Hartstone Inn’s “Maine Wine and Cheese Experience”
The midcoast Maine area is rich in regional culinary tradition and since we know many of you share our passion as “foodies,” we are proud to feature our “Maine Wine and Cheese Experience.” This five-hour tour takes you to two local wineries and a local sheep dairy.
The first stop is Savage Oakes Winery which features wines made from grapes and apples; they also tend to a herd of Belted Galloway Cows. The second stop is Sweetgrass Winery & Distillery, and they specialize in fruit wines and distilled spirits including port, gin and fruit brandies. Tastings at both wineries are included and each vineyard has a gift shop. The tour ends at Ellsfarm Sheep Dairy, run by Perry Ells. At the dairy, visitors will start with a cheese tasting of several artisanal cheeses including those made from the very sheep you will see being milked. Ellsfarm is a family run sheep dairy located on a 63 acre hill top. As Maine’s largest sheep dairy, 60 – 70 ewes are milked twice a day with all the milk sold for cheesemaking. During milking “hands on” participation will be optional while Perry will describe her operation and gladly answer any questions you may have during your visit. All three establishments are in the Town of Union, less than 15 miles from the Hartstone Inn.
Tours are available every Monday. Cost is $75.00 per person.