2024 Event Schedule (IN PROGRESS)
Like a Fine Wine… Getting Better Every day
(SOLD OUT) WINE & FOOD SAIL: with Paolo Laboa of Solo Italiano @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: If these are not the best things going on in Portland this Summer, we don’t know what is. Sommelier Erica Archer has invited some of her favorite chefs in Portland to join her on a select few of our season-long wine sails to pair five delicious courses with five delicious wines. We’re so excited for Chef Paolo Laboa of Solo Italiano to join us to help us kick off our Portland Wine Week schedule!
You’ll sail and sip five incredibly delicious wines that you'll love to have in your repertoire each paired with food thoughtfully prepared for you by Chef Paolo Laboa… all while indulging in a gorgeous scenic sail on board the 74-foot immaculate sailboat, Frances, built by her Captain and crew on Portland's waterfront. You're in for an incredible wine and food experience as you sail through Maine’s beautiful Casco Bay with scenic views of Maine lighthouses, islands, and waterways ... all with delicious wines and paired food. You'll walk away knowing a lot about wine, how regional influences impact wine styles and quality, and gain confidence knowing how to evaluate, select, and pair wines and describe what you smell and taste. And no doubt you will enjoy every bite and sip.
MENU: TBD
The menu will be available close to the date of the event as the chef takes inspiration from only the freshest local ingredients. Due to the nature of this event, we regret that we cannot accommodate food substitutions.
PRICE: $185
LINK: Wine Wise
Portland Wine Week is Presented by Wine Wise with Partner Sponsors Bangor Savings and Buoy Local.
SUNSET WINE SAIL: Sparkling Wines @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot Sailboat, Frances as you explore some delicious sparkling wines from around the world with Sommelier Erica Archer. You're in for an incredible wine education experience as you sail through Maine’s beautiful Casco Bay with scenic views of Maine lighthouses, islands, and waterways.
Taste and learn about a series of five delicious sparkling wines from around the world, including, of course, Champagne, France that you’ll love having in your repertoire.
Discover classic and emerging sparkling wine regions, styles, and producers that this exciting and growing category of sparkling wines has to offer.
Discuss the major styles of sparkling wines (e.g., pet-nat, Charmant, and Methode Champagnoise) worthy of your attention.
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a sparkling wine label when selecting your next glass or bottle.
Learn the basics of tasting or take your wine knowledge to the next level
Enjoy your delicious box of cheeses, cured meats, fruit, nuts, crackers, etc. Due to the nature of our events, we cannot accommodate food allergies, commissions, accommodations, or substitutions during these sails. You may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations.
PRICE: $150 per person
LINK: Wine Wise
Portland Wine Week is Presented by Wine Wise with Partner Sponsors Bangor Savings and Buoy Local.
Wine Sail: Pacific Northwest @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot Sailboat, Frances as you explore five delicious quality wines from the Pacific Northwest with Sommelier Erica Archer. You're in for an incredible wine education experience as you sail through Maine’s beautiful Casco Bay with scenic views of Maine lighthouses, islands, and waterways.
Taste and learn about a series of five delicious wines of the Pacific Northwest that you’ll thoroughly enjoy and love having in your repertoire. We’ll be pouring two of our most favorite wines that we’ve discovered lately.
Discover classic and emerging wines, varieties, and styles found in these regions.
Discuss the major grape varieties and styles worthy of your attention
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting wine.
Learn the basics of tasting or take your wine knowledge to the next level.
Enjoy our delicious selection of cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruit, crackers, etc… presented in your own individual box. We are not able to accommodate food allergies or substitutions during these sails. But you may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations of any kind.
PRICE: $150 per person
LINK: Wine Wise
Portland Wine Week is Presented by Wine Wise with Partner Sponsors Bangor Savings and Buoy Local.
WINE HAPPY HOUR: VINO E APERITIVO @ SOLO ITALIANO
DETAILS: Historically a Northern Italian concept from Genoa to Milan and Venice, Aperitivo Hour is flush with appetizing beverages and small bites. Solo Italiano will embrace this tradition and open the doors to its bar area and patio for Portland Wine Week's visitors and showcase Aperitivo Hour's full, authentic experience. Chef Paolo Laboa, a native of Genoa, will curate an array of complimentary small bites to pair with appetizing wines, vermouths, and/or wine-based spirit cocktails. Opportunities to relax and taste your way through a flight of vermouth, while learning a bit about this dynamic of wine culture abound. The goal is to be in the company of friends, food, and beverage—the true trifecta of a rich, social culture, and something that has found a renewed sense of purpose these days.
PRICE: Varies, on beverage consumption.
LINK: Solo Italiano
RESERVE: NO RESERVATIONS NECESSARY! JUST COME! Guests will be served on a first come, first served basis.
Portland Wine Week is Presented by Wine Wise with Partner Sponsors Bangor Savings and Buoy Local.
SUNSET WINE SAIL: Greece @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot sailboat, Frances, built by her Captains and crew on Portland's waterfront, with new seats added for everyone to be seated comfortably. You'll explore a selection of delicious quality wines from the renowned wine regions of Greece that you'll love to have in your repertoire.
Taste and learn about five delicious wines from Greece’s mainland, peninsula, and islands.
Find out what makes Greece’s regions and sub-regions unique in their styles of wine.
Discuss the major grape varieties and styles worthy of your attention.
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting wine.
Learn the basics of tasting or take your wine knowledge to the next level.
Enjoy your delicious box of cheeses, cured meats, fruit, nuts, crackers, etc. Due to the nature of our events, we cannot accommodate food allergies, commissions, accommodations, or substitutions during these sails. You may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations.
PRICE: $150 per person
LINK: Wine Wise
Portland Wine Week is Presented by Wine Wise with Partner Sponsors Bangor Savings and Buoy Local.
WINE BRUNCH: BRUNCH AND BUBBLES WITH OYSTER RIVER WINEGROWERS @ OCOTILLO
DETAILS: Ocotillo [oh-koh-tee-yo], a new brunch spot coming to you from the amazing team at Terlingua, in Portland's West End neighborhood, is welcoming Maine’s Oyster River Winegrowers for a one-time Brunch and Bubbles event during Portland Wine Week! Chef Al Zoni will prepare Mexican and Southwestern Springtime-inspired flavors that will pair perfectly with the distinct, natural, terroir-driven wines made by the acclaimed Oyster River Winegrowers team in midcoast Maine!
Wines will be offered by the glass alongside a delicious a la carte menu. Winemaker Brian Smith will be present to talk with guests about the winemaking process and story of Oyster River. Oyster River is a small farm winery in Warren, Maine. Since 2007, Oyster River has been making lively wines and ciders in a low-intervention style from both its own fruit, and fruit sourced from other growers in the Northeast. The vineyards and orchards are managed organically, and in the summer months the barn opens as a popular gathering spot for adventurous wine drinkers from near and far.
LINKS: Ocotillo, Oyster River Winegrowers
WINES:
Maine-Grown:
2021 Oyster River “Chaos” White Sparkling Wine: $12 2.5oz. // $24 5oz. // $60 BTL
A 100-percent homegrown, traditional-method sparkling wine (aka Champagne) made from organically managed La Crescent and Vidal Blanc vineyards. The wine is fermented with only the wild yeasts naturally occurring on the grape skins, aged on the lees in bottle, then riddled and hand-disorged with no sulfur added and no sugar dosage. This is coastal Maine's un-manipulated terroir, where brutality and tension produce dramatic beauty. Really fine bubbles and acidity accompany a deeply savory yeastiness.
