From the coastal hamlets to the valley cities to the remote towns of the high desert, Oregonians drink, and proudly. Because of the growing wine and microbrewery industries in the state which produce drink of world-class quality, having a tipple and touring beverage facilities is a popular pastime for Oregon residents and tourists alike. It is occasionally joked that one cannot throw a cat in the city of Portland without hitting a bar though one shouldn't: the PETA people there can be touchy and rather humorless, especially regarding the hurling of cute little kitties, while most other towns of any appreciable size have at least two places in which one can imbibe. Yes, the drinking culture here is strong, and if you like to pickle your giblets then you'll be in heaven.
Oregon is an "Alcoholic Beverage Control State" and as such requires all distilled spirits to be sold by state-approved outlets. Because the liquor stores purchase their wares from the state at an inflated and heavily-taxed cost, liquor by the bottle or by the shot can run your booze bill up pretty quickly. Fortunately, Oregon has no shot size regulation such as, say, Utah has and many bars - especially in the Portland area - pour their drinks quite liberally; in fact, a literal three fingers of whiskey is not uncommon if you know the barkeep. Bottoms-up, but don't bottom out!
There are no "blue laws" concerning time of alcohol sales other than a daily 2:30-7:00 AM restriction, so if you like "kegs and eggs" for your Sunday breakfast, Oregon's your kind of place. Also, Oregon's alcohol laws are unitary within the state and are wholly overseen by the Oregon Liquor Control Comission OLCC, so there's no need to worry about dry towns or dry counties.
Finally, bartenders in Oregon seem to be a bit more strict about checking ID than those in many other states. This likely due to the aforementioned OLCC, which is known to be nothing short of draconian when it comes to the enforcement of laws regarding the furnishing of alcohol to minors by service workers and punishment under the same. If you look under 30 or even 40!, just hand them your ID card / passport before you order because they will ask for it. There is also a total indoor smoking ban in all places but cigar and hookah bars.
beer
Oregon has a large number of local microbrews, and several breweries whose beverages are distributed outside the state. Most are happy to host guests for tastings, and many are accompanied by restaurants and gift shops.
McMenamin's is a unique network of restored historical buildings that are used as pubs, hotels, and breweries. Locations are distributed throughout the state, including Portland, Bend, McMinnville, and Eugene.
Rogue Brewery, Newport, is probably best known for the famous drinking skeleton icon and the related Dead Guy Ale line.
Deschutes Brewery, Bend, is one of the larger breweries in the state and is well-known for their Black Butte Porter, Obsidian Stout, and Mirror Pond Ale.
Full Sail Ales, Hood River, brew several well-known ales, including Amber, IPA, and Pale Ale lines.
Standing Stone Brewery, Ashland, is a gourmet restaurant in southern Oregon with Lager, Amber, and several IPA lines. They also make several unique beverages such as an Oatmeal Stout, a Barley Wine, and a seasonal Wassail.
wine
In recent years, Oregon has become renown as an outstanding wine producing region in its own right, with a range of temperate climates that allow the production of vintages significantly different from neighboring vineyards and wineries in California. Oregon is particularly well-known for its distinguished Pinot Noirs, and is well-suited to grow Burgundian and Alsacian verietals. A diverse arrangement of climates, though, fosters a range of other grapes throughout the state.
Some of the larger, more well-known wineries and vineyards are:
Willamette Valley Vineyards, Turner southeast of Salem
Rex Hill, Newberg southwest of Portland
Valley View Vineyards, Jacksonville southwest of Medford
King Estate, Eugene southwest of the city proper
Erath Winery, Dundee southwest of Portland
liquor
Liquor in Oregon is sold in specifically-licensed stores though supermarkets may still sell wine and beer. There are several well-known distilleries:
Hood River Distillery, Hood River, specializing in traditional strong liquors such as gin, vodka, rum, and whiskey. Their Pendleton blended whiskey is strongly recommended
Clear Creek Distillery, Portland, specializing in liquors distilled from regional fruit produce.
Rogue Brewery has a fledgling - and tasty - distilling operation producing specialty liquors.
Information regarding Portland's Distillery Row can be found at (http://www.distilleryrowp...) .