The Wine Spa Will Open in Irvington Later This Year

One of the things I love most about writing this blog is all the new things I learn. Earlier this week it was Mexican-Indian fusion food, and today it’s about vinotherapy—harnessing the healing benefits and antioxidants found in grapes and wine, a popular practice on the European continent. This therapeutic use of wine is coming our way to NE Portland’s Irvington neighborhood (in the old Massage Envy space) via The Wine Spa (FKA Willamette Wine Spa).

The Wine Spa: The Mission

I reached out to Kelly Lewis, the CEO of the The Wine Spa, to learn more. Along with her work putting together the wine spa, Kelly is also the founder of a local women’s tour company called Damesly, which provides “luxury small group tours for creative and professional women.”

Kelly Lews of Damesly, traveling with a group abroad. — Kelly Lewis on a travel adventure. Photo credit: Kelly Lewis

As for their mission: “Our services center on the healing benefits and antioxidants found in grapes and wine, and utilizing them for wellness treatments in massages, facials, and vinotherapy soaks. Our spa concept is rooted in ancient beauty traditions (Cleopatra herself was rumored to have bathed in wine), but reimagined for today’s wellness.” Look for services like a Cabernet body scrub, the opportunity to soak in actual red wine, and more. Most therapies will be limited to red wine, though they will have a Chardonnay facial steam available.

Origins, Trailblazing, and Favorite Treatments

So how did the idea of opening a wine spa start? During Kelly’s travels abroad, she first encountered wine spas in places like Armenia and the Republic of Georgia. “You can also find vinotherapy treatments and wine spas throughout other European countries like France, Spain, Portugal and Italy,” Kelly explained.

She adds, “I loved the concept so much, I kept thinking ‘this should exist in Portland!'” Thanks to Kelly, this will be the first dedicated wine spa in the U.S. “We are thrilled to be bringing this unique concept to the Portland area,” Kelly remarked.”The average guest will love our combination of wine-focused therapies, relaxation, and unique experiences.”

I also asked her what some of her favorite kinds of wine spa treatments and wines are. “I’m a pinot noir kind of lady myself,” she says. “And as far as treatments go, I can honestly say, I’ve never felt cooler than while soaking in a bathtub of wine. My skin was glowing after a soak and massage, and it’s just so luxurious and relaxing and fun. I can’t wait to share this unique and fun experience with our guests, while also celebrating home-grown wines of the Willamette Valley!”

Local Wines and When To Visit

The Wine Spa plans to use only Willamette Valley wines for therapeutic purposes (as mentioned above), as well as serve these local wines for pleasant imbibing, too. Look for red, white, rosé, and non alcoholic wines—again, all made in the Willamette Valley. In general, they will not serve food, but for private events (e.g., bachelorette parties) or group events, they will provide an option to have charcuterie boards catered to that specific gathering.

As a day spa, they will be open from 10am to 6pm most days except Wednesdays and Thursdays. They are closed Mondays.

UPDATE: They opened on November 19, have 10 rooms available, and you can book appointments now. I hope that people will enjoy some of their therapeutic uses for wine as a way to relax. All the best to Kelly and her team as they welcome clients to The Wine Spa.

The Wine Spa [opened August 19, 2024]
1517 NE Broadway, Portland
The Wine Spa website | Instagram | Facebook

Updated November 20, 2024.