2023 Oyster River “Carbonic Nation” Red: $9 2.5oz. // $18 5oz. // $45 BTL
A carbonic fermentation of 100-percent Maine fruit makes for a deep, fruity red with a little prickle of residual carbon dioxide on the pallet. No sulfites added and unfiltered. Serve at cool cellar temp.
Wildman Dry Cider 750ml: $12 // $35 BTL
Produced from apples gathered from wild seedling trees and old unmaintained trees of unknown varieties. Wild yeast fermented, unfiltered, bottle conditioned, no sulfites added.
North Fork, Long Island, New York Grown:
2023 Oyster River “Morphos Pet Nat White” $12 // $35 BTL
Bottled during the end of active fermentation, this wine continues to ferment in the bottle leaving it dry, cloudy, yeasty, and full of life, with a natural effervescence. Released just after bottling, it is the fresh wine of the harvest. Morphos is fresh and fruity after bottling, but ages gracefully into more yeasty, toasty aromas. Made from a blend of Cayuga and Seval grapes from Finger Lakes region, New York.
2022 Oyster River “Morphos Pet Nat Rosé” $12 // $35 BTL
A pétillant naturel style wine made from 100-percent Merlot from the North Fork of Long Island. The wine is wild fermented in the barn with no added sulfur and bottled toward the end of active fermentation. It continues to ferment in the bottle and is never filtered, creating a fizzy, yeasty and refreshing living rosé.
BIOS:
Head Chef Al Zoni has a passion and talent in using foraged and farmed seasonally-driven local ingredients matched with Ocotillo’s Mexican and Southwestern driven influences on the menu.
Brian Smith is the winemaker at Oyster River Winegrowers. He has a traditional education in winemaking from Fresno State University, and uses that knowledge base to make distinct wines in ways that may have been common in pre-industrial times. He believes his role in the winemaking process to be more nature's assistant than winemaker. Most of our fermentations start spontaneously with wild yeasts that occur on the fruit and in the cellar, and play out over the course of several months. We add nothing and take nothing away from the natural chemistry of the fruit. All of Oyster River’s ciders and our sparkling wines are bottled without the addition of sulfites and are not filtered. Still wines are minimally sulfited where necessary. The farm supplies the fruit for Chaos, a homegrown traditional method sparkling wine, Carbonic Nation, and a good portion of its cider. Oyster River’s other wines are made with fruit purchased from close contacts in the Northeast.
The vineyards consist of the following varieties: LaCrescent, Vidal Blanc, L’Acadie Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Marquette, Sabrevois, and St. Croix. We have a couple acres of orchards, consisting of Cider-specific varieties as well as wild “seedling” apples on the farm. Our vineyards and orchards are managed organically.
WINE HAPPY HOUR: Fizz Friday: Sip, Savor, and Sparkle @ Angoor Wine Bar
DETAILS: Add some sparkle to your Friday at one of Portland’s newest wine bars during Portland Wine Week! Local wine aficionado Laura Zimmerman of Crush will be in attendance to guide you through flights of delightful sparkling wine, from Prosecco to Cava to Champagne, while you sample miniature gourmet cheese and charcuterie boards from The Cheese Shop on the outdoor patio (weather permitting).
Angoor, meaning “grape” in Hindi, is a new “self-pour” wine bar in Portland, where guests can explore wine regions of the world through two, four, and six-ounce servings from a selection of 32–48 rotating wines.
PRICE: TBA
LINKS: Angoor Wine Bar
RESERVE: Angoor Wine Bar. For questions, please call: 978-509-4104
Portland Wine Week is Presented by Wine Wise with Partner Sponsors Bangor Savings and Buoy Local.
Laura Zimmerman | Laura’s been living and working in Maine for twenty-two years. A veteran of the hospitality industry, Laura has been a sales representative with Crush Distributors since its inception in 2009, helping bring the company to the forefront of the New England distributor market. Her experiences meeting producers and their families, learning about different winemaking traditions across the globe, and all the unforgettable moments she's collected over the years remind her daily that it's about more than what's in the bottle. Today she will pour one of her favorite Women Winemaker wines for us to enjoy.
WINE SAIL: Amber, Orange, + Rosé @ WINE WISE
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot Sailboat, Frances as you explore five delicious quality Orange & Rosé wines with Sommelier Erica Archer. You're in for an incredible wine education experience as you sail through Maine’s beautiful Casco Bay with scenic views of Maine lighthouses, islands, and waterways.
Taste and learn about a series of five delicious orange and rosé wines from around the world that you’ll love
Find out where the color of orange and rosé wine comes from
Discuss the major grape varieties and styles worthy of your attention.
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting your next bottle of wine
Learn the basics of tasting or take your wine knowledge to the next level
Enjoy your delicious box of cheeses, cured meats, fruit, nuts, crackers, etc. Due to the nature of our events, we cannot accommodate food allergies, commissions, accommodations, or substitutions during these sails. You may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations.
PRICE: $150 per person
LINK: Wine Wise
Portland Wine Week is Presented by Wine Wise with Partner Sponsors Bangor Savings and Buoy Local.
Special Event: Brut Nature Release Party @ Cellardoor Winery Tasting Room
DETAILS: Be among the first to taste the 2021 vintage of Brut Nature Rosé, an exclusive estate-grown sparkling wine made in Lincolnville, Maine. To celebrate the release, Cellardoor Winery is hosting a party at its gorgeous downtown Portland tasting room. Enjoy a complimentary pour of the delightfully dry sparkling rosé alongside delicious hors d’oeuvres as you mingle with fellow wine enthusiasts. Curious about cold climate viticulture? Winemakers Aaron and CC Peet will be in attendance ready to answer your questions.
Cellardoor Winery's facility is located in Lincolnville, Maine, and uses fruit from their Estate Vineyard and premier appellations in Washington, California, and New York states.
WINE: The 2021 Brut Nature Rose is a co-ferment of Lincolnville estate-grown L’Acadie blanc, Frontenac blanc, and Marquette. Following primary fermentation, the wine was aged in stainless steel tanks for 8 months prior to bottling the base wine with yeast and sugar for a Traditional Method bottle fermentation. Following completion of bottle fermentation, the wine was aged on the lees for an additional 20 months before disgorging the yeast and corking. Cellardoor finished the wine with zero sugar for a delicious, dry brut nature sparkling rose.
PRICE: Admission is free and includes one complimentary glass of Brut Nature Rose per guest. Additional wine pours are $12 per glass (excluding gratuity).
LINK: Cellardoor Winery
Portland Wine Week is Presented by Wine Wise with Partner Sponsors Bangor Savings and Buoy Local.
SUNSET WINE SAIL: Spain @ Wine Wise
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DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot sailboat, Frances, built by her Captains and crew on Portland's waterfront, with new seats added for everyone to be seated comfortably. You'll explore a selection of delicious quality wines from the diverse wine regions of Spain that you'll love to have in your repertoire.
Taste and learn about some delicious wines from the renowned and diverse sub-regions of Spain with all of its varying climates, elevations, terrain, classic and emerging wines, and styles.
Find out what makes each Spanish wine region unique in the styles of wine they produce
Discuss the major and emerging Spanish grape varieties and styles worthy of your attention
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting your next bottle of wine
Learn the basics of tasting or take your wine knowledge to the next level
Enjoy your delicious box of cheeses, cured meats, fruit, nuts, crackers, etc. Due to the nature of our events, we cannot accommodate food allergies, commissions, accommodations, or substitutions during these sails. You may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations.
