Did you know that Mid-coast Maine, known for its lighthouses and lobster, is also home to great vineyards and wineries? Nestled among the gorgeous scenery, not far from Rockland and the rocky coastline, you’ll find growers distilling spirits, brewing mead, and fermenting wine. While it may not be Napa or Sonoma, a visit to any or all of these vintners is an exceptional way to spend a day while visiting the Mid-coast region of Maine. In fact, most of our recommended vineyards are within an hour’s drive of the Inn.
Oyster River Winegrowers
This small farm in Warren, Maine has been making wine and cider since 2007. Using their own farm-grown fruit and those from surrounding Northeast growers, production here is very low-tech. Firm believers of sharing information about wine making and fermentation processes, the staff at Oyster River Winegrowers are on hand every Friday and Saturday from noon to 6:00 PM to answer questions and introduce you to new vintages. Wednesdays in season is Pizza Night, a collaboration with Uproot Pie Company. Enjoy wines by the bottle and wood-fired pizza with other like=minded wine lovers from 5:00 – 7:00 PM.
The Fat Friars Meadery
Located in Newcastle, Maine, The Fat Friars Meadery specializes in crafting old-world mead using the freshest ingredients possible. Though not a mainstream libation by any means, acquiring a taste for mead, or honey wine, requires patience and a sense of adventure. Whether you prefer sweet or sour, fruity or spicy, you’ll find something delicious to sample at their tasting room.
DayBreak Vineyard
Wiscasset is home to DayBreak Vineyard. More than just a vineyard, DayBreak also offers French and English antiques, a flower farm and apiary. Their coastal micro-climate allows them to grow varietals not usually found in Maine. Among the wines produced here, you’ll fine Cabernet Franc, Frontenac, Corot Noir, and Cayuga.
Cellardoor Winery and Vineyard
Located just north of Camden, Maine in Lincolnville, Cellardoor plants cold-hardy hybrids on their 5.5-acre property. Stop into the 200-year-old barn for a true winery experience. Every bottle of wine produced is estate-grown and bottled in the stare-of-the art facility. Whether you choose red, white or one of their specialty wines, you won’t be disappointed with the quality of the wines produce by this premier winery.
Savage Oakes Vineyard and Winery
100% solar-powered and carbon-neutral, Savage Oakes Vineyard and Winery is celebrating their 15th season in Union, Maine. Along with their wines sporting unusual names like Blushing Moose, Vineyard Blues, and Come Spring, Savage Oakes is noted for their farm-raised beef.
Sweetgrass Winery and Distillery
This family-owned and operated winery has been crafting wine and distilling spirits since 2005. Along with hard apple ciders and fruit wines, Sweetgrass produces hand-crafted spirits and liqueurs. You can sample the wares in their tasting room in Union, and at facilities in Portland and Kennebunkport.
Although these are our favorite nearby vineyards and wineries to visit while staying with us in Rockland, Maine, there are literally dozens more to visit throughout the state. Check out the Maine Wine Trail map for more information. And mark your calendars for September 19, 2020 when Maine winemakers open their doors for tastings and special events as part of Maine’s Open Winery Day.
July 2020