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Try Georgian Wines This March in Portland
Georgian_Kvevri.jpg
Winemaking is an artistic creation in which you deal with a variety of styles, colors, and inspiration, therefore, good wine, like good art, can evoke emotions, sensations and create an experience which leaves a lasting impression.
— Giovanni Morassutti

Did you know that Georgia is considered the “Cradle of Wine”? Archaeologists have tracked the world’s first wines to the people of the South Caucasus, dating back all the way to 6,000 BC! We may literally have Georgia to thank for being the birthplace of arguably, the world's favorite libation.  While Georgia remains a relatively hidden gem, today's Georgian wines are becoming increasingly popular in the natural wine market. Their methods of vinification, including the use of clay vessels, called qvevri, for storage and fermentation, has put the country on the map as a leader in wine production. 

Here in Portland, Georgian restaurant and wine shop Kargi Gogo brings the treasures of the Caucasus region to the Pacific Northwest for all of us to share. And if you're curious to see what the hype is about, there are two great events coming up in March, right here in Portland where you can try Georgia's famous natural wines for yourself! 

Kargi Gogo After Dark: Wine Bar Pop-up

When: Saturday, March 7th from 9 to 11:30 PM
Where: 3039 NE Alberta St. Portland, OR 97211
 
After the restaurant closes its doors for the day at 9 PM, the all-Georgian wine bar will open. There will be many wines that you've never seen on Kargi Gogo's daily glass pour list and this is an incredible chance to try new and rare wines. There will also be specialty flights featuring limited bottles and a special menu of drinking snacks.
 
Two of the specialty flights will feature wines from our friend Giorgi Natenadze, a Georgian winemaker whose wines are on the Forbes list of “Best Wines to Drink in 2020”. Natenadze lives in Samtskhe-Javakhet, historically known as Meskheti, the south part of Georgia, sharing a border with Turkey. This region was occupied for four centuries by Ottomans (Turks), who destroyed vineyards and villages, as well as all local endemic grape species. In 2009, Natenadze decided in to try to reclaim some of the area’s heritage and started to research, study, identify and multiply the oldest Meskhetian vines. As he says: "I have spent much of the past decade traipsing through mountain forests in search of ancient vines growing the way nature intended — up trees. I have found some vines that are more than 100 years old and one that I reckon are more than 400 years old”. The way he makes his wine is really quite unique – he forages and uses these grapes from 200-to-400-year-old wild vines.

Each year he makes a different wine from these ancient varieties at his wine cellar in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. His wines are very rare and limited; on average he produces 500 - 600 bottles (all from different grapes) in a year. His wines are made using the traditional Georgian winemaking method, in a qvevri, which makes the wine very harmonic and tasty with low alcohol and well-balanced acidity. This is an opportunity to taste Georgia's rich history right in your glass! 

Tasting Club: Sparkles & Bubbles

When: Wednesday, March 25th from 7 to 9 PM
Where: 3039 NE Alberta St. Portland, OR 97211

Every 3-4 weeks Kargi Gogo hosts a Georgian Wine Tasting Club. This next one will focus on all of the amazing sparkling wines that are produced in Georgia using the traditional Champagne method wine; pet nat; white; rosé; red; dry; French oak; and Georgian qvevri. You will taste them all and learn about how each one is made. Every process is unique and fascinating. This is a casual affair, so the only requirement is to have fun and explore new wines!  Reservations are available right now for $29. There are only  five spots left, and they usually go pretty quickly—you can reserve your spot here.

Sparkling wines are fun and bubbly thanks to significant levels of carbon dioxide in them. There are many types – champagne, crémant, cara, prosecco, etc. The methods of production are as diverse as the wines produced—Georgia makes sparkling wine mainly in the traditional method, also called the 'Champagne' method. The traditionally made wines tend to be aged for longer and are more complex. In this process, a still wine is taken—fermented once already—and is fermented a second time. The second fermentation happens in the wine bottle itself - it traps carbon dioxide and begins to accumulate dead yeast cells, also called “lees”. While it might not sound very appetizing, these dead yeast cells are actually an essential part of what gives sparkling wine that “bubbly, rich, creamy texture and flavors of toast, pastry, brioche, and nuts”.