PRICE: $150 per person
LINK: Wine Wise
Portland Wine Week is Presented by Wine Wise with Partner Sponsors Bangor Savings and Buoy Local.
(SOLD OUT) SPECIAL EVENT: FLORAL ARRANGEMENT AND SIPS @ VIA VECCHIA
This event is currently sold out. Checkout Wearable Floral Arrangements and Sips @ ViA VECCHiA (6/16)!
DETAILS: Let creativity bloom this Portland Wine Week! Craft your own gorgeous seasonal bouquet, guided by florist Morgan Wagner-Holz of Elder Farm and Forage, while Sommelier Susannah Gleason leads a tasting of four deliciously paired wines in the beautiful surrounds of ViA VECCHiA. Get ready to show off your unique floral design and insider wine knowledge! Don’t wait around — tickets won’t last long.
ViA VECCHiA is an Italian-inspired small plates restaurant located in the heart of the Old Port in an iconic brick and ivy-covered building overlooking cobblestone streets. A destination for wine and dining, VV boasts a large wrap-around 20-seat bar surrounded by luxurious velvet booths in a warm, energetic atmosphere.
MENU: Four vibrant wines that will pair to enhance the bouquet-making experience
PRICE: $85 per person all inclusive (30 tickets available)
LINKS: ViA VECCHiA, Elder Farm and Forage
Portland Wine Week is Presented by Wine Wise with Partner Sponsors Bangor Savings and Buoy Local.
Susannah Gleason, Via Vecchia’s wine director, has experience in all facets of the restaurant and retail wine industries. Her focus at Via Vecchia is on helping staff and guests navigate the occasionally complex world of classic Italian wines. Susannah holds an advanced certificate in wine from WSET, and enjoys furthering her knowledge through practical experience as well as personal exploration.
We are so excited to have Morgan Wagner-Holz of Elder Farm and Forage join us for this special event. Her focus is on creating gorgeous, seasonal bouquets from blooms she cultivates herself on her farm in Windham.
WINE SAIL: South Africa @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join Sommelier Erica Archer, CWP, WSET Advanced, in beautiful Portland, Maine, for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot sailboat, Frances, built by her Captains and crew on Portland's waterfront, with new seats added for everyone to be seated comfortably. You'll explore a selection of delicious quality wines from the diverse wine regions of South Africa that you'll love to have in your repertoire.
Taste and learn about some delicious wines from the renowned and diverse sub-regions of South Africa with all the varying climates, elevations, terrain, classic and emerging wines, and styles.
Find out what makes each wine region unique in the styles of wine they produce
Discuss the major grape varieties and styles worthy of your attention
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting your next bottle of wine
Learn the basics of tasting or take your wine knowledge to the next level
Enjoy your delicious box of cheeses, cured meats, fruit, nuts, crackers, etc. Due to the nature of our events, we cannot accommodate food allergies, commissions, accommodations, or substitutions during these sails. You may bring your snack if you have food allergies or hesitations.
PRICE: $150 per person
LINK: Wine Wise
Portland Wine Week is Presented by Wine Wise with Partner Sponsors Bangor Savings and Buoy Local.
SUNSET Wine Sail: Sicily @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot sailboat, Frances, built by her Captains and crew on Portland's waterfront, with new seats added for everyone to be seated comfortably. You'll explore a selection of five delicious quality wines from the renowned wine regions of Sicily that you'll love to have in your repertoire.
Taste and learn about a series of five delicious wines from Sicily from the distinctive, volcanic, and high elevations of Mount Etna, to Cerasuolo Vittoria, and nearby Islands and inlets, etc.
Find out what makes Sicily’s regions and sub-regions unique in their styles of wine.
Discuss the major Sicilian grape varieties and styles worthy of your attention.
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting wine.
Learn the basics of tasting or take your wine knowledge to the next level.
Enjoy your delicious box of cheeses, cured meats, fruit, nuts, crackers, etc. Due to the nature of our events, we cannot accommodate food allergies, commissions, accommodations, or substitutions during these sails. You may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations.
COST: $150 per person
LINK: Wine Wise
Portland Wine Week is Presented by Wine Wise with Partner Sponsors Bangor Savings and Buoy Local.
SPECIAL EVENT: WEARABLE FLORAL ARRANGEMENT AND SIPS @ VIA VECCHIA
DETAILS: Adorn yourself in flowers during this unique event at ViA VECCHiA. Hosted by Sommelier Susannah Gleason, you’ll sip on four wines while florist Morgan Wagner-Holz of Elder Farm and Forage guides the creation of a gorgeous floral headband, wrist cuff, or pocket square. Don’t wait around — tickets won’t last long. Choose whether to make a gorgeous floral headband, wrist cuff, or pocket square during booking.
ViA VECCHiA is an Italian-inspired small plates restaurant located in the heart of the Old Port in an iconic brick and ivy-covered building overlooking cobblestone streets. A destination for wine and dining, VV boasts a large wrap-around 20-seat bar surrounded by luxurious velvet booths in a warm, energetic atmosphere.
MENU: Four vibrant wines that will pair to enhance the bouquet-making experience
PRICE: $85 per person all inclusive (30 tickets available)
LINKS: ViA VECCHiA, Elder Farm and Forage
Portland Wine Week is Presented by Wine Wise with Partner Sponsors Bangor Savings and Buoy Local.
Susannah Gleason, Via Vecchia’s wine director, has experience in all facets of the restaurant and retail wine industries. Her focus at Via Vecchia is on helping staff and guests navigate the occasionally complex world of classic Italian wines. Susannah holds an advanced certificate in wine from WSET, and enjoys furthering her knowledge through practical experience as well as personal exploration.
We are so excited to have Morgan Wagner-Holz of Elder Farm and Forage join us for this special event. Her focus is on creating gorgeous, seasonal bouquets from blooms she cultivates herself on her farm in Windham.
WINE & FOOD SAIL: with Mimi Weissenborn of Sur Lie @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: If these are not the best things going on in Portland this Summer, we don’t know what is. Sommelier Erica Archer has invited some of her favorite chefs in Portland to join her on a select few of our season-long wine sails to pair five delicious courses with five delicious wines. We’re so excited for “Shef” Mimi Weissenborn of Sur Lie in Portland, Gather in Yarmouth, and the soon-to-be-open Catface Cafe in Biddeford, to join us again this year during Portland Wine Week!
You’ll sail and sip five incredibly delicious wines that you'll love to have in your repertoire ... each paired with food thoughtfully prepared for you by Shef Weissenborn… all while indulging in a gorgeous scenic sail on board the 74-foot immaculate sailboat, Frances, built by her Captain and crew on Portland's waterfront. You're in for an incredible wine and food experience as you sail through Maine’s beautiful Casco Bay with scenic views of Maine lighthouses, islands, and waterways ... all with delicious wines and paired food. You'll walk away knowing a lot about wine, how regional influences impact wine styles and quality, and gain confidence knowing how to evaluate, select, and pair wines and describe what you smell and taste. And no doubt you will enjoy every bite and sip.
MENU: TBD
The menu will be available close to the date of the event as the chef takes inspiration from only the freshest local ingredients. Due to the nature of this event, we regret that we cannot accommodate food substitutions.
PRICE: $185
LINK: Wine Wise
Portland Wine Week is Presented by Wine Wise with Partner Sponsors Bangor Savings and Buoy Local.
