team! We’re your dedicated partners in making your move to Bend seamless and stress-free. From finding your dream home to exploring rental options, we specialize in catering to all your relocation and home buying needs. With a keen eye for detail, we offer personalized assistance, including access to homes and rentals situated on stunning golf courses in the picturesque Bend area. Let us guide you home!
Central Oregon has a great reputation as a destination for golfing trips, and it’s easy to see why: From the gorgeous views of the Cascades as you play across dozens of courses to the ease of finding an excellent craft beer or hearty meal afterwards, Bend is a popular place to tee off. Of course, it’s even better for locals who can get the most out of every golfing season while living just minutes away from their favorite courses.
Over the years, a broad variety of courses and clubs have opened around Central Oregon to meet golfing demand, from clubs located right in town to more remote locations that embrace the surrounding beauty of the landscape. There are enough courses that it can be difficult to decide where to begin, especially if you are scouting out Bend for the first time, or recently moved to Central Oregon. Our rundown of popular nearby courses is the perfect place to start. You can drive around Oregon with a luxury rental car from Rental24h.com.
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1. The Nicklaus Course at Pronghorn Golf Club
It’s easy to recommend the Nicklaus course at Pronghorn to any newcomer. It features classic views of the Cascades and nearby lava rock formations — a welcoming invitation to explore the Central Oregon outdoors under a vast blue sky and perfect summer weather. As the name indicates, it was designed by Jack Nicklaus, and is a no-nonsense course that features back-to-back par 5 holes on the back nine for those who are truly devoted to finishing the course.
2. Brasada Ranch
Brasada Canyons is an excellent course for those who prefer rugged, desert views. Surrounded by expansive plains and sage, this course also prioritizes privacy, with no two holes running in parallel. But Brasada Ranch is also far more than just golf – it’s a full-experience resort designed to mimic an Old West experience right in the heart of Oregon. That includes horseback riding and beautiful décor in the rooms, plus a full spa, live music, a well-equipped athletic center, fine dining, and frequent seasonal events. That makes Brasada an excellent place for a weekend getaway or longer…plus, you’ll need to be a member or official guest to use the course, and tee fees are waived if you book a long enough stay.
3. River’s Edge Golf Course
River’s Edge is one of the very few courses located smack in midtown Bend, behind the Riverhouse Hotel. That makes it accessible from almost anywhere in Bend. The 18-hole course is the perfect Central Oregon outdoor experience when you aren’t teeing off, including a variety of terrain and mountain views – check out the drone footage for yourself. It’s also one of the only courses that stays open as much as possible year-round, although you’ll want to bundle up if you go on a cold day. A full-service pro golf shop and restaurant are located on the premises as well.
4. Widgi Creek Golf Club
Widgi Creek’s spacious course is located in the Deschutes National Forest of southern Bend, where it offers classic rolling greens with a forest backdrop – and one of the longest par 5s on the West Coast. The club includes both putting greens and chipping greens for more casual play, as well as pickleball. There’s also a full-service spa on the premises, a full-service bar, and a venue that can be booked for a variety of events. The proximity to the city makes this a particularly popular course for those who like regular golf sessions.
5. Lost Tracks Golf Club
Another forest course, Lost Tracks was designed by Brian Whitcomb and includes 7,000 yards and a rugged, adventurous style that can feel like an old-fashioned hike in Central Oregon as you make your way between holes (don’t worry, the carts all have built-in GPS if hiking isn’t your idea of fun). This public course includes generous annual passes for Bend residents.
6. Awbrey Glen Golf Club
Awbrey Glen’s championship course is known for its embrace of the craggy rocks that make up so much of the Cascades, along with an array of beautiful small lakes. It has one of the best practice centers in the state, including a double-ended driving range. All practice center activities need a membership.
7. Broken Top Club
Broken Top takes its golfing seriously; it’s an entirely private club situated within the city, but those interested in a full membership will be able to enjoy a pleasant course designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, combining traditional aspects of beloved courses worldwide with Central Oregon views. The Club also offers PGA professionals who teach golf lessons and clinics. They provide custom club fitting for your gear and rotate a selection of seasonal golf apparel as well. That’s in addition to the full suite of club amenities, including massage rooms, steam rooms, spas, tennis courts, and much more.
8. Tetherow Golf Club
Voted one of the top 10 courses in Oregon by Golf Digest, Tetherow’s course was designed by David McLay Kidd, known for his work on the Bandon Dunes courses, some of the most well-known golfing options on the West Coast. The full course includes plenty of mountain views, and a fun partnership with GolfBoards, electric skateboards that you can use to navigate around the club. It’s also particularly friendly for local play, offering special discounts to locals and allowing golfers under 17 to play for free. The lodge also includes plenty of amenities, including an excellent fitness center.