This is the event to attend to learn more about the traditional Georgian qvevri, mentioned above. These large egg-shaped clay vessels are used for fermentation and aging of grapes and are buried in the ground to conduct their magic. It’s a trend that has caught on around the world. Georgians are proud of their rich and historic winemaking culture, so much that qvevri has almost become the unofficial symbol of the country. The image of this vessel can be found from tea towels to t-shirts.

Though a fairly small producer, Georgia exports wine worldwide and U.S. sales have been growing rapidly. While it's great to enjoy wine at our local restaurants or at home, I think we can all agree that one of the best ways to appreciate this fine art is to visit the places and the vineyards where the wine comes from. 
 
We would like to invite you to experience it for yourself and join us this Fall for our Discover Georgia tour 2020. We've partnered with Kargi Gogo to bring you this incredible culinary and cultural adventure. Last year's tour was so much fun and we can’t wait to go back! Experience firsthand the warm hospitality, incredible food and wine, and breathtaking landscapes. 

Most activities will be based around food and wine, but we will also explore the historic and cultural highlights of each region, including Samtshke-Javakheti, where Giorgi Natenadze’s wines are from. We will also explore Tbilisi, the capital and the largest city in Georgia; Kartli, Signaghi and Telavi wine regions, and last but not least, Kazbegi, which is the most beautiful mountain region that has the country’s third-largest mountain, and it’s an absolutely breathtaking sight to see.

We’ll eat and drink our way around the country. We will get to know Georgia through every meal – their colorful explosion of flavors, textures, aromas and spices, local ingredients, classic preparations, and modern interpretations. We'll drink and dine with some of Georgia's most esteemed winemakers; learn to make all kinds of Georgian classic foods such as khinkali and khachapuri, explore an ancient cave city and the markets, meet locals and a lot of other fun things!

You can find a complete run-down of tour information here, but we’ve included a quick breakdown below.

When:  Sept 29th - October 9th, 2020
Duration:  10 nights, 11 days
Price: $4100 per person double room, $700 single supplement             
Deposit & Payment: $250 pre-deposit due immediately, 30% deposit due by April 1st, final payment due July 15th
Group Size: 8 - 12 guests
Locations: Tbilisi, Kartli, Signaghi & Telavi wine regions, Kazbegi, and Samtskhe-Javakheti 
Airports: Arrival & departure airport Tbilisi (TBS)

The price includes airport transfers, hotel accommodations, daily breakfast, most meals, activities, walking tours, cooking classes, winery visits, and tastings, etc. However, keep in mind that the price does not include airfare. 

If you are interested in booking this tour, would like to reserve a spot or would like more information, email us at info@forktown.com. The tour is almost sold out, there are only 2 spaces left.  We would love for you to join us on this amazing trip of a lifetime!

In the meantime, we can’t wait to see you this month on March 7th and March 25th at these events and try one-of-a-kind Georgian wines with us! Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the merriness. Bolomde! (Bottoms up!)

Forktown owner Heidi Burnette inside a traditional Georgian qvevri , used to make wine

Forktown owner Heidi Burnette inside a traditional Georgian qvevri , used to make wine

Traditional Georgian Qvevri pictured underground during the wine fermentation process. From our tour to Georgia in 2018

Traditional Georgian Qvevri pictured underground during the wine fermentation process. From our tour to Georgia in 2018

Man_giant_georgian_qvevri_winemaking
5 Restaurants We’re Excited to See on the List for Portland Dining Month 2020
*pic courtesy of Travel Portland

*pic courtesy of Travel Portland

It's here, it's here—it's finally here! March is upon us, and with it comes our favorite "holiday" here at Forktown Food Tours–Portland Dining Month! If you're anything like us, and we know you are—you keep a list of all the restaurants in Portland you're dying to try. Enter Portland Dining Month to make your bucket list a reality! Since 2009, Portland's finest chefs have been serving up four delicious weeks of dining deals. More than 130 of the best restaurants in Portland will offer specially-crafted 3-course meals for the delectable price of $33! Amazing, isn't it? But it gets better. This year, we're especially excited to see FIVE of our regular partners here at Forktown Food Tours highlighting their craft this month. Check out 5 of our favorite restaurants that should be at the top of your list during Portland Dining Month!