Mimi Weissenborn | Creative Director & Executive Shef of Sur Lie and Gather Restaurant
A native Maryland crab, Shef studied at L’Academie de Cuisine and promptly decided to pursue a culinary career in New York City as a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. As the Creative Director, and later Executive Chef, at Vinateria she received a Michelin recommendation, participated in multiple chef collaborations such as New York City Food & Wine Festival, Harlem Eat Up and a gamut of James Beard Foundation dinners headlining and selling out one of her very own.
WINE SAIL: Fresh Maine Oysters @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot Sailboat, Frances as you explore five delicious quality wines each paired with fresh Maine oysters shucked right on board, with Sommelier Erica Archer. You're in for an incredible wine education experience as you sail through Maine’s beautiful Casco Bay with scenic views of Maine lighthouses, islands, and waterways.
Find out what makes a wine a good match for fresh oysters
Discuss the major grape varieties and styles worthy of your attention
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting your next bottle of wine
Learn the basics of tasting or take your wine knowledge to the next level
We are serving five wines and plenty of oysters. Due to the nature of our events, we are not able to accommodate food allergies, accommodations, or substitutions during these sails. But you may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations of any kind.
PRICE: $175 per person
LINK: Wine Wise
Portland Wine Week is Presented by Wine Wise with Partner Sponsors Bangor Savings and Buoy Local.
Sunset WINE SAIL: Celebrating Women Winemakers @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot Sailboat, Frances as you explore five delicious quality wines from some incredible women winemakers with Sommelier Erica Archer. You're in for an incredible wine education experience as you sail through Maine’s beautiful Casco Bay with scenic views of Maine lighthouses, islands, and waterways.
Find out what makes each wine region unique in the styles of wine they produce
Discuss the major grape varieties and styles worthy of your attention
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting your next bottle of wine
Learn the basics of tasting or take your wine knowledge to the next level
Enjoy your delicious box of cheeses, cured meats, fruit, nuts, crackers, etc. Due to the nature of our events, we cannot accommodate food allergies, commissions, accommodations, or substitutions during these sails. You may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations.
PRICE: $150 per person
LINK: Wine Wise
Portland Wine Week is Presented by Wine Wise with Partner Sponsors Bangor Savings and Buoy Local.
(SOLD OUT) WINE SAIL: Fresh Maine Oysters @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot Sailboat, Frances as you explore five delicious quality wines each paired with fresh Maine oysters shucked right on board, with Sommelier Erica Archer. You're in for an incredible wine education experience as you sail through Maine’s beautiful Casco Bay with scenic views of Maine lighthouses, islands, and waterways.
Find out what makes a wine a good match for fresh oysters
Discuss the major grape varieties and styles worthy of your attention
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting your next bottle of wine
Learn the basics of tasting or take your wine knowledge to the next level
We are serving five wines and plenty of oysters. Due to the nature of our events, we are not able to accommodate food allergies, accommodations, or substitutions during these sails. But you may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations of any kind.
COST: $150 per person
LINK: winewiseevents.com
RESERVE: Click here to purchase tickets.
(SOLD OUT) SPECIAL EVENT: Bottles and Bites @ Twelve
DETAILS: Join TWELVE on the patio for a wine casual afternoon of fun in the sun! Complete with our sommelier Jenn Forge’s favorite summer crushers and passed Hors-d'Oeuvres done in elevated Twelve fashion that will be sure to kick off your summer the right way.
Learn more about Sommelier Jenn Forge in our Portland Wine Week Sommelier Feature Reel sponsored by SheLuxe.
MENU: TBD
PRICE: $100 (excluding tax & gratuity)
RESERVE: Reservation Link
PHONE: 207-910-7400
JENN FORGE: SOMMELIER
Born and raised in Portland, Maine, Jenn is a veteran of the city’s restaurant scene having experience in every front of the house position over the last 16 years. A local favorite bartender, Jenn’s love of wine began while working at Munjoy Hill’s highly regarded Lolita and her last position at Via Vecchia before joining the opening team at Twelve. She is a certified sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, has a degree in hospitality management, and puts an emphasis on exemplary service.
“First and foremost, I’m grateful to work in a restaurant where I’m surrounded by so many talented people—it’s nothing short of inspiring. I want the wine list at Twelve to be both approachable and impressive to cater to Portland’s diverse demographic. I am committed to serving every guest a delicious bottle (or glass) of wine, regardless of price point, with un-paralleled hospitality.”
(SOLD OUT) WINE & FOOD SAIL: Chef Series Wine & Food Sail with Mimi Weissenborn of Sur Lie @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Wine & Chef Sails are back at Wine Wise!
If these Wine & Chef Sails are not the best thing happening in Portland this Summer, we don’t know what is. Sommelier Erica Archer has invited some of her favorite chefs in Portland to pair five mouth-watering courses with five delicious wines on a select few of our season-long wine sails. We’re kicking off the 2023 series during Portland Wine Week with “Shef” Mimi Weissenborn of Sur Lie.
Learn more about Shef Mimi Weissenborn in our Portland Wine Week Chef Feature Reel sponsored by Buoy Local, or in the Portland Wine Week Blog.
You’ll sip five incredible wines, each paired with food thoughtfully prepared by Shef Weissenborn while indulging in a scenic sail through the Casco Bay. Join us on board the 74-foot immaculate sailboat, Frances, built by her Captain and crew on Portland's waterfront. Take in the views of Maine lighthouses, islands, and waterways. You'll walk away knowing a lot about wine, how regional influences impact wine styles and quality, and gain confidence knowing how to evaluate, select and pair wines and describe what you smell and taste.
MEUN: TBD
The menu will be available close to the date of the event as the chef takes inspiration from only the freshest local ingredients. Due to the format of this event, we unable to accommodate food substitutions.
LINK: 6/18/23 Chef Series | Wine + Food Sail with Mimi Weissenborn of Sur Lie
Mimi Weissenborn | Creative Director & Executive Shef of Sur Lie and Gather Restaurant
A native Maryland crab, Shef studied at L’Academie de Cuisine and promptly decided to pursue a culinary career in New York City as a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. As the Creative Director, and later Executive Chef, at Vinateria she received a Michelin recommendation, participated in multiple chef collaborations such as New York City Food & Wine Festival, Harlem Eat Up and a gamut of James Beard Foundation dinners headlining and selling out one of her very own.
SPECIAL EVENT: Floral Arrangement and Sips @ ViA VECCHiA
DETAILS: This lively tasting event will be hosted by Sommelier Susannah Gleason and florist Morgan Wagner-Holz of Elder Farm and Forage. Susannah will lead the group in tasting four wines while Morgan guides the creation of gorgeous bouquets!
Learn more about Sommelier Susannah Gleason in our Portland Wine Week Sommelier Feature Reel sponsored by SheLuxe.
MENU: Four vibrant wines that will pair enhance the bouquet making experience
ViA VECCHiA is a small plates Italian inspired restaurant. Located in the heart of the Old Port in an iconic brick and ivy covered building overlooking cobblestone streets. Re-imagined for 2020, VV boasts a large wrap around 20 seat bar surrounded by luxurious velvet booths in a warm, energetic atmosphere.
COST: $65 per person all inclusive
RESERVE: Click here to book through RESY
LINKS: ViA VECCHiA
Susannah Gleason, Via Vecchia’s wine director, has experience in all facets of the restaurant and retail wine industries. Her focus at Via Vecchia is on helping staff and guests navigate the occasionally complex world of classic Italian wines. Susannah holds an advanced certificate in wine from WSET, and enjoys furthering her knowledge through practical experience as well as personal exploration.