9. Aspen Lakes Golf Course
Aspen Lakes is a bit longer of a drive over to the town of Sisters, but it’s a must-play course if you love mountain views. Up here, the Three Sisters peaks are much closer, and the 18-hole course is a well-planned adventure. You’ll notice unique red sand bunkers along the course that are made from crushed red cinders (something Bend also uses to deal with road ice in the winter). It’s not surprising that this course has achieved accolades like the best overall golf experiences in the Northwest, as well as the best new affordable golf courses by Golf Digest.
10. Meadows Golf Course
Sunriver is around 20 minutes from the outskirts of Bend, and golf fans will want to make the commute at some point to explore Sunriver’s excellent – and affordable – resort courses. We’ll highlight Meadows as one of the most popular options to start with. Designed by John Fought, the course was specifically influenced by early American courses from the 1920s, evoking a sense of grandeur that has led it to host USGA and NCAA championships. Since it’s open to the public and first come, first serve, you’ll want to plan an early outing here if possible. Fortunately, Sunriver Resort is packed with plenty of other things to do, too!
What you should know about golfing in Bend
Think about the views. Bend’s courses can differ greatly thanks to the varied landscape. Mountain views, rolling hills, meadows, placid rivers, pine forests, desert plains – which backdrop do you prefer? What sort of landscape do you like to golf in? Keep in mind this can also affect difficultly, and some Central Oregon courses can be particularly challenging when they incorporate natural elements.
Bring your camera. Another thing about all those views – they’re an excellent opportunity for photos as you play a round. Your phone will work fine for a social media post, but those who like to mix their photography and golf should bring something a bit more professional to really benefit from the shots you can find.
As always, watch the weather. Golf lives by the season in a high desert climate. Courses generally close for the winter, or at least for snowstorms, and they can be uncomfortably cold until temperatures start warming up in mid-spring. Likewise, Bend has had temps over 100 degrees in the hottest parts of summer, which may be too hot to comfortably play for some. Keep an eye on the weather when making your plans: Bend provides plenty of sunny days and moderate temperatures that are perfect for a golf game.
Explore your after-golf meal options. While not all clubs offer much in the way of food, some like Awbrey Glen do have more expansive menus curated by skilled chefs. That’s an option if you’re short on time and still want a good meal, but otherwise nothing is really on par (ha) with some of the fine dining you can find in Bend, like Bos Taurus, Ariana’s, Zydeco, and even brunch options like Lemon Tree. Remember to make some reservations along with your golf plans, and you’ll be set.
Looking for deals? Check out sites like Groupon, which offer local deals and online booking, some as low as $10 to $20 for a round. You won’t find all courses here, but it’s a great way to explore golfing and save some money.
Interested in learning more? Moving to Bend can help
We know a lot more than just golf at Moving to Bend. While researching what Central Oregon has to offer is fun, when you are serious about moving here, we have a host of relocation services that can help. That includes guides on how to get to Bend schools, help finding work, services to find a rental, and more. Let us know how we can make your move easier!
The mountains, lakes, and rivers surrounding Bend in Central Oregon all combine to mean one thing: Excellent waterfall hikes throughout the area! There are so many local waterfall options that there’s one for almost any kind of hike, from a relaxing outing with your dog to a family trip for an outdoor picnic. If you love the outdoors, these are great places to be.
If you aren’t sure where to begin, we’re going to share our favorite waterfall hikes, where they’re at, and why they are worth planning a visit to.
1. Tumalo Falls
Tumalo Falls is one of the most accessible waterfall hikes in the area, and hands-down the most common recommendation for newcomers looking for a waterfall hike to start with. It’s also the most family-friendly waterfall hike you’ll find, with trailheads that are only a few minutes away from the falls themselves.
There are picnic spots, restrooms, and a variety of trails designed for hiking and mountain biking (another popular local pastime). The falls themselves are a 97-foot scenic scene of Tumalo Creek, surrounded by trees and cliffs in a perfect snapshot of the beauty of this Cascade area. The river itself also offers plenty of views – make sure you stop by in the fall to catch local changing colors! Oh, and don’t forget Middle Tumalo Falls, a smaller waterfall located further out for those who would like to hike out a bit more.
2. McKay Crossing Falls
McKay Crossing Falls are famous for their rocky landscape, part of the incredible Newberry National Volcanic Park trails. It’s a beautiful spot for enjoying the craggy volcanic cliffs, swimming, birdwatching, and hikes of all kinds. That makes it a very popular spot in the summer, but you’re sure to be in good company.