1. Ecliptic Brewing 

*pic courtesy of Ecliptic Brewing*

*pic courtesy of Ecliptic Brewing*


Ecliptic Brewing is an Oregon craft brewing icon, and owner and head brewer John Harris has been a ficture in the Oregon brew scene for over thirty years. They rotate their scratch-made menu every six weeks, always highlighting seasonal and local ingredients. Their brewhouse showcases several beer releases each year, ranging from modern and experimental brews to long-standing favorites. We visit Ecliptic on our weekend at Mississippi Ave. Tour, starting every Sunday at 1 p.m. For the Portland Dining Month, Ecliptic Brewing is serving up the best dishes on their unique menu at its' Mississippi location. Get a sneek peek below!

Visit Ecliptic Brewing at:
825 N Cook St, Portland, OR 97227

Menu:

First course (choose one):

Deviled eggs with boquerones
--or--
Broiled oysters with bacon and bay shrimp béchamel
--or--
Beets with pumpkin seeds and pecorino (vegetarian) (gluten-free) (vegan upon request)

Second course (choose one):

Ecliptic burger with pancetta, red onion, cave-aged gruyère, arugula and Russian dressing on a potato bun and served with fries
--or--
Beet melt sandwich with roasted beets, goat cheddar, Granny Smith apples, pickled onions and grain mustard on sourdough and served with fries (vegetarian)
--or--
Vegan classic burger with black bean-bulgur-walnut patty, tofu mayo, lettuce, onions and pickle on ciabatta and served with fries (vegetarian) (vegan)
--or--
Steamed mussels with tomato, helles lager, garlic, bonito, and grilled sourdough
--or--
Pan-roasted chicken with rice noodles, maitake mushrooms, hot and sour egg drop, chilies and almonds (gluten-free)

Third course (choose one):

Tiramisu (vegetarian)
--or--
Seasonal sorbet (gluten-free) (vegan)

Additional:

Meal includes one pint of beer and $10 gift card (redeemable upon future visits and not redeemable with any other promotions).


2. Nel Centro 

*picture courtesy of Nel Centro

*picture courtesy of Nel Centro

Located in the center of Portland's Art District, Nel Centro resides in Hotel Zags. Their food has its’ roots in the French and Italian Riviera. Vines, olive and chestnut trees, and small kitchen gardens dot the countryside of both regions. An unusual degree of culinary inventiveness forms the basis for a resourceful, peasant cuisine. Fresh herbs, vegetables, and seafood are central to this food. You can visit Nel Centro on our Downtown Tour, available every day starting at 2 pm. For the Portland Dining Month Nel Centro crafted a savory array of their menu classics. All of these choices have the Forktown stamp of approval!

Visit Nel Centro At:
1408 SW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97201
Reserve your meal at Nel Centro through this link and part of your contribution will go to support the Oregon Food Bank! Click here! 

MENU

First course (choose one):

Puree of potato and spring garlic soup
--or--
Mesclun greens with croutons and fresh herbs (vegetarian) (gluten-free) (vegan)


Second course (choose one):

Artichoke and ricotta cappellacci in lemon cream
--or--
Rotisserie chicken with heirloom potatoes, braised kale and pancetta vinaigrette (gluten-free)

Third course (choose one):

Ginger panna cotta with green apple gelee and molasses cookies
--or--
Housemade ice cream or sorbet (vegetarian) (gluten-free) (vegan)


3. Olympia Provisions

olympia_provisions_charcuterie_tray_portland_oregon


"Picture courtesy of Olympian Provisions" 

Oregon’s first USDA-approved salumeria, deeply rooted in the past. The European-inspired restaurant Olympia Provisions was established in 2009. Elias Cairo, grew up first generation Greek-American with a father who made charcuterie at home. Doing things the old-fashioned way was commonplace. Elias later journeyed to Europe to apprentice in the kitchens of masters. It was there that he rediscovered the art of curing meat and found inspiration in the markets and mountain towns of the old world. Everything they make is handcrafted naturally with the ultimate goal of quality. In order to achieve a finished product that tastes as good as it possibly can. 