We are so excited to have Morgan Wagner-Holz of Elder Farm and Forage join us for this special event. Her focus is on creating gorgeous, seasonal bouquets from blooms she cultivates herself on her farm in Windham.
(SOLD OUT) WINE SAIL: Delicious France @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot Sailboat, Frances as you explore five delicious quality wines from France with Sommelier Erica Archer. You're in for an incredible wine education experience as you sail through Maine’s beautiful Casco Bay with scenic views of Maine lighthouses, islands, and waterways.
Taste and learn about some delicious wines from France; such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, The Rhone, and The Loire Valleys, etc.
Find out what makes each French wine region unique in the styles of wine they produce
Discuss the major grape varieties and styles worthy of your attention
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting wine.
Learn the basics of tasting or take your wine knowledge to the next level.
Enjoy your delicious box of cheeses, cured meats, fruit, nuts, crackers, etc. Due to the nature of our events, we cannot accommodate food allergies, commissions, accommodations, or substitutions during these sails. You may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations.
COST: $125 per person
LINK: winewiseevents.com
RESERVE: Click here to purchase tickets.
(SOLD OUT) WINE SAIL: Orange & Rosé @ WINE WISE
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot Sailboat, Frances as you explore five delicious quality Orange & Rosé wines with Sommelier Erica Archer. You're in for an incredible wine education experience as you sail through Maine’s beautiful Casco Bay with scenic views of Maine lighthouses, islands, and waterways.
Taste and learn about a series of five delicious orange and rosé wines from around the world that you’ll love
Find out where the color of orange and rosé wine comes from
Discuss the major grape varieties and styles worthy of your attention.
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting your next bottle of wine
Learn the basics of tasting or take your wine knowledge to the next level
Enjoy your delicious box of cheeses, cured meats, fruit, nuts, crackers, etc. Due to the nature of our events, we cannot accommodate food allergies, commissions, accommodations, or substitutions during these sails. You may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations.
COST: $125 per person
LINK: winewiseevents.com
RESERVE: Click here to purchase tickets.
(SOLD OUT) WINE SAIL: The Mediterranean @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot Sailboat, Frances as you explore five delicious quality wines from some incredible women winemakers with Sommelier Erica Archer. You're in for an incredible wine education experience as you sail through Maine’s beautiful Casco Bay with scenic views of Maine lighthouses, islands, and waterways.
Taste and learn about a series of five delicious wines from all around The Mediterranean from countries such as Greece, Mediterranean France, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Lebanon, etc.
Discover some incredible gems, emerging and classic, that you’ll love to have in your repertoire.
Learn a few things to expect from wines made in these Mediterranean counties and climates.
Discuss the major grape varieties and styles worthy of your attention.
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting wine.
Learn the basics of tasting or take your wine knowledge to the next level.
Enjoy your delicious box of cheeses, cured meats, fruit, nuts, crackers, etc. Due to the nature of our events, we cannot accommodate food allergies, commissions, accommodations, or substitutions during these sails. You may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations.
COST: $125 per person
LINK: winewiseevents.com
RESERVE: Click here to purchase tickets.
(SOLD OUT) WINE SAIL: Portugal + Spain @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot Sailboat, Frances as you explore some delicious sparkling wines from around the world with Sommelier Erica Archer. You're in for an incredible wine education experience as you sail through Maine’s beautiful Casco Bay with scenic views of Maine lighthouses, islands, and waterways.
Taste and learn about a series of five delicious sparkling wines from around the world, including, of course, Champagne, France that you’ll love having in your repertoire.
Taste and learn about some delicious wines from Iberian Portugal + Spain as we explore indigenous grape varieties grown in varying climates, elevations, terrain, and classic and emerging wines and styles.
Find out what makes each wine region unique in the styles of wine they produce
Discuss the major and emerging Portuguese and Spanish grape varieties and styles worthy of your attention
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting your next bottle of wine
Learn the basics of tasting or take your wine knowledge to the next level
Enjoy your delicious box of cheeses, cured meats, fruit, nuts, crackers, etc. Due to the nature of our events, we cannot accommodate food allergies, commissions, accommodations, or substitutions during these sails. You may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations.
COST: $125 per person
LINK: winewiseevents.com
RESERVE: Click here to purchase tickets.
WINE TASTING: Northern Italian Wines and Fortified Wines Lesson @ ViA VECCHiA
DETAILS: Join Via Vecchia’s Sommelier Susannah Gleason and Beverage Director Mark Hibbard for this fun event exploring some of the beautiful wines Northern Italy has to offer. We’ll talk through and taste several wines with Susannah and Mark, and end with a fortified wine-based cocktail workshop.
Learn more about Sommelier Susannah Gleason in our Portland Wine Week Sommelier Feature Reel sponsored by SheLuxe.
ViA VECCHiA is a small plates Italian inspired restaurant. Located in the heart of the Old Port in an iconic brick and ivy covered building overlooking cobblestone streets. Re-imagined for 2020, VV boasts a large wrap around 20 seat bar surrounded by luxurious velvet booths in a warm, energetic atmosphere.
COST: $55 all inclusive
RESERVE: Click here to book through RESY
LINKS: ViA VECCHiA
Susannah Gleason, Via Vecchia’s wine director, has experience in all facets of the restaurant and retail wine industries. Her focus at Via Vecchia is on helping staff and guests navigate the occasionally complex world of classic Italian wines. Susannah holds an advanced certificate in wine from WSET, and enjoys furthering her knowledge through practical experience as well as personal exploration.
Mark Hibbard has had stewardship of Via Vecchia’s beverage program since its inception in 2020. Using the knowledge he has gained over his 20 years in the food and beverage industry he now focuses his efforts on crafting approachable cocktails centered around Italy’s fortified wines, amari, and aperitivo.
(SOLD OUT) Wine Sail: Delicious California Wines @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot Sailboat, Frances as you explore five delicious quality wines from Napa + Sonoma with Sommelier Erica Archer. You're in for an incredible wine education experience as you sail through Maine’s beautiful Casco Bay with scenic views of Maine lighthouses, islands, and waterways.
Taste and learn about some delicious wines from the diverse regions of California, such as Central Coast, Napa, Mendocino, Santa Barbara, Santa Rita Hills, Sonoma, etc.
Find out what makes each California wine region unique in the styles of wine they produce
Discuss the major grape varieties and styles worthy of your attention
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting wine.
Learn the basics of tasting or take your wine knowledge to the next level.
Enjoy your delicious box of cheeses, cured meats, fruit, nuts, crackers, etc. Due to the nature of our events, we cannot accommodate food allergies, commissions, accommodations, or substitutions during these sails. You may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations.
COST: $125 per person
LINK: winewiseevents.com
RESERVE: Click here to purchase tickets.
TASTING: Charcuterie Building and Wine Pairing Class @ Grippy Tannins
DETAILS: Join Starboard and Co. at Grippy Tannins for a fun evening of charcuterie building and wine pairing. Anne & Maggie from Starboard and Co. will teach you how to build a glorious charcuterie board while Lindsey from Grippy Tannins will guide you through how to pair the perfect wine with your spread.
You’ll sample 5 different wines while snacking and styling your board. Take your new-found skills and your delicious board home with you and impress at your next gathering!
*10% discount on all wines sampled
COST: $75 plus tax and service
RESERVE: Reservation Link
LINK: grippytannins.com
Lindsay Murray, photographer Lauryn Hottinger.
