Finding Good Wine in Maine
I’m similar to many travelers and enjoy a nice glass of vino local to whatever destination I’m in. It’s good for the heart, good for the brain, and yes, good for the soul, especially when making memories with loved ones, as well. TravelingMamas.com has partnered up with Expedia to highlight some great places I’ve come across while adding to our wine collection for our summer home and guest cottage. I didn’t initially have Maine on my radar as a place to visit much or even call home, but they say “Home is Where the Heart Is.” My husband spent his summers growing up in Maine, and we now have the opportunity to make this beautiful place our home. It’s so much different from where I’ve lived my entire life in Louisiana, but being a Traveling Mama, I’m always up for an adventure.
The property is called The Beehive and my husband is the third generation owner of this peaceful and serene waterfront property. It offers a rocky shore to step down into the water and we can kayak straight out into the ocean if we choose.
The lobsters are plentiful and the people are friendly in the area. The summers are beautiful and the Autumn is spectacular, a season we don’t get to really experience in Louisiana. But once the last leaf falls, the cold winters set in. My favorite winter activity is cuddling next to my man by a roaring fire, reading a good book or watching a movie, and sipping a nice glass of wine.
Once thing I’ve discovered while exploring Maine is that there are vineyards, wineries, and shops in plenty. I’ve had a pleasant time stocking up our wine cabinet for the long winter months with stops beginning in the big city of Portland, Maine and along our route up to Rockland. Of course, tasting the local wines was a pleasure all its own, as well.
Wines of Maine
During the season the vineyards and tasting rooms can be found all over the state of Maine. When the winter sets in, the vineyards are closed and the tasting rooms scale down their hours. I haven’t had a chance yet to visit them all, but I am making a list. These are just a few of the Maine wineries located along the coast.:
Savage Oakes – I first stumbled across this winery at a local farmer’s market one afternoon. The vineyard itself is located in Union, Maine. I wanted to purchase a bottle of each type of wine but could only carry so many bottles in my arms. I purchased a variety from whites to reds and was pleased with each one. Many of their wines are made with Maine-grown grapes. It’s family owned and also grows Maine blueberries and naturally raised meats. One can’t get any closer to a farm to table experience than visiting here and walking away with a steak to cook for dinner along with a nice red wine. www.savageoakes.com
Breakwater Vineyards – While browsing the shops in Rockland, Maine I passed by this tasting room just before closing time and decided to pop in for a quick taste. I walked away with two bottles of their award winning wines in hand, one a blueberry blend and the other a Pinot Noir. The vineyard is in Owls Head, Maine just a short drive away and is closed after October 25 but the tasting room is open afternoons Wednesday through Sunday in the off-season. www.breakwatervineyards.com
Cellardoor Winery at the Villa – Located north of Camden, this winery offers tastings and local cheese plates almost year round. Their extensive offering of wines makes it difficult to choose just one bottle. Call before visiting in the off season as the hours vary. During the summer season, vineyard tours can be arranged in addition to tastings. www.mainewine.com
Wine Shops
In Rockport, I have to say that when I stopped into RAYR The Wine Shop the southern drawl of the proprietor made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I knew I was in the right place and I admit I’ve returned more than just a few times for a nice red with dinner or even a special bottle of Veuve for celebrating.
Location: 67 Pascal Avenue, Rockport, ME 04856
In Portland, my favorite wine shop is actually a kitchen specialty store — LeRoux Kitchen in Old Port. They have an oil and vinegar bar in addition to the decent wine selection located in the front of the store. Local Maine wines and beer are in abundance, along with other domestic and international blends.
Location: 161 Commercial Street, Portland, ME 04101
Freeport isn’t just home to LL Bean, but for visitors there are many places to overnight and even a nice little shop to grab some upscale munchies and bottle of vino. Bow Street Market is small neighborhood market offering a selection of local Maine products and specialty foods.
Location: 79 Bow Street, Freeport, ME 04032
Whether you’re on the hunt for a local Maine wine or in search of a new favorite Italian Tuscan, be sure to take the time to stop when the weather is nice and have your own picnic on some waterside rocks. It makes for a relaxing moment to just stop and reflect on travels and life.
For myself, when I’m not traveling the world or in Louisiana remembering my adventures, I’m looking forward to the day when I can officially call The Beehive in Maine my home. Because my husband and I have our own special place by the water where we sit and chat about the past, the present, and the future over a nice glass of wine.
