Attentive service in a casual setting
Owner, Benjamin Richardson, Advanced Sommelier, brings an impressive background to the Bend wine scene. After getting his start under Bobby Stuckey, MW, at Frasca, he moved on to hold the titles of Wine Director at The Restaurant at Meadowood, Estate Director at Failla Wines and then General Manager of Bos Taurus. While he always thought retirement would be the time to open his own wine shop, he learned during his recent years at Bos Taurus that people in Bend wanted to know, “where can I buy a nice bottle of wine around here?”
So, he decided, “let’s do this now!” The post-Covid environment coincidentally pushed Benjamin to create the vision he’d had in the back of his mind for quite a few years. Viaggio Wine Merchant, both a wine shop and wine bar, opened at the Westside Yard in NW Bend in November of 2022. Very central, it is only a couple minutes from just about every neighborhood, at least on the west side.
Benjamin’s personality shines through at Viaggio. Offering a casual yet attentive level of service, the atmosphere of Viaggio marries the polished and modern with friendly and comfortable. There is a pleasant spot for everyone, whether it’s at the bar, a small table, a lounge seat on the patio or at the community table. Whatever level of knowledge you have or don’t, there is always more for you to explore here.
The Viaggio selection also reflects the last 20 years of Benjamin’s professional experience. Grab your seat and glass for … a spotlight on Italian and French (wines light on their feet for optimal food pairing), seasonal sensations from other parts of Europe, historical and cult Napa, as well as standout boutique PNW and other domestic producers.
The wines by the glass list changes often, reflects the season and provides both structural and varietal diversity. For example, next to a French Chardonnay, you’ll likely find a another one for comparison from the Willamette Valley or California. As if that is not enough, Viaggio offers everything from Coravin pours* to growler bags from the wine keg for your next outdoor adventure. Viaggio is THE answer to, “where can I get a bottle of whatever kind of wine I want around here!?”
There is no shortage of events here as well, like the Bubble Bar, Oyster First Friday and many unique tastings. Check out their event page and Viaggio’s Instagram where events are continuously and reliably updated.
* A way to pour tastings from a bottle without opening the bottle. For more info on how this is possible, visit https://www.coravin.com/
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