Hotel Eastlund Welcomes Pullman Wine Bar & Merchant

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Photo by John Valls

As August brings the summer heat, Hotel Eastlund, the best Portland hotel, offers a cool new escape that brings guests the world of wine without ever having to set foot in a vineyard: its just-opened Pullman Wine Bar & Merchant. Three experiences in one, guests can take advantage of expert knowledge and shop for wines, relax at the wine bar to taste local and global selections alongside a light bites menu, or plan one-of-a-kind gatherings in a wine-cave-inspired private dining space.

Serial Portland restaurateur David Machado (Nel Centro, Altabira City Tavern and Citizen Baker) and award-winning wine consultant David Holstrom teamed up to plan this wine-centric project following travels through similar concepts in France and Argentina. Their goals: make wine-tasting approachable, the space comfortable and unique in its offering. The resulting wine selection is half Pacific Northwest-leaning and half an eclectic mix from around the globe, from value-oriented varieties to rare luxuries from each major wine-producing region.

With the use of a wine preservation system that uses argon to safely preserve wines, visitors can taste two-, four-, and six-ounce pours of nearly all the 135 wine selections offered on site—a less committal way to explore the world of wine. Varietal-specific wine flights provide another fun option to taste-tour by grape preference.

And of course, there’s food! Although wine takes the spotlight, Machado taps his culinary savvy to offer salmon rillettes with baguette from his neighboring bakery, Citizen Baker, among other fare. Charcuterie, fava bean spread, stuffed mushrooms with blue cheese, and an heirloom tomato salad with burrata exemplify the versatility of dining at the new space.  For more substantial fare, try the veal and mushroom meatballs with parsnip puree, or the beef empanadas, inspired by his Argentina travels.

The long, rectangular space designed by Holst Architecture features floor-to-ceiling windows along the NE Holladay side of the shop, looking out on passing Trimet MAX lines for a decidedly Euro-metropolitan feel. Guests first experience the bottle shop when entering, with stately binned shelves of bottles to enjoy on site or take out. The center of the shop showcases the preservation system and wine bar, with its stone tasting counter and seating to relax, sip, nosh and people-watch. Furthest in lies the 24-seat, wine-cave-like private dining room, framed by a vaulted ceiling and dramatically lighting a stunning dark wood harvest table that runs the length of the room. The “cave” can be enjoyed by wine bar guests when private events are not reserved.

Although Oregon offers many world-class wine experiences, don’t miss this newest wine attraction at Hotel Eastlund, our Portland luxury hotel. Find Pullman Wine Bar & Merchant with a dedicated entrance at 401 NE Holladay Street, Portland; open daily from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.  Phone: (503) 963-3615.

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, a stay at our Portland boutique hotel means you’ll be close to the best destinations, restaurants, and things to do in Portland. The team at Hotel Eastlund looks forward to helping you discover our beautiful city.