Nebbiolo Restaurant & Wine Bar: Where Fine Dining Meets Live Music in Oregon City

A talk with Yvette Kirwin, by Sherry Merideth

When you step into Nebbiolo Restaurant & Wine Bar in downtown Oregon City, you’re stepping into more than just a dinner house. You’re entering a place where the aromas of European-inspired cuisine meet the bold, soulful flavors of the Southwest. Owner and executive chef Yvette Kirwin, originally from Santa Fe, New Mexico, brings her roots to the table by adding a touch of Southwestern fusion to classic Italian and European dishes.

The result? A delicious mix of international flavors that’s as unique as the restaurant itself.

And when you pair that with live, local music — the experience becomes one-of-a-kind, a night that lingers long after the last bite.

I recently sat down with Yvette to talk about her vision, her passion for community, and why music plays such a big role in the dining experience.

“Both food and music are an experience,” Yvette told me. “When someone is dining here, I want them to feel immersed — not just in the flavors of the food, but in the atmosphere we’ve created. Music adds a charm that makes the whole evening unforgettable.”

Beyond the Wine Bar

For years, people assumed Nebbiolo was viewed as simply a tapas-and-wine spot. But Yvette has worked hard to reintroduce it as a full fine dining restaurant — with a menu that blends Italian inspiration with her Santa Fe roots. Think handmade pastas, steaks, seafood, and Southwest flair, paired with an exceptional wine list.

“I wanted people to know we’re not just a wine bar. We’re a place for a truly elevated dining experience,” Yvette explained.

And the locals have noticed. Word of mouth has spread, and Nebbiolo has built a loyal community of regulars who come back not just for the food, but for the warmth and artistry Yvette and her team bring to every detail.

Music as Part of the Meal

Nebbiolo is one of the main venues for the inaugural Willamette Falls Music Festival this Labor Day weekend, and Yvette couldn’t be more excited.

“Community is what it’s all about. Music connects people, just like food does. By being part of the festival, we’re inviting new guests to discover us — maybe people who might not have walked through our doors otherwise. That’s good for everyone downtown.”

For Yvette, live music isn’t just background noise. It’s part of the storytelling of Nebbiolo — a way to complement the flavors on the plate with sounds that bring people together. She has a soft spot for jazz, which she says pairs beautifully with the intimate dining atmosphere.

Looking Ahead

As downtown Oregon City continues to grow, Yvette sees events like the Willamette Falls Music Festival as a foundation for building something lasting.

“I can imagine this festival becoming like Music on Main Street — something that starts small but grows every year, bringing people downtown to shop, eat, and enjoy the vibe. Local businesses should be all in.”

Yvette's advice for first-time visitors? Come hungry. Stay for the music. And don’t be surprised if Nebbiolo becomes your new favorite spot in Oregon City.

📍 Nebbiolo Restaurant & Wine Bar - 800 Main St, Oregon City, OR
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A tucked-away corner of Nebbiolo highlights its extensive wine collection, with shelves labeled Cabernet, Pinot Noir, and Little Italy. Wooden chairs surround a small table, perfect for intimate gatherings.

Two vibrant, abstract paintings hang against a rustic exposed brick wall, framed by sleek pendant lights. Below, wooden tables and chairs create a cozy, artsy dining nook at Nebbiolo.

A candid moment shows guests seated near the window, chatting as soft light spills into the space. The mix of brick walls, framed art, and natural light makes for a relaxed, welcoming vibe.

Looking toward the entrance, large front windows flood the room with natural light. Wooden tables and chairs sit beneath high ceilings, giving the restaurant an open yet intimate feel.

Another angle of the wine wall reveals shelves lined with bottles, a barrel tucked in the corner, and bold artwork above. The rustic wood floors and exposed brick keep the atmosphere warm and inviting.

A cozy wine nook at Nebbiolo features shelves lined with Red Blends and other varietals, neatly displayed against warm golden walls. A dark wood side table holds wine bottles, glassware, and crates, while rustic floors and colorful artwork complete the inviting atmosphere.

Nebbiolo’s bar and dining area glows under modern pendant lights, with warm wood tables and chairs filling the space. A colorful vineyard painting brightens the back wall, while exposed brick and rustic floors add to the restaurant’s cozy yet refined charmNebbiolo’s bar and dining area glows under modern pendant lights, with warm wood tables and chairs filling the space. A colorful vineyard painting brightens the back wall, while exposed brick and rustic floors add to the restaurant’s cozy yet refined charm