With a highly curated wine list, a room full of fermenting barrels in the back, a case of hard-to-find cheeses, and a simple lineup of flavorful comfort snacks, Cyril’s is casually stretching the form of a wine bar. It’s a key member of Portland’s exploding collection of “urban wineries,” as well as a culinary incubator and cheese heaven. But above all, it’s a place to leave behind your wine insecurities and taste new flavors. Take a seat at the white marble bar and rest easy in the hands of wine nerd Michael Claypool, while cheese monger Sasha Davies rolls out a black slate of mouthwatering cheeses. Everything gets a thoughtful touch, from a daily mac and cheese to a chickpea salad dressed in dried apricot vinaigrette.
