Blackbird Wine Shop, Portland

Stocked with fresh-baked bread, artisan cheeses, and wines from around the world, Blackbird Wine Shop initiates patrons to haute fare with customized tastings, wine-and-cheese pairing lessons, and cellars of bottles available for purchase. To preview the nose, bouquet, and sense of humor of wines, patrons can sample five self-selected vintages during evening tastings before committing to taking one home. For a more in-depth experience, groups of up to 10 can learn the most pleasing pairings of cheeses with five regional wines, complementing each vintage’s flavor with three cheeses, olives, bread, almonds, and fruit.