Hops & Vine Craft Beer and Wine, a family-owned retail store, located in the heart of Gorham at 102 Main Street, opened its doors on September 17. Selling wine and beer, the store is large in format, but with a clean feel. Customers in Gorham and the greater Portland area will find high-quality customer service, a friendly buying atmosphere, and the finest locally crafted, imported and domestic beers along with the best wines on the market. From boutique to budget, Hops & Vine has something for everyone.

Truly a family affair, the store is owned and operated by Gorham residents, Andre Albert and his wife Jennifer, and Andre’s brother Denis, and his wife Danyel. Hops & Vine was conceived a few years ago after the brothers realized that there wasn’t a good place to go for niche beer and wine in Gorham.

That prompted an extensive two and a half year search for property that ended when Andre heard that Olympia Sports was going out of business; he contacted the landlord that day. According to Albert, “the location is perfect, almost 20,000 cars travel through town daily and the parking and accessibility is incredible. We are excited to own a business in the town in which we live. We’re part of the Gorham Business Exchange and we want to give back.”

Andre and his family have an extensive history in the beer industry and are passionate about helping customers discover their palate and increase their knowledge about beer and wine. “We want to discuss beer and wine with our customers; not only is this great customer service, but it allows our customers to be better informed about what they are purchasing. A better understanding of what we sell will allow our customers to develop a deeper appreciation and enthusiasm for what they are drinking.”

Unique to Hops & Vine, customers can create their own 4-pack of beer. As there are so many different styles, tastes, aromas and textures of beer, this provides customers with the ability to pick and choose a variety of styles.

In addition to beer, “we carry the most extensive collection of wine, ciders, and meads in Gorham,” said Albert. “We carry hard to find varietals and bottles from $6.99 to $179.99. Our store has something for everyone, a veritable one-stop-shop.”

Since opening, the store has offered several free beer and wine tastings from breweries such as Long Trail, Shed and Otter Creek and will continue to offer at least three a month. These events allow customers to do a little research and some sampling of great brews and wines. No matter your taste, style, or price range, Hops & Vine has something for everyone with new flavors arriving daily. Stop by the store in Gorham Village, meet the Albert family, and have fun exploring all the options.