Dreams Really Do Come True 🍷✨

Dear Wine Friends,

I’ve got two pieces of news this week—one about a fresh new wine bar from a powerhouse woman I adore, and the other… well, let’s just say it’s something I’ve been dreaming about for a very long time. Keep reading. 🍷✨

A New Wine Bar to Love 

First up, let’s talk about the newest wine bar in town: Nectaris. If, thanks to last week, you’re now extra pumped about inclusive, intention-driven spaces, you have to check out Nectaris. It’s the brainchild of Beverly McKenzie—someone I’ve known for years as one of Portland’s hardest-working wine distributors. Beverly started her career in the kitchen, went to cooking school, and now brings that same blend of hustle and heart to this new project.

Nectaris has taken over the old Fermenter spaceon Belmont and 14th, right next door to Astera (Aaron Adams' vegan fine dining spot). Because they’re connected, Beverly’s created a menu that is also plant-based but with her own twist. Think killer homemade vegan cheese sauces—yes, even fondue!—plus some seriously inventive tinned 'fish' and a quixotic, creative wine list boasting over 30 selections by the glass. There’s a big focus on vermouths, sherries, and non-alcoholic options—because again, inclusion.

I was obsessed with the Celery Root 'Whitefish' Conserva paired with a wild Macabeo-based dry Vermouth from Tarragona (seriously, the vermouth and sherry game here is STRONG). And the French Onion Soup with Gradient’s local Chardonnay? Chef’s kiss. 

The space itself is warm and inviting, elegant but not stuffy, with cozy corners perfect for board games—look for the Wine Edition of Clue! It's got that vibe where you just want to hang out, sip on something good, read a favorite book or snack with your favorite people. You’ll definitely find me there. Hope to see you too.

And Now... A Big Ask

Many of you know that before I opened Arden, before I became a sommelier, I was an actor. I trained at NYU Tisch, moved to LA, and chased that dream hard. But as life unfolded, I found myself pulled into the restaurant world—eventually becoming a sommelier and opening Arden, which has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my life.

Then the pandemic hit—and strangely enough, it brought me full circle. I started live-streaming wine tastings and rediscovered how much I love storytelling—this time through wine. It sparked the idea for a show that could combine both of my worlds: wine and storytelling.

That spark became Raise a Glass. Then came Her Way, the podcast. And now, thanks to all of that groundwork—and a whole lot of love and community—I'm thrilled to report that it's finally happening! Her Way is officially becoming a documentary-style TV series highlighting the women shaping the wine world, told through the regions they call home!!! We’ve got support pledged from some incredible partners (Visit McMinnville, Washington Wine, Visit Napa Valley and more), and we’re slated to shoot this May and June.  

But I need help crossing the finish line.

Most of our sponsor funding won’t hit until July, and our only window to film—before vineyards disappear behind rain, fermentation tanks, and harvest chaos—is fast approaching. So I’ve launched a GoFundMe to raise the final $50,000 to pay our small ( but mighty) all-women crew and shoot the series the way it deserves to be made. Normally, a show like this would cost upwards of $500K—but because of our streamlined crew and deep industry relationships, we’re pulling it off for a fraction of that.

I know this is toughest possible time to ask for support—between the economy and the general state of the world, everything feels a little shaky. But historically, feel-good, story-driven content thrives in times like these. When anxiety rises and international travel slows, people crave inspiration, escape, and joy—especially the kind they can find in their own backyard. Her Way aims to be provide that balm.

 There are fun perks for donors—wine from the incredible women featured in the show, premiere tickets, even Executive Producer credits. And every dollar goes directly into production. If this mission resonates with you, I’d be so honored by your support. 💛

You can read more and contribute via the link.

With so much love and gratitude,
Kelsey