For Portland Dining Month, Olympia Provisions will be hosting special menus at three of its locations. We visit Olympia Provisions Public House on our Division St. Tour, coming back this June and running every Thursday at 2 p.m. 

Visit Olympia Provisions - Northwest at: 

1632 NW Thurman St, Portland, OR 97209
Reserve your meal at Olympia Provisions Southeast through this link and part of your contribution will go to support the Oregon Food Bank! Click here! 

MENU

First course (choose one):

Late winter lettuces with pickled raisins and grain mustard vinaigrette (vegetarian)
--or--
Creamy sauerkraut and potato soup with croutons and dill-caraway oil (vegetarian)

Second course (choose one):

Grilled sausages with tarbais beans, rapini and salami broth
--or--
Smoked Sauvie Island trout risotto with red onion, caper and fromage blanc
--or--
Tafelspitz with braised beef rump, roasted roots, bone marrow and horseradish-applesauce
--or--
Risotto with red onion, caper and fromage blanc (vegetarian)

Third course (choose one):

S’mores pudding with chocolate mousse, burnt marshmallow cream and graham crust
--or--
Pacific Beach pie with lemon, saltines and whipped cream

Additional:

Optional charcuterie flight $5
Sommelier’s wine pairings $22

Visit Olympia Provisions - Southeast at: 

107 SE Washington St, Portland, OR 97214
Reserve your meal at Olympia Provisions Southeast through this link and part of your contribution will go to support the Oregon Food Bank! Click here! 

MENU

First course (choose one):

Marinated corona beans with herbs, white anchovy and green olive (vegetarian)
--or--
Catalogna chicories with radicchio, Portland Creamery chèvre and walnut vinaigrette (gluten-free)

Second course (choose one):

Pan-roasted chicken thigh with swiss chard and sunchoke cream (gluten-free)
--or--
Lingcod with fried potatoes, leeks, chorizo and aioli
--or--
Spaetzle gratin with spring mushroom, aged white cheddar and bread crumb (vegetarian)

Third course (choose one):

S’mores pudding with chocolate mousse, burnt marshmallow cream and graham crust (vegetarian and gluten-free options available)
--or--
Pacific Beach pie with lemon, saltines and whipped cream (vegetarian and gluten-free options available)

Additional:

Add charcuterie course for $5
Add wine pairing for $22

Visit Olympia Provisions Public House at: 

Division/Clinton
3384 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202


MENU

First course:

Fitness salat with radish, carrot, beet and winter lettuce

Second course:

Fondue Neuchatel with emmental and gruyère in white wine sauce, kielbasa and accompaniments

Third course:

Bavarian cream with red currant glaze and black pepper shortbread crumble



4. Q Restaurant and Bar 

*pic courtesy of Q Restaurant & Bar

*pic courtesy of Q Restaurant & Bar


Q Restaurant & Bar is a chef-driven restaurant in the heart of downtown Portland. They specialize in hyper-seasonal food produced locally. Their menu inspiration pulls from their staff’s diverse background, which allows them to have an ever-changing and unique menu selection. They maintain a relationship with local purveyors, producers, and growers, which is reflected not only in their dishes, but also in their craft cocktails, wine, and beer selections. We visit Q on your Downtown Tour, running daily Monday-Saturday at 2 p.m. For Portland Dining Month Q staff is crafting a menu that lives up to their reputation with the freshest and most seasonal ingredients. This menu has us fantasizing about cozy nights in the Tuscan countryside.

