YES. There are wineries in Maine. In fact, there is an entire Wine Trail in Maine. The wine trail tagline is ‘worth the trip’ and we agree – well worth the trip.
Currently, there are over twenty different wineries all over Maine as part of the Wine Trail. These are spread out, of course, across all of the state of Maine – it would be some task to visit them all. (And I’m not saying not to do it… I know that I’d be up for the task!).
Several of the wineries are in the DownEast region. These include:
BARTLETT MAINE ESTATE WINERY & SPIRITS OF MAINE DISTILLERY
Our tasting room is a beautiful destination in its own right. Located in Gouldsboro on the Schoodic Peninsula, halfway between Ellsworth and the Petit Manon Wildlife Refuge, we’re housed in a unique, handwrought stone building. We’re just a short drive from picturesque Maine villages and spectacular coastal views and beaches. So come experience a whole new generation of fruit wines and bring home a delicious memory to savor—in more ways than one.
175 Chicken Mill Pond Rd.
Gouldsboro, ME 04607
(207) 546-2408
www.bartlettwinery.com
BAR HARBOR CELLARS
Wine tastings occur all day long during the season. For $5 you may choose up to 6 samples from our wine list. White grapes, red grapes, and specialty wines are the categories including the Ice Wine, which is a smaller sample. You may keep track of the wines you try and when you finish you have a list to take with you to choose the wines you would like to purchase. Purchasing 3 bottles saves you $3.00 and you get to take home a carrier with Sweet Pea’s likeness on it. After the tasting, you will be offered a Cider House hard apple cider sample using 7 Maine apples from New Glouster. It is done in the English style which is to the dry side. It is available in “Howler”-sized jugs which should be drunk within 5 days. Remember wine always makes a great gift as do our sundry items.
854 State Highway 3
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
(207) 288-3907
www.barharborcellars.com
SHALOM ORGANIC ORCHARD FARM & WINERY
We are located high on a ridge with beautiful views surrounding the farm. To the east the sun rises over our East Orchard and the Schoodic mountains; to the south stretches Frenchman’s Bay and the mountains of Mount Desert; to the west, the sun sets behind our West Orchard and the hills of Dedham & Bangor. We are located about 35 minutes from Bar Harbor and the Nova Scotia ferry, within sight are several beautiful lakes to enjoy water recreation and fishing. Nearby enjoy our lovely woods, or trails to hike the Schoodic Mountains. In the winter, there are ponds for ice-skating, snowmobile trails nearby, and bountiful opportunities for cross-country skiing.
158 Eastbrook Rd. (Rte 200)
Franklin, ME 04634
(207) 565-2312
www.shalomorchard.com
CATHERINE HILL WINERY
661 Blackswoods Rd.
Cherryfield, ME 04622
(207) 546-3426
www.catherinehillwinery.com
It was a dreary downeast day in November of 2010. Almost by accident we stumbled upon an abandoned , weathered farmstead. Seemingly forgotten by time, and in serious need of intervention, this deserted, neglected place whispered to us. The barn in particular, held fast by post and beam and peg, seemed a fine space in which to launch our small winery. Paired with a local ghostly legend, we had the impetus for creating Catherine Hill Winery. The project was set in motion, and following a thorough conversion of the barn to wine making facility, we crushed our first grapes in this new world. We opened with six wines in the spring 2012, and are extremely proud to currently offer more than 15 uniquely crafted wines.
Most of the wineries offer tours and tasting rooms. Some are open only seasonally, so make sure you contact them or check on their website before you head out.