September is my favorite month in Portland. I love to meander through the vast Oregon vineyards and discover new wineries and visit the tried-and-true. To get you started, here is a small handful of my favorite places to sip the good life.

Stellar Vineyards and Wine Bars

Seven of Hearts / Luminous Hills
217 W Main Street, Yamhill, OR

De Ponte Cellars
17545 NE Archery Summit Road, Dayton, OR

Lachini Vineyards
258 N Kutch Street, Carlton, OR

Vidon Vineyard
17425 NE Hillside Drive, Newberg, OR

Owen Roe
2761 East 9th Street, Newberg, OR

Fox Farm Vineyards & Purple Cow Vineyards
606 E 1st Street, Newberg, OR

Fruit Loop

Another fun thing to do is to drive the “Fruit Loop.” Thanks to our temperate climate, there’s usually something to taste at the height of whatever season. But September is when the first of the apples and pears are ready to pick. Don’t forget that many fruit stands give you a discount for being a resident or Portland or Oregon!

Pick up a map or view online: www.hoodriverfruitloop.com

Shows You Don’t Want to Miss

Thursday, September 1st is Tender Age’s album release party at Holocene. Soft Kill also on the bill. This will be a good one for you gothy kids.

Jenny Don’t and The Spurs will be a support band on Wednesday, September 7th at The Liquor Store.

Pushy is finally having their record release on Friday, September 9th at The Know. I still can’t believe it’s closing soon!

I always enjoy Believe You Me at The Liquor Store on second Saturdays. On September 10th, check out the latest electronica.

In Madrid, I went to a huge beach party in an unused military square. I loved what the DJ was playing – Columbia’s Bomba Estéreo. They will be at the Wonder Ballroom on Tuesday, September 13th. There will no better dance party this month.

A Possible History of Dance Music, on Friday, September 16th at Holocene, is always refreshingly different. Get there at opening to hear the rare, early stuff.

Charismatic Lower 48 will play The Liquor Store on Thursday, September 22nd.

Bittersweet – it’s The Student Loan’s last gig ever on Friday, September 23rd. Bid farewell to the band at Laurelthirst Pub.

Andaz takes over Analog on Saturday, September 24th. If you’ve never seen local stars DJ Anjali and The Incredible Kid in action, you’re really missing out.

Round out the month nostalgically. Snap!, Holocene’s tribute to the 90s, is on Friday, September 30th.

Out and About

See you at the Belmont Street Fair on Sunday, September 10th. 11 am to 7 pm.

The German Film Festival is coming up at Cinema 21. Friday, September 23rd through Tuesday, September 27th. Check Cinema 21’s webpage for updates on films and times.
www.cinema21.com