Visit Q Restaurant & Bar At:

828 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204


MENU

First course:

Tuscan roasted garlic soup with pecorino and sage


Second course:

Crispy duck confit with winter greens, dried cherry salad, candied walnuts, peppered chèvre, port wine vinaigrette, and brioche

Third course:

Tiramisu with chocolate pistachio biscotti crumbs

5. Southpark Seafood

*Picture courtesy of Southpark Seafood

*Picture courtesy of Southpark Seafood

Located in the heart of downtown Portland, Southpark Seafood is a contemporary Northwest seafood restaurant proudly home to the city's largest selection of oysters. The restaurant is a proud partner of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood program and PDX Seafood. All of the seafood they sell is fished or farmed in ways that minimize their environmental impact. This is one of the many reasons we choose to partner with them on our Downtown Tours and have done so for many years.



Visit Southpark Seafood at:

901 SW Salmon St, Portland, OR 97205
Reserve your meal at Olympia Provisions Southeast through this link and part of your contribution will go to support the Oregon Food Bank! Click here! 



MENU

First course (choose one):

Mixed greens salad with spring vegetables, hazelnuts, olive oil and Katz’s sauvignon blanc vinegar (vegetarian) (vegan) (gluten-free)
--or--
Beet salad with fennel, blue cheese, pistachio brittle, arugula and Katz’s zinfandel vinegar (vegetarian) (vegan) (gluten-free)
--or--
Brussels sprouts with gochujang, cilantro, and peanuts (vegetarian)
--or--
Clam chowder with braised bacon and gnocchi (gluten-free option available)

Second course (choose one):

Steelhead with chorizo, hominy stew, lacinato kale and lime zest (gluten-free)
--or--
Spicy shrimp and grits with árbol cream and garlic (gluten-free)
--or--
Beet and goat cheese ravioli with orange, black pepper, arugula and walnuts (vegetarian)
--or--
Painted Hills Flat Iron with Calabrian chili, hazelnuts, broccoli and red onion (gluten-free)
--or--
Hominy stew with lacinato kale and lime zest (vegan)

Third course (choose one):

Lemon cheesecake with lemon curd, blueberry sorbet, ginger oat crumble and almond Florentine
--or--
Cookie plate with assorted homemade cookies
--or--
Chocolate flourless cake with brownies, caramel, cocoa nib cookies, hazelnut gelato, and hazelnut brittle (gluten-free)
--or--
Two scoops sorbet (vegan) (gluten-free)

When Portland Dining Month rolls around, it's hard to decide whom to prioritize. We love these food creators for their ingenuity, consistency and true dedication to the Portland food community. That's why we bring out guests there on a daily basis, and that's why you'll be sure to find us in the seat next to you, tucking in our napkins when dinner time rolls around!

If you want to check out one of our tours, where we take guests to the best restaurants, food carts and artisans in Portland, head to our website to learn more today! 


Portland Dining Month and the Oregon Food Bank

Travel Portland has been donating a portion of the proceeds from Portland Dining Month to the Oregon Food Bank for the last 9 years, “Since 2011, Portland Dining Month has raised $29,263.20 for Oregon Food Bank, or roughly the equivalent of 87,790 meals,” Oregon Food Bank Corporate and Community Relations Officer Yan Medice reported in February 2020.


Every time you make a reservation through Travel Portland's Open Table links (linked above where available), they'll donate to Oregon Food Bank. The Oregon Food Bank is a nonprofit organization committed to helping eliminate hunger and its causes by bringing the community together to provide better food, education, and hope to people in need. So you're not only enjoying the mouthwatering experience, but you'll also make a huge and positive difference in the community. 


Forktown Food Tours is Portland’s oldest operating culinary tour company. We’ve been helping you cut the line at PDX’s top restaurants, food carts and artisanal food shops since 2009! Daily tours led by local guides sharing Portland’s unique history and stellar food scene. Learn more about Forktown Food Tours here.