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Only about 100 miles north of Boston, you can find yourself running around this port city for some of the best food and drink on the Eastern Seaboard. As of 2017, Portland was home to almost 400 restaurants and bars. Next, in 2018, Bon Appétit Magazine named Portland the “Restaurant City of the Year.” There’s no shortage of food and beverages for any palate – seafood, vegan, beer, and of course, wine. Try one of these 7 wine bars the next time you’re in Portland, Maine for some interesting new foods and flavors!
Another fun idea is to order door dash and get some wine delivered to you – here’s some great clubs that ship to Maine.
Wine Bars to Try in Portland, Maine
7 Fun Wine Bars to Try in Portland, Maine
Located in the Old Port at One City Ctr, Portland, ME 04101
Their tagline: “Where Fine Wine & Comfort Meet” couldn’t be more accurate! Offering cheese, nuts, and olive plates next to their beverages, they’ve always got a special that won’t break the bank. Prime example: their Happy Hour special offers certain wines at $5 a glass and some beers for only $7.
Besides just casually serving wine to their Portland guests, MJ’s Wine Bar is also home to the One City Wine Academy. This academy is the perfect opportunity for interested parties to learn more about growing grapes, wine production, how to buy wine, and how to pair wine and food.
Located in the East End at 59 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101
Since Drifters Wife has recently joined the ranks of Wine Enthusiast’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants in America for 2019, make plans to get in here soon! This small restaurant/wine bar has a menu that changes daily with only a few items on it. Make time to also visit their attached wine shop, Maine & Loire, to buy some bottles to take home.
The phrase “drink real wine” pops up in so much of their story and branding. You’ll find that they pride themselves on using wines that are grown with minimal intervention from vine to bottle.
The Wine Company Dedicated to Bringing You The Best Wines from Exceptional Vintners | Blue Lobster — Blue Lobster Urban Winery
Located in East Bayside at 219 Anderson St, Portland, ME 04101
Ever drank wine from cans or kegs? That’s how Blue Lobster Wine Company serves their wicked good wines. Head into their tasting room to try their popular frose’ or grab some cans to go! The founders are very passionate about sharing the love and culture of wine, but they wanted to do it without the stuffiness and pretentiousness that is often associated with some wine drinkers. They insist upon sharing their "no-frills, come as you are" philosophy in their Portland winery and tasting room. Don’t plan on eating here - they only serve oyster crackers to cleanse your palate as you sample.
Located in Libbytown at 4 Thompsons Point, Portland, ME 04102
This particular winery sources its grapes from a vineyard about four miles inland from the Penobscot Bay - so they use Maine grapes! Offering over 20 wines for almost every wine-loving palate, their elegant tasting & dining room is a spectacular place to enjoy some local wines in downtown Portland.
Every Wednesday, they offer a $10 food & wine pairing with a nearby Portland restaurant. These events often fill up (they don’t take reservations), so arrive early for your chance to learn about food & wine pairing. They also offer plenty of event space for large groups if you’re planning an event.
Located in the East End at 123 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101
Primarily a raw bar featuring fresh oysters, they’re also well known for their mighty beverage list. This converted garage space is perfect for outdoor seating and mingling in the warmer months. Order your beverage from their always-changing chalkboard and order your oysters for a quintessential New England seafood experience. At around $2 per oyster, you can’t the price on this experience of freshly shucked oysters.
Located in the East End at 90 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
Bringing together fresh ingredients with bold, Mediterranen flavors, this restaurant/wine bar boasts an extensive wine list that changes seasonally. Their modern, intimate decor makes for a cozy wining & dining experience. Be prepared for beautifully plated tapas for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Head in on Mondays for a very exciting food & drink special - you won’t want to miss out! Each Monday, they choose four wines that aren't on their current wine list to match with a selection of their tapas offerings. Sometimes these wines are from a specific country or region, or they may be a specific varietal! Nevertheless, it's a perfect chance to try some new wines and unique food pairings - for just $5.
Located in the East End at 51 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101
Visit for a tasting or stay for a glass or two! This open concept space allows tons of light to flow in through its very high windows and it’s a chill place to hang out with a glass of mead! After you try a tasting of some of their signature mead flavors: Maine Blueberry, Chai Mead, Lavender Mead, or even the Iced Tea Mead, take a tour of their production facility that’s situated between another Portland brewery and distillery!
Next time you’re on the East Coast, definitely make the trip to Portland! Enjoy the food, drinks, the people, and the views! There’s truly nothing like a day in Maine. The quality of life feels so much simpler - it really is the way life should be!
Which Portland wine bar would you like to try? Have you ever been to any of these? I’d love to hear all about it!
Travel Around the States
Portland, Maine isn’t the only place to find incredible wine bars. Check out some of our other wineries across the states!
- 7 Urban Wineries You Need to Visit in Portland, Oregon
- Wine Bars to Try in Baroda, Michigan
- 8 Fun Wine Bars to Try in Chicago
- Wineries in Orlando
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