WINE HAPPY HOUR: Vino e Aperitivo Tradizionale @ Solo Italiano
DETAILS: Historically a northern Italian concept from Genoa to Milan and Venice, Aperitivo Hour is flush with appetizing beverage and small bites. The goal is to be in the company of friends, food, and beverage—the true trifecta of a rich, social culture and something that has found a renewed sense of purpose these days.
On Thursday, June 15th, from 4-6pm, Solo Italiano will embrace this tradition and open its doors of the bar area and its 24-seat patio to Portland Wine Week's visitors and showcase Aperitivo Hour's full, authentic experience. Chef Paolo will curate an array of complimentary small bites to pair with appetizing wines, vermouths, and/or wine-based spirit cocktails the responsibility of the guest. Opportunities to relax and taste your way through a flight of vermouth, while learning a bit about this dynamic of wine culture, will certainly abound.
Learn more about Chef Laboa in our Portland Wine Week Chef Feature Reel sponsored by Buoy Local, or in the Wine Wise Blog.
COST: Varies, on beverage consumption
LINK: www.soloitalianorestaurant.com
RESERVE: NO RESERVATIONS NECESSARY! JUST COME!
Guests will be served on a first come, first served basis.
TASTING: Koehler-Ruprecht Tasting @ Browne Trading
DETAILS: We are thrilled to welcome winemaker, Dominik Sona, from the famed Koehler-Ruprecht winery to Browne Trading for an unforgettable event! Koehler-Ruprecht is one of the oldest wineries in the Palatinate region in Pfalz, Germany, known worldwide for their distinctive, broad and mineral driven wines. This centuries old winery was originally managed by Bernd Philippi until Dominik took over in 2011, continuing the dedication and attention to detail the house was known for. With a focus on old school style winemaking and an eye on climate change in the vineyards, Dominik balances the delicate act of looking to the past and the future to make wines with soul and longevity. At Koehler-Ruprecht, Dominik abides by the motto, “Wine is the poetry of the earth,” (Mario Soldati, 1907-1999). Come have a sip of poetry in your glass with the world class winemaker, Dominik Sona.
WINES:
2020 Koehler-Ruprecht, Kallstadter Riesling, Kabinett Trocken, Pfalz, Germany
2020 Koehler-Ruprechet, Pinot Blanc, Kabinett Trocken, Pfalz, Germany
2020 Koehler-Ruprechet, Kallstadter Saumagen Riesling, Kabinett Trocken, Pfalz, Germany
2020 Koehler-Ruprecht, Kallstadter Annaberg Chardonnay, Spatlese Trocken, Pfalz, Germany
2020 Koehler-Ruprecht, Pinot Noir, Kabinett Trocken, Pfalz, Germany
COST: Free
Link: Browne Trading
Link: Koehler-Ruprecht
WINE SAIL: Tuscany @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot Sailboat, Frances as you explore some delicious sparkling wines from around the world with Sommelier Erica Archer. You're in for an incredible wine education experience as you sail through Maine’s beautiful Casco Bay with scenic views of Maine lighthouses, islands, and waterways.
Taste and learn about a series of five delicious sparkling wines from around the world, including, of course, Champagne, France that you’ll love having in your repertoire.
Taste and learn about five delicious wines from Tuscany, such as Carmignano, Chianti Classico, Montalcino, Maremma, San Gimignano, etc.
Find out what makes Tuscany’s regions and sub-regions unique in their styles of wine.
Discuss the major grape varieties and styles worthy of your attention.
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting wine.
Learn the basics of tasting or take your wine knowledge to the next level.
Enjoy your delicious box of cheeses, cured meats, fruit, nuts, crackers, etc. Due to the nature of our events, we cannot accommodate food allergies, commissions, accommodations, or substitutions during these sails. You may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations.
COST: $125 per person
LINK: winewiseevents.com
RESERVE: Click here to purchase tickets.
(SOLD OUT) WINE SAIL: Sparkling Wines @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot Sailboat, Frances as you explore some delicious sparkling wines from around the world with Sommelier Erica Archer. You're in for an incredible wine education experience as you sail through Maine’s beautiful Casco Bay with scenic views of Maine lighthouses, islands, and waterways.
Taste and learn about a series of five delicious sparkling wines from around the world, including, of course, Champagne, France that you’ll love having in your repertoire.
Discover classic and emerging sparkling wine regions, styles, and producers that this exciting and growing category of sparkling wines has to offer.
Discuss the major styles of sparkling wines (e.g., pet-nat, Charmant, and Methode Champagnoise) worthy of your attention.
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a sparkling wine label when selecting your next glass or bottle.
Learn the basics of tasting or take your wine knowledge to the next level
Enjoy your delicious box of cheeses, cured meats, fruit, nuts, crackers, etc. Due to the nature of our events, we cannot accommodate food allergies, commissions, accommodations, or substitutions during these sails. You may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations.
COST: $125 per person
LINK: winewiseevents.com
RESERVE: Click here to purchase tickets.
TASTING: The History of Women in Wine @ Grippy Tannins
DETAILS: Join Wine Scholar Anne Arnold at Grippy Tannins to learn the great history of women who shaped the world of wine. Anne will guide you through the history of women in wine and will taste you on the iconic wines from various regions across the globe that have been shaped by women.
You’ll sample 6 different wines, showcasing the women of Champagne, Barolo, California, and Burgundy to name a few. A light snack of cheese and charcuterie will be paired with the lineup.
*10% discount on all wines sampled
COST: $75 plus tax and service
RESERVE: Reservation Link
LINK: grippytannins.com
Lindsay Murray, photographer Lauryn Hottinger.
TASTING: Brick and Mortar tasting with Alexis Iaconis @ Maine and Loire
DETAILS: Winemaker, Alexis Iaconis from brick and mortar Wines will be pouring a selection of her wines from her two portfolios—brick and mortar and Delta, Wine for Change. Join us at Maine and Loire for a casual tasting and meet Alexis.
COST: Free
LINK: Maine and Loire
You can also meet Alexis at the Opening Day Women in Wine Panel Discussion and Women Winemaker Luncheon.
Matt and Alexis Iaconis founded brick & mortar in 2011 and co-run the winery. Our all-lowercase name serves as a metaphor for our foundational philosophy highlight the vineyard with minimal intervention, and run a winery that is down to earth, yet high performing. We firmly believe this philosophy embodies authenticity at its core.
WINE SAIL: Celebrating Women Winemakers @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot Sailboat, Frances as you explore five delicious quality wines from some incredible women winemakers with Sommelier Erica Archer. You're in for an incredible wine education experience as you sail through Maine’s beautiful Casco Bay with scenic views of Maine lighthouses, islands, and waterways.
Find out what makes each wine region unique in the styles of wine they produce
Discuss the major grape varieties and styles worthy of your attention
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting your next bottle of wine
Learn the basics of tasting or take your wine knowledge to the next level
Enjoy your delicious box of cheeses, cured meats, fruit, nuts, crackers, etc. Due to the nature of our events, we cannot accommodate food allergies, commissions, accommodations, or substitutions during these sails. You may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations.
COST: $125 per person
LINK: winewiseevents.com
RESERVE: Click here to purchase tickets.
SPECIAL EVENT: Wine Wise Wine Club Members-Only Soirée @ Sponsored By Land Rover of Scarborough
DETAILS: As the organizers behind Portland Wine Week, Wine Wise is throwing a Members-Only Soirée for their Wine Club members during day two! This is a semi-annual perk for wine club members with 6 months of continuous membership at the time of the party (June/Dec). The semi-annual soirée is a perk for 6-bottle members, but they’re inviting 3-bottle founding members, too, thanks to the generosity of sponsor Land Rover of Scarborough!