3. Peter Skene Ogden Trail
Is a popular 22-mile trail near La Pine that exchanges some of the steeper Cascade hikes for a more level trail that’s popular for camping and backpacking. There are multiple small waterfalls to enjoy along the trail, but the falls near the McKay campground is probably the most popular, a low, rocky dual waterfall that’s perfect for inventive photography.
4. Steelhead Falls
Steelhead Falls may not be as tall as some of the others on our list, but it’s particularly beautiful, a cascade of rapids along a scenic portion of the Deschutes River. It’s also particularly easy to reach, located just off the trailhead, and suitable for picnics – or even a little fishing below on the quieter parts of the Deschutes. Try to visit when the summer wildflowers are blooming and you won’t regret it.
5. Proxy Falls
Proxy Falls is located over the Mackenzie Pass, where the high desert of Central Oregon is replaced by verdant forests filled with hidden landmarks. Well, Proxy Falls isn’t that hidden these days, as it’s become a particularly popular spot for snapping photos. With the surrounding trees and moss-covered stones, even an amateur photographer can find beautiful images of these falls. While it’s a bit of a drive, the hike itself is fair easy, and family-friendly, and there are a few other stops, like the Dee Wright Observatory, that make this an excellent pick for a day-long vacation.
6. Linton Falls
Popular falls are easy to find, but they can get a little crowded in the popular months and sometimes lack that wilderness feel that outdoor aficionados seek. In that case, we highly recommend Linton Falls in the Three Sisters Wilderness. These towering falls are off the beaten path – quite literally, at the end of a two-mile hike off of Mackenzie Pass toward Linton Lake. It’s defined enough that you can find your way, especially with an experienced hiker, but you’ll want to bring your good boots and have shoes to change into afterward. The downside is that this isn’t a family-friendly hike and is best done with someone who has been there before – but the views are certainly worth it.
7. Marion Falls
Marion Falls is a multi-level cascade of water falling toward Marion Lake, featuring gorgeous views. While some waterfalls can feel a little confined in the Oregon forests, these falls lend themselves to amazing vistas of the surrounding landscape. It’s a perfect hike, around five miles round trip, if you are looking for some solitude and love the views of Oregon lakes. This isn’t a particularly family-friendly hike for the young ones, but older kids can certainly enjoy it if you want to make it a family event.
8. Chush Falls
Another location in the Three Sisters Wilderness, Chush Falls is almost perfectly located for Bend residents, only around an hour’s drive away, with gorgeous views of the South Sister above the trail that will have you stopping repeatedly. This is another hike where waiting for the wildflowers to bloom is a great idea, and at around five miles round trip, it can make for an excellent getaway day. There’s a good reason that many Bendites will recommend it for first-timers looking for local waterfalls!
9. Sahalie and Koosah Falls
These dual waterfalls, separated by a brief hike, aren’t exactly near Bend, but they are part of the Cascades and we’re including them for a few reasons. First, they make a great option for a short road trip that also allows you to see more of Oregon. Second, they are very accessible and don’t require long hikes to reach. Third, they’re incredibly beautiful waterfalls surrounded by greenery and have been featured in movies due to their spectacular location.
10. Salt Creek Falls
Since we’re already talking about venturing over the mountains to find some of Oregon’s best waterfalls, we’ll also mention Salt Creek Falls, one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in Oregon, and one of the most beautiful on the West Coast. One of the reasons it’s so popular is the observation platform at the top of the falls (accessible to everyone, including those in wheelchairs), and the easy one-mile gravel path circling the falls with multiple vantage points so you can find exactly which view you like most. The only issue is that these falls can get seriously crowded during the more popular months, so it’s best to visit on an off day if possible.
11. Diamond Creek Falls
If you’re going to be heading toward the Eugene area and prefer falls that are a little more off the road than Salt Creek, make a note about Diamond Creek falls. It includes a several-mile hike through the forest that begins at Salt Creek Falls but quickly ventures off past the Salt Creek Canyon. The falls themselves are beautiful, but this is also a popular snowshoeing hike in the fall and one of the best options if you’re seeking falls with a bit of snow as a backdrop – just make sure you time it right!
Waterfall Hiking Tips
Not all hikes are available all the time: Those new to Central Oregon should always pay attention to when trails are open or closed due to the season and snowfall. Look up individual trail information to find elevation and dates when the trails officially open. When it doubt, as an outdoor-savvy local for more information. Waterfall hikes in particular are inadvisable for newcomers until the weather really warms in later spring, as icy conditions can make them dangerous.
