Everything You Need to Know About Portland’s Unique Hip Hop Winery

That’s right, Portland has a hip hop winery. I was just as curious as you are when I heard that, so of course, I had to go immediately. Turns out Abbey Creek Vineyard is one of the most interesting wineries I’ve ever experienced, and hands down the hippest. 

What Exactly is a Hip-Hop Winery?

I did not know this existed, but apparently this is a thing. It’s essentially a curated mix-tape to go with your wine tasting. So think like a playlist for your wine, which is what Abbey Creek labels the wine tasting list. Each tasting is titled Track 1, 2, 3 and so on. Abbey Creek is the first and only Hip Hop winery in the Northwest, United States. 

What’s the Deal with Abbey Creek?

Abbey Creek Vineyards opened up a tasting room in North Plains, a suburb just outside of Portland, Oregon. As their popularity grew, they were able to open a second location in the heart of downtown Portland. They now call the original tasting room, The OG Crick, and the second location The Crick. 

When you walk into the OG Crick, you’re greeted with a sleek industrial space. With a few tables spread very safely apart in the era of COVID, the walls are decorated with artwork, blinged out sneakers, impressively giant wine bottles and custom made wine glasses, hats and t-shirts. You’re also immediately greeted by the owner and founder himself, Bertony Faustin. 

I think a lot of what makes Abbey Creek so special is Bertony. This man is a legend, but his relaxed and modest demeanor doesn’t give that away. His motto is Hip Hop, Wine and Chill, and it shows. Bertony hails from Brooklyn, New York. On his way to California, he ended up in Oregon only to fall in love, and decide to stay.

It was here that he chose to create his first winery, but this wasn’t an easy process. Bertony became the first Black winemaker in Oregon. Oregon is an extremely white state, with a very real racist history that bleeds deeply into the present. Portland, arguably the most diverse and biggest city in Oregon, is still only home to a roughly 3% Black population. That doesn’t make being a Black business owner in Portland easy. 

Bertony clearly didn’t let this stop him. He went on to self produce an award winning documentary, Red, White and Black, about his journey to produce wine and create Abbey Creek Vineyards. Clearly, with two locations, he’s become a success.

Know Before You Go

Bertony produces some of the most unique wines, all grown in Oregon, at his home vineyard. He mixes varieties that aren’t usually mixed. The result? A truly eccentric, delicious, collection with wine names like Ying Yang, Diva and Janelle Monet. He sells them all in custom growlers, that can be refilled.

Abbey Creek also offers tastings. Each tasting can be reserved in advance, with two different offerings: The 5 Track Tasting, for a modest $15, or the Tasting and Food combo for $30. He offers a meat plate, a veggie plate, and if you’re vegan, fear not. He created a special vegan plate when I asked and it was delicious. 

Next time you’re in Portland, Oregon, you have to check out this distinct and incredible winery. I’m personally going to rely on Abbey Creek for all my wine needs whenever I’m in town.

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