Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Wineries Near Bar Harbor Maine

Visitors to Bar Harbor will find themselves on the Downeast Maine Wine Trail, with a variety of day trips, tastings and winery tours within driving distance. According to the Visit Maine website, the state is "surprisingly fertile territory for growing grapes," although most wineries use apples, pears and berries to produce fruit wines. Tourists from out of state should be aware that shipping wine from Maine is restricted by law.


Bar Harbor Cellars


Bar Harbor Cellars offers "a full selection of dry European varietals and aromatic fruit wines" and promises a wine for every palate. Originally a micro-brewery, the winery uses recycled grain from its beermaking facility as compost for its vineyard. Bar Harbor Cellars offers complementary wine tastings daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests can expect to taste a range of flavors, including Bluedonnay created from Maine blueberries, in a relaxed environment.


Bar Harbor Cellars


854 State Highway 3


Bar Harbor, Maine 04609


207-288-3907


barharborcellars.com


Shalom Orchard Organic Farm and Winery


A 35-minute drive north from Bar Harbor, Shalom Orchard offers fruit and honey wines crafted from its own produce. Both the farming and winemaking operations are certified organic. Visitors can take advantage of special events such as cider making, apple blossom season and cooking demonstrations featuring local produce. Shalom Orchard also advertises nearby lakes, hiking trails and mountains for the outdoor enthusiast.


Shalom Orchard Organic Farm and Winery


Route 200, 158 Eastbrook Road


Franklin, ME 04634








207-565-2312


shalomorchard.com


Bartlett Maine Estate Winery


Situated northeast of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, Bartlett Maine Estate Winery bills itself as "home to the best, most sophisticated fruit wines in the country for more than 20 years." A range of red, white, aperitif and dessert wines are available. The winery's tasting room is open from June to October, although tastings can be arranged in advance during the off-season.


Bartlett Maine Estate Winery


161 Chicken Mill Pond Rd


Gouldsboro, ME 04607-3213


(207) 546-2408


bartlettwinery.com


Farther afield


The remaining wineries on the Down East Maine Wine Trail are Winterport and Sow's Ear. Winterport promises "multiple award winning fruit wines, handcrafted in small batches." Sow's Ear advertises a range of dry fruit wines -- including rhubarb and choke cherry -- to pair with local cuisine.


Winterport Winery


279 South Main Street


Winterport, ME 04496


207-223-4500


winterportwinery.com


Sow's Ear Winery


303 Coastal Rd (Route 176)


Brooksville, ME 04617


207-326-4649

Tags: fruit wines, Harbor Cellars, Shalom Orchard, Bartlett Maine, Bartlett Maine Estate, Estate Winery