Maine's Midcoast
Split Rock Distilling in Newcastle offers complimentary tastings six days a week. Looking for something zero-proof? Royal Rose Syrups are also crafted onsite, and make a brilliant base for many a mocktail. Rockland’s new nano-distillery Luce Spirits turns out a small but mighty offering of herbal spirits. In Camden, Barren’s Distillery + Restaurant has come home to the harbor; their beautiful waterfront facility is a lovely place to while away a winter afternoon. Beer and wine are well represented throughout the mid-coast. Although the vineyards at Cellardoor Winery and Oyster River Winegrowers are closed to the public, you can sample all of the latter’s wines at their tasting room in downtown Camden. Looking for something more unique? Call ahead to The Fat Friar's Meadery in Newcastle for a classic small Maine business experience and the chance to try some delicious, Maine-made meads!
Breweries abound: you have Bath Ale Works in Wiscasset; Odd Alewives in Waldoboro; Rock Harbor in Rockland; and Marshall Wharf Brewing in Belfast. Oxbow’s farmhouse brewery in Newcastle boasts backwoods trails that are well suited for a day of snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
It’s not a visit to the mid-coast without a bivalve or two; eighty percent of all Maine oysters are harvested from this region! In Damariscotta, the Shuck Station recently debuted a new seasonal special: heated outdoor yurts! Sample a dozen of Maine’s finest in comfort and style. Oysters are a point of pride in these parts and many places do them properly, like Jolie Rogers Raw Bar in Wiscasset, North Beacon Oyster Bar in Rockland, or 18 Central in Rockport. Many oyster farms still offer pick-up directly from the farms; head over to the Maine Oyster Trail to plot out an itinerary - just don’t forget to call ahead!
Got choice paralysis? Not to worry, we, the Maine Tasting Center, are located on Route 1, right on the way towards busier spots in Boothbay, Rockland, and Damariscotta. During our open system, we stock our tasting room with all of the above goodies and more! Come by to get your first taste of some of the Midcoast (and beyond!)'s finest that will sure to leave you hungry and thirsty for more.