There will be passed apps and stationed food and a chance for members to all meet and connect with each other in person! They’ll have special guests including Portland Wine Week visiting wine talent pouring delicious wines for you!
Links: Wine Wise, Wine Wise Wine Club
TASTING: KOEHLER-RUPRECHT TASTING WITH WINEMAKER DOMINIK SOMA @ MAINE AND LOIRE
DETAILS: Details: koehler-ruprecht tasting with winemaker dominik soma who has been at the helm since 2008. Koehler-ruprecht is located in pfalz (germany) and they make very patient, long-lived wines that are raised in barrel and see extended aging. These are textural, beautiful wines for the dinner table! He will be pouring a selection of his wines at Maine and Loire for a casual tasting.
10% off tasting wines during the tasting.
COST: Free
LINK: Maine and Loire
TASTING: SAMsARA Wine Tasting @ Browne Trading
Join New England natives, Joan and Dave Szkutak, owners of SAMsARA Winery at Browne Trading for a free wine tasting of five beautiful wines. Joan and Dave will guide you through a not-to-be-missed tasting. They bring a diverse set of skills to their ownership of a boutique winery that produces limited-release wines from carefully selected micro-sites within Sta. Rita Hill’s and Santa Barbara County’s most distinctive vineyards. The resulting wines are built on balance, harmony with nature, and listening to and responding to the needs of both our vineyards and wines in the cellar; a commitment to making ‘vineyard driven wines’. Joan grew up in Maine and they have maintained a second home on Mount Desert Island since 2001. We’re so excited to have Joan and Dave here for Portland Wine Week!
WINES:
2015 SAMsARA, Pinot Noir, Las Hermanas Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills, California
2018 SAMsARA, Grenache, Larner Vineyard, Ballard Canyon, California
2018 SAMsARA, Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills, California
2019 SAMsARA, Syrah/Grenache, Santa Barbara County, California
2020 SAMsARA, Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills, California
COST: Free
Link: Browne Trading
Link: SAMsARA Wine Co.
Joan and Dave Szkutak
Joan and Dave Szkutak, owners of SAMsARA Winery
WEEKLONG: Women Winemakers Around the World @ Grippy Tannins
DETAILS: Visit Grippy Tannins during Portland Wine Week to experience a wine flight dedicated to women winemakers from around the world! You’ll sample 4 different wines, showcasing wine from Portugal, Spain, Austria, and the United States, all produced by women.
WHEN: Offered Monday-Saturday 1-6 pm. After 6 pm reservations are required.
WINE FLIGHT:
2020 Lúcia Ferreira Dão Branco - Dão, Portugal, winemaker Lúcia Ferreira
2022 Parajes del Valle Bobal Ecologico Rosado - Manchuela, Spain, winemaker Maria Jover
2017 Day Wines Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir - Willamette Valley, Oregon, winemaker Brianne Day
2016 Netzl Anna-Christina - Carnuntum, Austria, winemaker Christina Netzl
*10% discount on all wines sampled
COST: $30 (tax and gratuity excluded)
LINK: grippytannins.com
Lindsay Murray, photographer Lauryn Hottinger.
PANEL DISCUSSION: Women in Wine Panel: Pushing the Boundaries @ Falmouth Country Club
SPONSORED BY COFFEE BY DESIGN.
DETAILS: The wine industry, both in production and distribution, has long been a male-dominated industry. This has slowly been changing over the last few decades. This panel is made up of women who have pushed the boundaries and found ways to create their own places in the world of wine. As more and more women take up positions of respect and authority in the wine industry, it is changing the business of wine and how wine is consumed. Come and hear the background stories and thoughts from these women who have been at the forefront of making this change happen, who have pushed the boundaries, and who found ways to create their own places in the world of wine.
Join us on Monday, June 12, at the Falmouth Country Club to kick off Portland Wine Week with an insightful discussion on what it’s like being a woman in the wine industry and how these women claimed their spot in this evolving industry.
COST: only $20 per person and includes coffee and pastry.
RESERVE: purchase tickets
GET YOUR TICKETS TO ALL OPENING DAY EVENTS AT FALMOUTH COUNTRY CLUB:
9:00-11:30 am Women in Wine Panel Discussion: $20
11:30-2:00 pm Women Winemaker Luncheon: $95
5:30-9:00 pm Women in Wine Dinner: Who Paired it Better? $200
Portland Wine Week is Presented by Wine Wise with Partner Sponsor Bangor Savings.
MODERATOR:
Joan Szkutak
We welcome Joan Szkutak, the owner of SAMsARA winery, as this year’s panel moderator. Joan’s diverse skill set as an engineer in the corporate world combined with her transition as a boutique winery owner with Maine roots has given her an immense amount of experience aligned with our topic of “Women in Wine, Pushing the Boundaries.”
PANELISTS:
Alexis Iaconis
Winemaker at Brick and Mortar
Alexis Iaconis
Alexis and Matt Iaconis founded Brick & Mortar in 2011 and co-run the winery. Our all-lowercase name serves as a metaphor for our foundational philosophy highlight the vineyard with minimal intervention, and run a winery that is down to earth, yet high performing. We firmly believe this philosophy embodies authenticity at its core.
Sheilah McGovern
Vice President of Vineyard Brands Imports
Sheilah McGovern
Sheilah McGovern is a resident of York, ME. She studied oenology and viticulture in Reims, Bordeaux and Beaune and completed an internship with Joseph Phelps in Napa Valley. She grew up at The Hermitage Inn in Wilmington, Vermont where she and her father created one of the first, Grand Award Winning Wine Lists from the Wine Spectator with over 2,000 selections and a 40,000 bottle cellar. She has worked for Vineyard Brands, importers of fine wines from family estates and innovative wineries around the world for over 37 years.
Jenn Forge
Sommelier at Twelve
Jenn Forge
Born and raised in Portland, Maine, Jenn is a veteran of the city’s restaurant scene having experience in every front of the house position over the last 16 years. A local favorite bartender, Jenn’s love of wine began while working at Munjoy Hill’s highly regarded Lolita and her last position at Via Vecchia before joining the opening team at Twelve. She is a certified sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, has a degree in hospitality management, and puts an emphasis on exemplary service.
Maia Fleming
Wine & Beverage Director at "Lambs"
Maia Fleming
Maia recently moved back to her home state of Maine and she couldn't be happier about it! She's worked professionally in food & beverage for over 10 years, specializing in wine for the past 6, in both the retail and restaurant spheres. Her wine program at Rebel Rebel wine bar, where she was the Wine Director, made the James Beard finalist & semifinalist shortlist the past two years. Maia specializes in natural wine, and has consulted on projects like Super Bien, a bar with an all-natural South American wine list. Currently, she is Wine & Beverage Director at "Lambs," a new neighborhood bar opening in South Portland in July.
Transportation between Portland and falmouth country club:
On Opening Day (6/12) Transportation Sponsor Maine Limousine Service will provide complimentary transportation between the Press Hotel in Portland and Falmouth Country Club on their beautiful executive sprinter (before dinner) and shuttle bus (photos below) for after dinner. Seating is limited. Get your event tickets and reserve your Maine Limousine chauffeured transportation by emailing kim@mainelimo.com.
(SOLD OUT) Wine Sail: Napa + Sonoma @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot Sailboat, Frances as you explore five delicious quality wines from Napa + Sonoma with Sommelier Erica Archer. You're in for an incredible wine education experience as you sail through Maine’s beautiful Casco Bay with scenic views of Maine lighthouses, islands, and waterways.