Get your pass: Trails around Bend require having a Northwest Forest pass or similar pass that allows you to access. Otherwise, you are asked to pay a small fee for using the trail. If you plan on doing a lot of hiking, the pass is absolutely worth it
Don’t venture beyond barriers: This can be a tough one because you see people doing it frequently. However, it’s a bad idea to hop the barriers to get closer to waterfalls. Mist and water make the nearby rocks slippery, and moss or algae even more so. A slip and fall is the last thing you want, especially in dangerous conditions like a roaring waterfall.
Bring extra clothes: You will definitely get wet playing near a waterfall. Some hikes keep waterfalls at a distance, but others let you get very close and may have designated swimming areas nearby. If there’s a chance of playing in or near the water, bring along a change of clothes. This is a good idea even if you aren’t swimming or trying to get near the waterfall because many waterfall hikes can get muddy even in good weather.
Bring a trekking pole and hiking shoes: If you haven’t been on many hikes in areas similar to Central Oregon, remember that traction is important. Some spots a gravelly, while others navigate through many rocks, tree roots, and other obstacles. Also, as we mentioned, areas nearby waterfalls can be slippery! Bring a trekking pole if you can, and wear shoes for hiking. Don’t wear flip-flops or sandals.
Keep your pets on a leash: Waterfalls can be both exciting and frightening for pets, which can lead to unpredictable behavior. You don’t want them to have any accidents, so always keep them on a leash. As long as a leash is included, most trails around Bend allow dogs.
Don’t drop your phone: The perfect pic isn’t worth losing your phone or camera over.
Want to learn more about Bend? Take a look at our site and you’ll find a whole lot more than just waterfall guides. Moving To Bend can help you find the best places to eat, visit – and live. We offer a variety of relocations services for finding a home or rental, offering advice on new schools, and even relocating business teams to the area. Let us know how we can help!
Ask anyone what they know about Bend, and beer is bound to come up – that’s thanks to the highest number of breweries per capita in the United States. But if you’re not a beer lover, don’t worry! There are plenty of other things to enjoy in Central Oregon…and that brings us to the wine scene.
Central Oregon is well-positioned to enjoy wines from vineyards all along the West Coast, and it’s no surprise that Bend has seen a growing number of tasting rooms and wine bars in some of the most popular gathering locations. There’s a lot for wine lovers to enjoy here, including some of our own local creations, and deliciously inventive pairings you’ll want to try at least once. And since we know wine fans care about the details, our guide is diving into everything you should know about Bend Oregon wineries.
Tasting Room vs. Wine Bar
What’s the difference? Is there one? Does it matter? While the difference can be a little blurry sometimes, the two terms usually refer to different activities, so it’s good to keep in mind when planning your wine outings in Bend.
A tasting room is where people go with the intent to purchase a bottle or two of wine. They usually offer flights and pours so that people can try individual vintages, or types of wine from a specific vineyard. However, the focus is more on finding out what a winery offers and choosing bottles to bring home rather than lingering to enjoy a glass (although people do). Often, snacks like chocolate, crackers, and cheese are offered to help cleanse the palette and find the right pairings, but there’s not always a significant focus on food.
A wine bar, meanwhile, is more dedicated toward wining and dining than offering tasters and bottles and is not usually associated with a specific vineyard. Here, people are encouraged to enjoy a glass and take their time. You are more likely to find a menu with full meal options here, so you can plan a lunch or dinner in these spots if it is available.
A winery, meanwhile, is a broad term that means the business produces wine. While it may have an estate vineyard, a winery doesn’t always grow its own grapes, but can simply partner with a variety of third-party vineyards. A winery may have a tasting room, wine bar, or combination of the two. When in doubt, visit a winery’s website and see if they have a menu, etc., to learn more.
Top Wineries in Central Oregon
1. The Elixir Wine Group
If you are looking for a full range of wine options and like to taste creations from around the world, Elixir should be one of your first stops. The company has partnered with vineyards from around the world, including France, Italy, Argentina, Spain, Uruguay, and right here in Oregon. They have a charming tasting room and retail shop between Old Mill and Downtown Bend, with a beautiful patio for warm weather. On select weekends, a local chef prepares a locally sourced, full menu, available by reservation only but certainly worth the wait.
2. The Good Drop Wine Shoppe
A popular stop in Downtown Bend, this shop lives up to its name with an excellent selection of domestic and international wines. It’s the perfect place to go if you want to grab a couple of bottles to do with a special dinner and aren’t quite sure what you want yet. If you have a little time, say while exploring downtown shops, then you can grab a glass: Don’t be afraid to ask the staff for recommendations, or arrange for other consulting services to find exactly what you want.
