Ampersand: The Hop And Vine Collaboration

From tap takeover nights to supper clubs, Portland has a rich culture of collaborations. The Hop and Vine's Yetta Vorobik has made it even more enjoyable with the Ampersand project. The project started in January 2012 when the bottleshop owner teamed up with Burnside Brewing to create a Berliner Weisse dubbed Chapter 1. The fun experiment has since produced three wines and three very unique beers that capture the innovative spirit that's made our food and drink scene world famous.

Known for her tireless entrepreneurial spirit, Yetta is only one piece of the puzzle. After she imagines something she'd like to drink, she approaches a brewer or vintner who has proven to have an interest in the kind of taste she's seeking. For example, it made perfect sense to work with Upright Brewing for Ampersand Chapter 7 — a saison — due to the popular success of Upright's saisons such as Five and Seven.

2013 will bring even more diverse Ampersand chapters, including two beers, two wines, and one cider. Like all good pieces of art, most of this year's projects are still a mystery, though we know you can look forward to at least one beer from The Commons Brewery. However, before you get too caught up in 2013, check out 2012's creations and make sure to try those that are still available!

Chapter 1
Burnside Brewing
Berliner Weisse, aged in both Pinot and Old Tom Gin Barrels with Star Fruit
Not currently available

Chapter 2
Cana's Feast Winery
Non-Vintage Columbia Valley Red Wine 60% Cabernet Sauvginon, 31.5% Cabernet Franc, 8.5% Petite Verdot
Available by the glass at The Hop and Vine, $8

Chapter 4
Cana's Feast Winery
2009 Columbia Valley Red Wine 80% Sangiovese, 8% Syrah, 7% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Available by the glass at The Hop and Vine, $9

Chapter 5
Breakside Brewery and Cana's Feast Winery
Saison aged with Counoise grapes in Chinato Barrels
Available at The Hop and Vine and Breakside Brewery in 750-ml. bottles, $18

Chapter 6
Guild Winemakers
2011 Rogue Valley Pinot Gris
Available by the glass at The Hop and Vine, $7

Chapter 7
Upright Brewing
Dark Saison aged in Pinot Noir Barrels w/ Black Truffles and Fernet
Available at The Hop and Vine and Upright Brewery in 750-ml. bottles, $20

Amy Wolfenberger, Drink Portland