Taste and learn about some delicious wines from the renowned and diverse sub-regions within Napa & Sonoma,
Find out what makes each of the Napa and Sonoma wine regions unique in the styles of wine they produce
Discuss the major grape varieties and styles worthy of your attention
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting your next bottle of wine
Learn the basics of tasting or take your wine knowledge to the next level
Enjoy our delicious selection of cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruit, crackers, etc… presented on your own individual plate. We are not able to accommodate food allergies, accommodations, or substitutions during these sails. But you may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations of any kind.
COST: $125 per person
LINK: winewiseevents.com
RESERVE: Click here to purchase tickets.
(SOLD OUT) WINE SAIL: Orange & Rosé
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot Sailboat, Frances as you explore five delicious quality Orange & Rosé wines with Sommelier Erica Archer. You're in for an incredible wine education experience as you sail through Maine’s beautiful Casco Bay with scenic views of Maine lighthouses, islands, and waterways.
Taste and learn about a series of five delicious orange and rosé wines from around the world that you’ll absolutely love
Find out where the color of wine comes from
Discuss the major grape varieties and styles worthy of your attention.
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting your next bottle of wine
Learn the basics of tasting or take your wine knowledge to the next level
Enjoy our delicious selection of cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruit, crackers, etc… presented on your own individual plate. We are not able to accommodate food allergies, accommodations, or substitutions during these sails. But you may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations of any kind.
COST: $125 per person
LINK: winewiseevents.com
RESERVE: Click here to purchase tickets.
SPECIAL EVENT: Barre, Bubbles + Bites (60 minute class) with Solo Italiano @ Broadturn Farm
Effervescence and community at Barre & Bubbles on a flower farm. No experience needed, just the desire to move before enjoying some much-needed social interaction! Bring a friend or make some new ones at a joyful total body barre class in the Barn at Broadturn Farm. The doors will be open, providing a nice airy space wherein folks will be able to amply spread out, safely, to enjoy the class and the happy hour to follow. Following your class, a local wine distributor will pour a rewarding flight of bubbles. Chefs Mercedes Laboa of Solo Italiano will match the bubbles with some appropriate noontime nibbles to further the ride your endorphins will be on!
About the Class and your Teacher
Inspired by classical ballet, Pilates, yoga and functional movement, Barre enhances your mind-body connection, refines your movement quality and builds strength, balance and grace from the inside out. Open to all movers--no dance or barre class experience necessary. BYO yoga mat and a pair of regular (not grippy) socks.
Elly Lovin grew up studying classical ballet and pointe with Robert Thomas and Miyoko Kato of the Joffrey Ballet and earned a BFA in Dance from the University of Iowa with a focus in ballet, modern dance and performance. She began her journey as a movement teacher in 2008 and has taught yoga, creative movement, barre, ballet and dance for students of all ages in Taipei, Chicago, New York City and Maine. Elly has lived in Portland, Maine since 2015 and currently teaches barre at The Portland Yoga Project. As a Maine Arts Commission Teaching Artist, she holds creative dance residencies for school children around Maine, and is twice a recipient of the MAC Dance Ed Grant. She dances and performs with Rose Hutchins/Ballet Bloom Project. Elly believes in movement as a form of love and a force for good, and is now working toward a Master's degree in Dance Movement Therapy/Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lesley University.
COST: $60 per person
RESERVE: Click here to purchase tickets
CANCELLATIONS: will only be honored if they can resell the ticket. This event requires securing an event space and a teaching artist, providing food and wine for 20 people, and as such is essentially not for profit. This is a special, once-per-year experience. We appreciate your understanding.
LINKS: soloitalianorestaurant.com
(SOLD OUT) WINE SAIL: Pinot Noir @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot Sailboat, Frances as you explore five delicious quality Pinot Noir wines with Sommelier Erica Archer. You're in for an incredible wine education experience as you sail through Maine’s beautiful Casco Bay with scenic views of Maine lighthouses, islands, and waterways.
Taste and learn about five beautiful Pinot Noirs from regions such as Burgundy, Carneros, Santa Rita Hills, Russian River Valley, Germany, The Loire, Central Otago, New Zeland, etc...
Find out what makes each Pinot Noir wine region unique in the styles of wine they produce
Discuss the major and trending styles worthy of your attention
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting your next bottle of wine
Learn the basics of tasting or take your wine knowledge to the next level
Enjoy our delicious selection of cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruit, crackers, etc… presented on your own individual plate. We are not able to accommodate food allergies, accommodations, or substitutions during these sails. But you may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations of any kind.
COST: $125 per person
LINK: winewiseevents.com
RESERVE: Click here to purchase tickets.
(SOLD OUT) WINE SAIL: Fresh Maine Oysters @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot Sailboat, Frances as you explore five delicious quality wines each paired with fresh Maine oysters shucked right on board, with Sommelier Erica Archer. You're in for an incredible wine education experience as you sail through Maine’s beautiful Casco Bay with scenic views of Maine lighthouses, islands, and waterways.
Taste and learn about five delicious wines that pair great with fresh Maine oysters.
Find out what makes a wine a good match for fresh oysters
Discuss the major grape varieties and styles worthy of your attention
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting your next bottle of wine
Learn the basics of tasting or take your wine knowledge to the next level
We are serving five wines and plenty of oysters. We are not able to accommodate food allergies, accommodations, or substitutions during these sails. But you may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations of any kind.
COST: $150 per person
LINK: winewiseevents.com
RESERVE: Click here to purchase tickets.
SPECIAL EVENT: Fête Release Party @ Eighteen Twenty Wines
DETAILS: Maine winery, Eighteen-Twenty Wines celebrates the release of their 2022 Fête, Maine Rhubarb Wine, made specifically for Portland Wine Week. Join in on the fun, Saturday, at their Anderson Street Urban Winery to enjoy wine flights, special wine spritzers and cocktails, tasty treats, and extra fun for their summer release celebration.
WINE: 2022 Fête is a light and refreshing wine that was meant to catch even the most skilled wine tasters to have to take a pause and say 'this is really made with rhubarb?!' You would never be able to tell, unless we told you. The label has the female captain-ed and made stunning schooner, the Frances, but with the improvement of rhubarb as the sails.
ABV: 11.5 Bronze winner American Wine Society
Eighteen Twenty is making sophisticated and delicious wines from Maine-grown rhubarb. They get their rhubarb from local farmers and ferment, bottle, ship and pour it by hand at their location in Portland, Maine. Their wines are often mistaken for a traditional french Rosé, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon blanc.
COST: Varies
RESERVATIONS: None needed!
LINK: Eighteen-Twenty Wines
TASTING: Bright & Vibrant Wine and Florals @ ViA VECCHiA
DETAILS: This vibrant & lively tasting will be hosted by Sommelier Chris Peterman and Florist Morgan Wagnor-Holtz of Elder Farm & Forage. Chris will lead the group in tasting and discussing 4 bright and fun wines while Morgan guides the creation of one of a kind bouquets!
ViA VECCHiA is a small plates Italian inspired restaurant. Located in the heart of the Old Port in an iconic brick and ivy covered building overlooking cobblestone streets. Re-imagined for 2020, VV boasts a large wrap around 20 seat bar surrounded by luxurious velvet booths in a warm, energetic atmosphere.
COST: $45 (tax and gratuity not included)
RESERVE: Click here to book through RESY
LINKS: ViA VECCHiA