3. Evoke Winery
Evoke Winery has a central Old Mill location that makes them easy to find, and a stylish tasting room set up for both inside and outside wine experiences. Previously known as Naked Winery, Evoke has kept its fun, flirty branding with wines that are perfect for all kinds of outings, sourcing wine from the facility in Hood River. Don’t let the plastic wine bottles startle you: They are specifically chosen to make it easier to bring wine on your Oregon outdoor adventures without worrying about broken glass.
4. Va Piano Vineyards
The “Vineyards” of Va Piano refers to the vineyard and winery in Walla Walla, Washington, where the family grows a variety of estate grapes for specialized small lots. Their Old Mill tasting room is an excellent spot to try the latest: They specialize in cabernet sauvignons, syrahs, and red blends. There is a cheese pairing option, but if you are thinking about a meal you may want to make reservations for another spot around Old Mill after you are finished.
5. Bledsoe Family Winery
Bledsoe (for NFL fans, yes, it’s Drew Bledsoe) is another winery with vineyards in Walla Walla, offering rosès, chardonnays, syrahs, and other wines created with sustainable practices. They have a cozy tasting room near Old Mill in Bend, a perfect spot to meet a friend over a glass of wine after work or while making other plans. Inside seating is limited and you should call first to see if you need a reservation, but outdoor seating is a great choice, especially if the weather is looking warm – heating is available, but winter is still winter.
6. Portello Winecafè
“Winecafè” is the perfect European-inspired name to describe this Northwest Crossing wine stop, with café-like tables set up between racks of wine available for perusing and purchase. The location also offers one of the fullest menus of any wine-dedicated space in Bend, including boards, bruschetta, salads, paninis, and rich seasonal dishes – making it a perfect option if you’re feeling hungry. There are also several specials you can look for here, from specific happy hours to two-lunch specials that are ideal for meeting up with a friend.
7. The Wine Shop and Beer Tasting Bar
This classic shop in Downtown Bend is an excellent casual stop for wine-related adventures: It offers both wine and beer and encourages you to stay for a glass or a pint as you think about what you’d like to take home. The diversity makes it a great stop if you like wine, but your companions may have beer in mind. There is also a snack menu to order from if you’d like something to nibble on while you stay around.
8. Bend Wine Cellar
While the Bend Wine Cellar does offer some tastings and can sell wine, it’s primarily a wine storage facility – and one of the best in the city for those who want to make sure their wine is stored in some of the best temperature and humidity-controlled lockers available. They have spaces available for anything from a few treasured bottles to over a hundred cases stored for commercial purposes.
Does Central Oregon Have Any Vineyards?
With Central Oregon’s high desert climate, vineyards probably aren’t the first thing you would think of. However, there are a few vineyard enterprises in the area that you can support to help local businesses and bold wine endeavors. That includes:
Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards: This vineyard is named after the Three Sisters mountain peaks that are so visible in Central Oregon. It’s a 15-acre vineyard near Terrebonne, outside of Redmond, with views of the Cascades as well as Smith Rock. They specialize in cold-resistant grapes (starting with marquette) that are specifically known for weathering harsher climates. The vineyard offers everything from a wedding venue to a tasting room that includes a full-fledged pizza menu if you want to plan a meal there. Say hi to the llamas before you leave!
Lava Terrace Cellars: Lava Terrace claims to be the first official vineyard every started in Bend back in 2012 and has made a specialty of finding the best grapes for high elevation growth: They grow marechal foch, la crescent, marquette, and brianna strains. It’s been a success too – when Lava Terrace was ready to enter international wine competitions in 2020, the vineyard walked away with six medals. While you can find Lava Terrace wines in bars around town, they do not have a tasting room of their own, although they do hold events from time to time.
Maragas Winery: Maragas specializes in limited production, handcrafted runs, and is a favorite among local wine connoisseurs for enjoying hard-to-find, barrel-aged wines with complex flavors – and organic growing solutions that help keep things sustainable. They too use strains like marechal foch, as well as pinot noir, zinfandel, muscat, pinot munier, and more. The Winery has won eleven medals to date, including two Double Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle wine competition (Swinging Zin and Anna).
Wine Tours in Bend
If you are looking for guided wine tours, your best option is to put one together yourself: You can follow this guide if you’re looking for ideas! You may also want to give Wanderlust Tours a call and see if their Local Pour tour is including any Central Oregon wineries at this time.
While wine is great, Moving to Bend also has a wealth of other guides covering all kinds of topics that newcomers may want to learn about. You can find information on the best outdoor recreation to get started with, help with finding and applying to the right rental in Bend, what to know about Bend employment, and many other topics.
