Breakside Brewery Acquires Majority Ownership of Dundee’s Alit Wines

DUNDEE, Ore.—Breakside Brewery has acquired a majority ownership share in Dundee-based Alit Wines, the companies announced, expanding the Portland-based brewery’s footprint into Oregon’s wine country.

The acquisition, finalized March 1, marks a deepening partnership between the two brands. Breakside will maintain Alit’s existing wine tasting operations while gradually introducing its own craft beers, food options, and membership benefits at the tasting room property along Highway 99W.

Breakside and Alit’s relationship dates back to 2017, when the brewery began serving Alit wines at several of its Portland-area locations. Both Breakside founder Scott Lawrence and Director of Restaurants and Taprooms Dan Brownhill became members of Alit’s wine club that same year.

“When [Alit Wine owner] Ian Lombard was looking to sell Alit, it was a natural conversation between him and Scott,” Brownhill said.

Alongside the Alit Wines acquisition, Breakside Brewery also announced its plans to open its first location outside of Oregon in Vancouver, Washington. Dundee and Vancouver make up the brewery’s 7th and 8th locations. 

Founded in 2010, Breakside Brewery exploded to the top of the national brewing scene in 2014 when it won a gold medal in the highly contested American-style India Pale Ale (IPA) category for its Breakside IPA at the Great American Beer Festival. The brewery now has well over 50 awards in regional, national, and international competition.

Alit Wine’s tasting room will continue to operate as normal, with Breakside gradually adding new elements to the experience. Breakside announced Immediate changes to the Breakside Collective, an annual membership that grants members product discounts, merch, and access to exclusive events. The brewery has three tiers: one tier for Breakside beers ($99 annually), one tier for Alit wines ($129 annually), and the largest tier is a combination of both ($159 annually). Current Alit wine club members can upgrade their membership to include Breakside perks for $30. 

In the near future, Breakside plans to install a draft beer system at the tasting room and is planning to add a heated tent to expand outdoor seating by summer. A Breakside BBQ food truck and cocktails may follow later this year, though Brownhill said details are still being finalized.

“Alit Wine will remain the centerpiece of the [Dundee] operation, but we always look to offer a range of great beverages at our locations,” Brownhill said. “Sometimes after wine tasting, there’s nothing better than a crisp pilsner. Or, after having a beer, it’s nice to switch to a cocktail. We love offering those options.”

In the coming weeks, Alit Collective members can pick up wine orders at any Breakside location. Members can place case orders through the Alit website and select a Breakside location for pickup.