One of my favorite events of my WITS19 conference was the Maine Brew Bus…shocking right?? This 3 ½ hour tour lets you have a guided tour and safe ride to visit three of Portland’s small producers of craft alcohol. We hopped on our 15-passenger bus and let the fun begin! Our guide, Don, and our driver, Ryan, were so much fun to spend the afternoon with! They both have so much pride in Portland and the positive effect these companies have on the community.
Our first stop was to RISING TIDE BREWING COMPANY. Inspired by the famous quote, “…a rising tide lifts all boats,” this was the perfect spot to get an introduction to the craft beer industry.
We got to taste four different beers while we were there.
We learned all about the process of making beer and the differences in each one. It makes you appreciate the art of brewing and the time spent developing new beers.
What I liked best about this brewery is that it’s family oriented! Who would have thought? While we were there, they were having a festival filled with food trucks, a live band,
And even face painting for kids.
But there were no kiddos with me today (you must be over 21 to ride the bus) so it was back onto the bus for the next stop.
Address: 103 Fox St. Portland, ME 04101
Website: https://risingtidebrewing.com/
Give them a follow:
Instagram: @risingtidebeer Facebook: @risingtidebeer
Twitter: @ risingtidebeer
Stop #2 was CELLARDOOR WINERY AT THE POINT
This was hands-down one of the prettiest wineries I’ve ever been to and I can’t wait to bring my girlfriends here when we do our next girls’ weekend. This 5,000 square foot tasting room and event space is decorated in hot pink, white, black, and a touch of industrial materials. It is breathtaking!
Hello…tell me you don’t dream of having a wall like this one!!!
We tasted a Pinot Gris Reserve 2016
Bulles Rosé 2015
Artist Series Iron Gate 2015
And a sweet C’est de l’Or 2014 (This one was my favorite and I even brought a bottle home with me!)
They did an amazing job presenting each wine.
Address: 4 Thompson’s Point. Portland, ME 04102
Instagram: @cellardoorportland Facebook: @cellardoorportland
Twitter: @ mainewine
Our final stop was STROUDWATER DISTILLERY.
I’d never visited a distillery before because I don’t usually drink hard alcohol without mixing it with something, but this was such a fun experience! This small-batch distillery has a nautical/industrial feel to it.
We were able to taste three different alcohols…
Vodka, gin, and bourbon.
We were then taken out back to the production area
and we saw them making their famous Griffin’s Wharf 1773 coffee liqueur. I bought a bottle after hearing that it is used to make an incredible coffee martini!
Address: 4 Thompsons Point. Portland, ME 04102
Instagram: @stroudwaterdistillery Facebook: @stroudwaterdistillery
Twitter @stroudwater_d
