Portland is known as a beer city, but I recently found that stealing Milwaukee’s nickname, Brew City, would be more fitting. Along with having more craft breweries than any other city in the USA, Portland loves a good cup of Joe.
After reveling in the delightful brews on a memorable beer tour with Brewvana Craft Beer Tour, we’ve decided to dive into our next Portland itinerary—its renowned coffee scene. This is my time with Third Wave Coffee Tours and why it is the best Portland Coffee tour take.
Exploring Portland Coffee Tour: A Journey Through the Bean-Filled Streets
If there’s one thing that runs through Portland’s veins besides rain, it’s coffee. Walk down any street, and you’ll be hit with the inviting aroma of freshly brewed java. With its thriving coffee culture, it’s no wonder it’s often hailed as one of the best coffee destinations in the world.
Portland makes up a large chunk of coffee consumers in America. On top of that, Travel+Leisure has named Portland as the number one coffee city in the USA for the last two years running. Why? Portland isn’t just a city; it’s a coffee lover’s paradise. It is regarded as the forefront of the third wave coffee movement. To understand what this means exactly I enlisted the help of Lora Woodruff, owner and operator of the fittingly titled Third Wave Coffee Tours.
Compare prices on flights to Portland flights with SkyscannerWhat is Third Wave Coffee?
Imagine your morning cup of joe isn’t just a caffeine kick but a journey through flavor, ethics, and craftsmanship. That’s the essence of Third Wave Coffee—a movement reshaping how we savor our brews. It’s also about savoring every sip, appreciating the intricate flavors, and supporting a sustainable coffee culture.
So, what exactly is Third Wave Coffee?
In simple terms, Third Wave Coffee is all about quality, sustainability, and celebrating the journey from bean to cup. It’s about going beyond the ordinary, seeking out single-origin beans, and savoring the unique flavors each batch has to offer.
A Journey from Farm to Cup
Third-wave Coffee is not a trend; it’s a philosophy. It’s about valuing quality over quantity, celebrating the unique characteristics of each bean, and honoring the hands that cultivate them. Gone are the days of generic, mass-produced coffee; Third Wave Coffee aficionados seek out single-origin beans, meticulously roasted to perfection.
Sustainability and direct trade are at the core of Third Wave Coffee. It’s about forging meaningful connections with coffee farmers, ensuring fair wages and ethical practices, and preserving the environment for future generations.
Redefining Coffee Culture One Sip at a Time
With each sip of Third Wave Coffee, you’re not just indulging in a beverage; you’re supporting a movement—one cup at a time.
As more people nowadays are enjoying coffee, this led to more questions about where their coffee beans come from and how they are produced. Of course, this naturally led to the third wave coffee—a brew-tastic era we’re fortunate to be part of today.
Understanding the Third Wave Coffee Revolution
Somewhere in the late 90’s coffee lovers began to embrace the differences in the beans. Coffee education led to fair trade and single-origin beans. Big coffee brands are notorious for blending beans to reduce costs. Small coffee shop owners and roasters started doing the opposite. They began visiting coffee farmers and establishing ethical practices – something Portland has been leading the charge on. This helped create a better product and fairness all around.
As I found during my visit to Mojo coffee roasters in Wellington New Zealand, there are a lot of hands involved in turning those beans into the specialty drink you enjoy. Therefore, that drink should be pricey. Otherwise, those hard-working farmers are not receiving fair compensation.
This, again, is something Portland gets. With the third wave of coffee, the world is starting to get this as well.
Portland Coffee Scene: Walk and Talk
Over the years, Portland has undergone a remarkable transformation in its coffee culture. Once dominated by traditional coffeehouses serving up generic blends, the city has embraced the Third Wave Coffee movement with open arms.
As we navigate through the streets of Portland, we witness this transition firsthand. Old-school diners make way for hipster cafes, where baristas meticulously craft each cup with precision and care. It’s a testament to Portland’s evolution as a coffee destination.
Experiencing Third Wave Coffee Tours
When you visit Portland, you don’t want to miss out on experiencing an extraordinary coffee tour, especially a Third Wave Coffee tour. As aforementioned, we booked a tour with Lora, a knowledgeable guide eager to share the secrets of Portland’s thriving coffee scene. From quaint corner cafes to trendy roasteries, our Portland coffee tour stops promise unique adventures for our taste buds.
