Co-Fermentation 101: Bridging Cider and Wine With Tree & Vine
A glass of Tree & Vine co-fermented cider enjoyed overlooking Stoller Family Estate’s vineyard. This limited-edition collaboration between Portland Cider Co. and Stoller blends NW apples and Pinot Meunier grapes to create a refreshingly complex cider that bridges the worlds of wine and cider.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a cidermaker and a winemaker walk into a fermentation tank—Tree & Vine is the answer! Portland Cider Co. and Stoller Family Estate have teamed up to craft a one-of-a-kind cider in celebration of Oregon Wine Month. Tree & Vine is a co-fermented cider that brings together the best of both orchard and vineyard.
What Is Co-Fermentation?
At its core, co-fermentation means fermenting two or more types of fruit together at the same time, in the same tank. For Tree & Vine, we combined fresh-pressed Northwest apple juice and Pinot Meunier grapes harvested from Oregon’s northern Willamette Valley.
Unlike blending, where ciders and wines are combined after fermentation, co-fermentation allows the yeast to interact with all the fruit sugars from the beginning. This creates a deeper integration of flavors, and often a more complex aroma and texture. It’s a little bit cider, a little bit wine—and 100% Northwest.
Meet the Fruits Behind the Ferment
Tree & Vine starts with a base of Yakima Valley apples, chosen for their natural balance of crisp acidity, big juice, and subtle sweetness. A proprietary blend of these apples are at the core of many Portland Cider favorites.
Of Stoller Family Estate’s 225 acres of grapes, Pinot Meunier is especially unique, grown on a single acre. Known for its soft berry notes, floral aromatics, and ability to bring depth without overpowering the blend, Pinot Meunier often ends up as sparkling wine. Co-fermenting with apples brings out the best of both fruits—bright, fragrant, juicy, and just a touch earthy.
Tasting Tree & Vine
If you’re a cider drinker curious about wine—or a wine lover exploring cider—Tree & Vine is the perfect bridge.
The cider pours a deep blush thanks to the Pinot Meunier grapes. On the nose, expect aromas of ripe orchard fruit and melon. Take a sip and you’ll find layers of tart stone fruit, juicy apple, and soft strawberry notes, balanced by a clean finish and light effervescence. It’s subtly complex, and still incredibly refreshing.
Pair it with:
Soft cheeses (Brie, Camembert)
Grilled salmon or duck
Summer salads with strawberries or goat cheese
Or just a sunny afternoon with friends!
Co-fermented ciders are still pretty rare in the cider world, but they offer a creative and nuanced approach to fruit-forward fermentation. By bringing grapes into the cider conversation, these two Northwest brands are expanding the possibilities of what cider can be, without losing sight of what makes cider special.
Tree & Vine is available now in select retailers and taprooms across the Pacific Northwest—but only while supplies last. Use our Cider Finder to track it down and taste the delicious results of this PNW-grown partnership.
Cheers! 🍎🍇
