Community Connections: Barbara Zarish of Battle Creek Cellars
An Optimistic Outlook for the Pearl District in 2021
State restrictions are loosening, restaurants opening up again, and we are desperately seeking face-to-face time over a meal or a glass of wine. Our thoughts have turned to a local favorite gathering place: the Battle Creek Tasting Room, at 820 NW 13th Ave, and to Barbara Zarish, Hospitality Manager for Sales and Events.
You may recognize Barbara, the incredible friendly “wine gal” hauling her mini cart through the Pearl loaded with cases of wine for the local residents and businesses. She’s always up for a great collaboration with the associations to promote the Pearl District and happy to help make a fun event or gathering fantastic!
But, did you know that our local wine gal is really a traveler of the world; experiencing places and cultures that many of us just dream about?
Around the World
Before she settled in the City of Roses, Barbara was a globetrotter: she lived and worked in the hotel industry in Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, US Virgin Islands, Saudi Arabia, Macao, and Switzerland! While in Switzerland, she earned an Advanced Certificate in Swiss Wine!
No fear! Barbara hanging out above the city of Macao
Barbara loves an adventure! Throw in speed and heights and she’s in her happy place! A few of her fav’s listed below.
When Barbara was 10 years old, her family went to the Indy 500 Car Races. Her dream was to become the first female driving in the Indy 500. “Unfortunately,” Barbara said, “Janet Guthrie beat me to that title (let alone, I only ever raced little fun cars!).” Her passion for Formula 1 Auto Racing means more travel, in the future. “I’m fortunate to have gone to 7 races around the world in our years living abroad (only 9 more tracks to go!).”
Barbara is also an avid skier. She raced Slalom in an 8-state Regional Ski Organization - racing on Courses in Taos, New Mexico. and Vail & Keystone Colorado (winning as high Bronze medals).
Barbara’s many adrenaline-filled adventures include: River Rafting, Ski Racing, Sky-Diving, Bobsledding, Parasailing, Zip-lining around the world
On the Move!
A master marketer, she has 34, yes, 34 years of experience in the wine industry, boutique hotels and resorts, and in nonprofits and the arts! She must be closing in on those 10,000 hours by now; Malcolm Gladwell would be proud!
Now settled in Portland, Barbara finds herself at Battle Creek Cellars, presiding over top-notch local wines! Barbara is working day and night to foster a robust community of wine lovers that includes local residents, businesses, skilled professionals, artists, and artisans in the Pearl District.
A Positive New Year - Focus on Building Community and a “Second Home” for our Guests
“We’re situated in the heart of the Pearl District, we hope to establish ourselves as your second home where friends, family, and neighbors can meet in a safe and comfortable environment while enjoying great wines! Battle Creek Cellars has been a strong advocate for The Pearl District, actively supporting local organizations, neighbors, and friends in numerous activities and promotions. We are eagerly creating collaborative partnerships through nurturing relationships with Pearl District business associates. We also look forward to continuing work with philanthropic causes in support of the Pearl.” - Barbara Zarish
Battle Creek Cellars Tasting Room
The Battle Creek Cellars Tasting Room opened in 2019, on 13th Ave and NW Johnson street, with this motto: elegance without the ego.
Battle Creek Cellars strives to live up to that motto by building a tasting room that embodies “the pioneering spirit, rugged elegance and unconventional sensibility that makes Oregon unique.” They’ve nailed a modern aesthetic with hints of the robustness that marks Oregon’s aesthetic. It’s a great place to sit with a book, or maybe this week’s paperwork, and relax with a glass of Sarah Cabot’s famous Pinot Noir.
The Winemaker
Winemaker Sarah Cabot is, as the website states, “A force to be reckoned with,” combining her Pinot Noir expertise, viticultural knowledge, style, and passion to lead the Battle Creek brand in an excellent selection of Battle Creek Cellars wines from the Willamette Valley. The Tasting Room offers tastings of select vineyards throughout Oregon with rotating daily and an assortment of light food options. Check the website for a regular calendar of events, the wine club with exclusive membership benefits, and a sampling of limited release wines only available at the tasting room.
The Battle Creek Cellars Tasting Room Team: Stop by and say Hello!
Michael Jaggers, Manager - Lauren Good, Wine Club Manager - Luke Wright, Tasting Room Associate - Barbara Zarish, Hospitality Manager, Sales & Events - Sapna Khemlani, Associate - Kyle Manning, Associate
Battle Creek’s Vision for 2021
The last year’s been far from easy, but Battle Creek’s made from sterner stuff. Barbara and the Battle Creek team are facing the coming year with a tenacious optimism:
“We are an experiential, entertaining, stimulating, fun, warm, and safe tasting room offering an inviting and comfortable environment to enjoy as a second home for guests and Wine Club Members. We want to be your first choice whether for a place to meet with friends or seeking a quiet place to enjoy with a great book and wonderful glass of wine and light bites…. or for a second office offering power and USB outlets and wifi, in a comfortable setting insuring productive work! We look forward to reopening our indoor space to host small meetings, and community, social, and fundraising events, and growing our Battle Creek Cellars”. - Barbara Zarish
Open for Business!
The Tasting Room is now open for reduced-capacity indoor seating, outdoor patio seating, and for curbside pickup and delivery!
For updated hours, reservations and menu, please call or check the website the Tasting Room
Phone: (503) 902-6636, Website: battlecreekcellars.com
Delivery is free for deliveries within five miles of the tasting room.
Address: 820 NW 13th Ave, Pearl District, Portland