Portland Coffee Tour to Third Wave Coffee Shops
As we set out on our Portland coffee adventure, the anticipation is palpable. Our destination? The heart of Portland’s bustling coffee scene—Third Wave Coffee shops that promise a sensory delight.
Pearl District Specialty Coffee Tour
One of the tours we booked with Lora was the Pearl District Specialty Coffee Tour. In this tour, we experience the best and most celebrated Portland coffee roasters. It’s a two-hour walking tour, visiting 3 cafes across a little over one mile.
Red e Café
As we stepped through the door, the scent of freshly brewed coffee greeted us, inviting us to settle into a cozy corner and indulge in the delights that awaited. Red e Café stands as a beacon for coffee aficionados seeking a warm and inviting atmosphere. The friendly baristas greeted us with smiles as they crafted our orders, each cup a testament to their dedication to quality and craftsmanship.
Huddled around two tables pressed together, Lora kicked off our Pearl District Specialty Coffee Tour over macchiatos. She explained that the first wave of coffee was when the beverage became accessible to the masses. Think Mr. Coffee machines, vacuum packaging, and instant coffee. This was exclusively drip coffee and remained that way up until Starbucks made espresso drinks popular. Enter the second wave and the introduction of specialty coffee.
Sisters Coffee
After my much-needed coffee education, our Third Wave Coffee Tour continued to Sisters Coffee where we were treated to a demonstration on pour-over coffee. As we savored our first sip, we were transported on a journey of flavor, from the bold richness of their espresso to the smooth velvety texture of their lattes.
On the stroll over I questioned how Lora started Third Wave Coffee Tours. Turns out, it was by chance. After the birth of her daughter, Lora started exploring the various cafes around town as an outing. Macchiato for mom, milk and cookies for daughter. After a while, Lora naturally learned a lot about coffee and Portland’s best spots. Sharing this knowledge and love came naturally after that.
Nossa Familia
Our last stop on this Third Wave Coffee Tour was an interesting treat. Inside local coffee roaster Nossa Familia we took part in a cupping. “Have you ever done a cupping before?” asked another guest. ”Yes…wait. What?” I was confused about coffee tasting and cupping. Turns out, there is a brewmaster of sorts when it comes to roasting the perfect bean. The process involved a lot of coffee, a good sense of smell, and the ability to slurp like a champion.
Why the slurp? Pulling in the coffee with as much force as possible aerates and disperses it over the pallet. Think of your mouth as a wine aerator, only grosser sounding.
My technique was less than perfect as the majority of samples I tasted were all the same to me. It was a fun and interesting exercise and added to the appreciation of the third wave of coffee and how much goes into making the most out of those coffee beans.
Beyond Brewing: Coffee Roasters in Portland
Let’s take a closer look at something special in Portland: its coffee roasters. These are the folks who make our coffee beans taste so good; the artisans who transform raw beans into liquid gold.
Our journey begins at a cozy roastery tucked away in a converted warehouse. Here, we witness how meticulously these coffee roasters in Portland tend to their beans, coaxing out the perfect flavors with every batch.
In fact, With each visit to a new roastery, we’re treated to a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the art of coffee roasting. From small-batch micro-roasters to larger-scale operations, each one has its own unique story to tell: its own signature blend that sets it apart from the rest.
Learning about coffee roasting isn’t just about heating beans; it’s an art form that requires precision and finesse. From light to dark, each roast profile brings out different flavors and nuances, shaping the final taste of our coffee.
What’s Coffee Without Donut? Portland Donut Tour
While coffee tours offer a glimpse into Portland’s rich coffee culture, they also provide the perfect opportunity to dive into the city’s culinary delights. Imagine pairing your favorite brew with a freshly baked donut or croissant from two of Portland’s iconic bakeries—the perfect combination of sweet and savory. You can take a self-guided tour; however, I highly recommend this walking tour as it gets you to some great local spots!
