“When I met Sangeeta, she introduced me to a bottle of wine from Newport Vineyards and we talked for hours about ourselves and our cultures,” recalls Rafael Dones. “As time went on, I introduced her to Puerto Rican food, and she introduced me to Indian flavors. Each visit, we brought something different to the table, but we always had a glass of wine,” he explains. “I never paid much attention to wine until I met Sangeeta, and then it became our shared interest.”
Sangeeta Nasiff briefly considered working for a winery or opening a small wine bar in Florida, but after falling in love with the thriving Portland community, she and Dones chose to bring their shared interest here. Angoor Wine Bar, their Puerto Rican and Indian-inspired establishment, will open on Fore Street (near the Wex building) by the end of the year. Serving a variety of wines in two, four, and six-ounce servings from pre-calibrated self-pour dispensers, the elevated but approachable wine bar will give customers the opportunity to pour as they go. The process is simple: grab a wine card when you walk in, and head to the self-pour dispensers to fill up a glass at your leisure. “This distinctive experience eliminates the need to wait in line or flag down a bartender,” explains Nasiff. Dones appreciates how the self-pour concept encourages visitors to try new things and explore their tastes, just like he and Nasiff have been doing in the years since they met.
Whether your preferences align with Nasiff (who enjoys wines from Australia and Italy) or Dones (California Cabernets are a favorite, plus anything from Puerto Rico’s only vineyard), you’ll have the chance to try wines from all over the world at Angoor. “Everybody has different tastes. What I like may not be what you like, so we’ll certainly provide options for everyone,” notes Nasiff. In addition to reds, whites, fortified wine, rose, and champagne, the spot will serve craft beers, spirits, tea, and coffee to enjoy alongside locally made dishes.
“We want to create a unique experience that blends our cultures and celebrates the city’s diversity,” explains Nasiff. “We were surrounded by food and family growing up—both of our mothers are very creative in their cooking. For us, it’s not only important to bring in our ethnic backgrounds, but also to share the flavors of Portland.” Nasiff and Dones reached out to local food businesses like Empanada Club, Hi Bombay, and Two Fat Cats to source appetizers, small plates, and desserts with Indian and Puerto Rican flair. “Partnering with these businesses allows our customers to taste a variety of dishes in one place. It’s heartfelt for us, being part of something larger than ourselves and opening visitors’ eyes to different parts of the community,” says Dones.
Nasiff and Dones hope the positive energy they feel walking the streets of Portland emanates from their wine bar. “You just feel good here,” Dones shares. “When I envision people coming to Angoor, I want them to feel just like I do in Portland: excited about being here and enjoying a positive, comfortable environment.” Angoor’s sophisticated but laid-back atmosphere will provide a space for family and friends to gather, sip new wines, and enjoy each other’s company. “To me,” says Dones, “that’s what Portland is all about.”
“We were surrounded by food and family growing up...For us, it’s not only important to bring in our ethnic backgrounds, but also to share the flavors of Portland."
