Wine tourism is continuing to grow across the country and the globe. People are planning trips to taste and purchase wine from the source. They are enjoying wine in lovely tasting rooms, meeting wine makers, and exploring the area along the way. Five Gables Inn is within one-two hours of some of the best wineries in Maine. These four wineries will allow you to sample traditional grape varieties and distinctive fruit wines. Whether they serve as the sole purpose of your getaway or as part of a larger exploration of midcoastal Maine, all of these wineries are perfect for an afternoon of learning about and tasting wine.
Cellardoor Winery: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Just a scenic drive from Boothbay in Lincolnville, Cellardoor Winery stands as one of Maine’s most prestigious wine destinations. Housed in a restored 200-year-old barn, this winery beautifully marries historical charm with modern winemaking techniques. The property’s iconic symbol comes from a marking found on the barn’s door. The symbol was carved by a hobo who felt welcome on the farm nearly a century ago. Today, the winery uses the symbol as a reminder to themselves and their visitors that hospitality is key.
Cellardoor distinguishes itself by growing cold-hardy hybrid grape varieties specifically developed for Maine’s climate. They offer a list of more than 20 wines that will appeal to a broad range of palettes. Visitors will be treated to whites, reds, roses, sparkling, and dessert wines. The winery also offers an exceptional tasting experience in their stunning tasting room, complete with views of the Camden Hills.
The winery and vineyard is open seasonally on Saturdays and Sundays. Complimentary tours are offered from June until October. If you are visiting during the offseason, the Portland tasting room is open every day except Tuesdays.
Unique fact: Cellardoor features a professional culinary kitchen for wine pairing events, hosting renowned chefs from across New England for special dinners. Their summer series of wine and food pairings has become one of the most sought-after culinary events in the state.
Sweetgrass Winery and Distillery: A Farm-to-Glass Pioneer
Located in Union, Sweetgrass Winery and Distillery represents Maine’s agricultural heritage with a modern twist. This family-owned operation began as an apple orchard and has evolved into a diverse producer of wines, spirits, and ports. Visitors can sample wines, hard apple, cider, sangria, rum, whiskey, and gin.
What sets Sweetgrass apart is their commitment to using locally sourced ingredients. Each year, they use 70,000 pounds of fruit and grain grown in Maine. The winery’s location on an active farm allows visitors to experience the entire production process, from growing to bottling. The tasting room is located inside the manufacturing facility and guests are often able to interact with the winemakers and distillers.
The distillery side of their operation has garnered attention for its innovative approach to spirit-making. Their Back River Gin, crafted with local botanicals, has won multiple international awards. The gin is made in the London tradition yet it features a local twist as it contains blueberries.
The tasting room and shop in Union is open Wednesdays through Sundays from May until December. The Portland tasting room is open year-round. If you are looking to add an outdoor activity to your visit, the Carroll Farm Trail is located on the grounds of the winery and distillery and it is open 365 days a year.
Unique fact: Sweetgrass was the first distillery in Maine to produce gin using locally foraged botanicals, including wintergreen and juniper berries harvested from their own property.
Winterport Winery: A Community Cornerstone
Winterport Winery, situated in the charming riverside town of Winterport, began as a small meadery and has grown into a beloved regional destination. This family-operated establishment specializes in fruit wines and ciders, offering unique flavors such as berry chocolate, cranberry, and dry pear.
The winery’s connection to the community runs deep, hosting local music events and partnering with area farmers for their fruit supply. Their innovative approach to winemaking includes producing ice wines using naturally frozen fruit, a technique particularly suited to Maine’s cold winters.
In recent years, they’ve expanded their offerings to include a small-batch brewing operation, Penobscot Bay Brewery, making them a unique destination for both wine and craft beer enthusiasts. During the off season, the tasting room is open Thursday through Sunday and visitors can mix and match wine and beer samples.
Unique fact: Winterport Winery presents many events through the year including yoga classes onsite, charcuterie board building with Downtown Charcuterie, and live music.
Oyster River Winegrowers: Natural Wine Pioneers
Oyster River Winegrowers in Warren stands out for their commitment to natural winemaking processes and sustainable agriculture. The winemaker sees himself as more of an assistant to the processes that happen naturally in the world. Wine fermentation occurs because of wild yeasts found in the fruit and in the cellar. Most of their wines and ciders are not filtered and do not have added sulfites.
Their focus on natural fermentation and minimal intervention has earned them recognition in the growing natural wine movement. The winery grows nine different types of wine grapes as well as a couple acres of apple orchards. Some of the apples are cider-specific and some are wild “seedlings.”
Their tasting room, housed in a converted barn, offers a rustic and authentic Maine wine experience. The winery is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from the end of May until mid-October.
Unique fact: For the first seven years of the winery’s existence, the vineyards were cultivated solely by draft horse power and by hand.
Planning Your Visit
These wineries are all within a scenic drive of Boothbay Harbor, making them perfect destinations for day trips. Here are some tips for your wine country adventure:
- Remember that many wineries in Maine have seasonal hours
- Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for visiting, with fall providing spectacular foliage views
- Consider designating a driver or booking a local wine tour service
- Pack a picnic to enjoy on the grounds (where permitted)
- Many Maine wineries offer shipping services for out-of-state visitors
Maine’s coastal wineries offer more than just wine tasting—they provide a window into the state’s agricultural heritage and innovative spirit. From horse-powered vineyards to historic barns turned tasting rooms, each establishment tells a unique story about Maine’s evolving wine culture. Whether you’re a serious wine enthusiast or simply looking for a delightful way to spend an afternoon, these wineries near Boothbay Harbor promise a memorable experience that goes well beyond the bottle.