Blue Star Donuts
This is a cozy bakery filled with the heavenly scent of freshly fried doughnut and sugary glazes. You’ll be greeted with their display of rows of colorful donuts, each one more enticing than the last. From classic flavors like glazed and chocolate to innovative creations like blueberry bourbon basil, there’s something to satisfy every craving…not to mention with a cuppa of freshly brewed coffee.
Nuvrei
From flaky croissants to delicate macarons, each pastry at Nuvrei is a work of art. Whether you’re indulging in a classic pain au chocolat or trying a unique flavor combination, you can taste the dedication and expertise that goes into every creation. Their expertly crafted pastries provide the ideal compliment to a cup of meticulously brewed third wave coffee.
Planning Your Portland Walking Tour: A Coffee Lovers Guide
So you’re ready to go on a coffee-centric trip to Portland? Here’s how to make the most of your caffeinated adventure!
Start by joining a Portland Walking Tour to explore the city’s vibrant coffee scene up close and personal. This immersive experience allows you to soak in the sights, smells, and flavors of Portland’s vibrant coffee culture at your own pace. I highly recommend Lora’s Third Wave Coffee Tours as they offer 4 types of caffeinated tours around the city!
Another thing is to combine your coffee tours with other activities like exploring the city’s parks, visiting local breweries, or indulging in delicious food from food carts. Don’t forget to take breaks between sips to soak in the city’s charm and atmosphere. Portland has a lot to offer from ridge to reef, therefore, you can definitely enjoy your stay here.
To ensure a seamless experience, book your coffee tours in advance. With proper planning, your Portland coffee adventure will surely be an unforgettable journey filled with delicious brews and memorable moments.
If you’re planning to stay longer in Portland and truly immerse yourself in the city’s coffee culture, why not take the wheel and discover the area with budget-friendly car rental choices?
Compare prices on rental cars in Portland with ExpediaPortland’s Coffee Culture isn’t Just About the Bews
Portland’s coffee scene is a testament to the passion and dedication of its residents. I can’t help but reflect on the rich tapestry of coffee culture that defines this vibrant city.
The sense of community permeates every cafe and roastery. From the cozy corners of neighborhood shops to the bustling streets of downtown, there’s a story waiting to be told with every cup.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Lora and Third Wave Coffee Tours and will be back to enjoy their other products. With so much coffee to be found in and around Portland, it should be no surprise that Third Wave Coffee Tours covers a lot of ground. From a downtown coffee crawl to an artisanal donuts and coffee pairing tour (drool), you have options. They even offer a running coffee tour, you know, for making the most of that caffeine jolt.
Till then I will stick with my slurping.
FAQs About Portland Coffee Tours: Your Guide to Exploring the City’s Coffee Culture
Curious about what to expect on a Portland Coffee Tour? Here are some common questions answered:
What can I expect on a Portland Walking Tour?
On a Portland Walking Tour, you can expect to explore the city’s neighborhoods on foot, visiting coffee shops, roasteries, and other points of interest along the way. It’s a leisurely way to experience Portland’s vibrant coffee culture while soaking in the sights and sounds of the city.
What are the highlights of a Portland Coffee Tour?
On a Portland Coffee Tour, you’ll get to visit some of the best coffee roasters in Portland, learn about the Third Wave Coffee movement, and explore the city’s vibrant coffee culture. It’s a walking tour that’s perfect for coffee enthusiasts and those looking to immerse themselves in the local scene.
How do I book a Portland Coffee Tour?
Booking a Portland Coffee Tour is easy! Simply visit the tour company’s website or give them a call to check availability and make a reservation. You can choose from a variety of tour options, including walking tours that take you to different coffee shops and roasteries around the city.
What are Third Wave Coffee Tours?
Third Wave Coffee Tours in Portland are guided experiences that take you on a journey through the city’s thriving coffee scene. Led by knowledgeable guides, these tours offer insights into the art of coffee roasting, the history of Portland’s coffee culture, and the opportunity to sample delicious brews from local roasters.
Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just looking to explore Portland’s coffee scene, a Third Wave Coffee Tour is the perfect way to discover the city’s rich coffee culture.
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Although I was provided a complimentary day out with Third Wave Coffee Tours,
the experience, opinions, and terrible slurping are my own.
