Private Wine & Mead Tasting with the Vintner in Lee, Maine

Looking for a unique way to enjoy Maine’s scenic landscapes while learning about its local craft beverages? The Private Wine & Mead Tasting with the Vintner in Lee offers just that — a cozy, one-hour experience that combines tasting, storytelling, and stunning views. For just over $34 per person, you’ll get a chance to sip on carefully curated wines, meads, and ciders while chatting with a passionate local vintner.

What makes this experience particularly appealing are two things: First, the personalized attention from your vintner, who shares fascinating stories about the region’s winemaking traditions. Second, the scenic views of farm and orchard surroundings, which make each sip feel even more special.

A potential consideration is that the experience takes place in the late afternoon (from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm on select days), so if you’re an early riser or prefer morning outings, this timing might not suit you.

This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate authentic, small-scale craft beverages and want a relaxed, intimate setting to learn about Maine’s local wine, mead, and cider scene. If you enjoy local stories and scenic horizons, this is a delightful addition to your Maine itinerary.

Key Points

• Intimate Experience: Only your group participates, ensuring personalized attention.
• Educational Focus: Learn about Maine’s winemaking process and regional history.
• Scenic Setting: Enjoy views of farms and orchards while tasting.
• Affordable Value: A curated flight plus snacks for a reasonable price.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable vintner shares stories and insights.

An In-Depth Look at the Private Vintner Experience in Lee

When planning a trip to Maine, especially if you’re interested in local food and drink, this private tasting offers a memorable and authentic experience. Unlike larger, more commercial wineries, Marble Creek Acres keeps things intimate—only your group will be part of this tasting, which allows for a more relaxed and educational environment. The experience lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes, making it suitable for an afternoon stop without feeling rushed.

The Location and Setting

The tasting takes place in a cozy, welcoming room with views that can make your tasting feel more like a visit to a friend’s farm. The scenery—rolling fields, orchards, and farmhouses—is beautiful enough to make you forget you’re just an hour or two from Portland or Bangor. The farm’s backdrop enhances the tasting, creating a connection between the beverages and their rural origins.

What the Tour Includes

Your host will begin by guiding you through a selection of four drinks—either wines, meads, or ciders—each served in 1.25 oz. portions (or 3 oz. ciders). The curated flight is thoughtfully chosen to showcase the best of local production, giving you a taste of Maine’s emerging craft beverage scene. Alongside the tasting, you’ll receive a detailed presentation on the history and process of making wine and mead in the Maine Highlands.

Adding to the value, a small snack—Nat’s Nuts—will be available to cleanse your palate between tastings, helping you appreciate each unique flavor. The tour is designed to be interactive, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and hear stories from the vintner, whose passion for his craft shines through.

Why This Tasting Stands Out

One reviewer notes, “We loved the way the vintner shared stories about the region’s winemaking, making it feel like a conversation with a friend.” The personal attention and storytelling elevate the tasting beyond just drinking, turning it into a genuine education about the local craft industry.

Another highlights the stunning views: “The farm and orchard scenery made the experience more memorable.” It’s a perfect way to combine your interest in local beverages with the visual pleasure of rural Maine.

Possible Drawbacks or Considerations

The main limitation is the timing—this experience is only offered Thursday afternoons from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. If your schedule doesn’t align, you might need to plan accordingly. Also, since it’s a private experience, the group size is small, which is great for intimacy but less suitable if you’re looking for a larger group or a more social setting.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits those who enjoy small, personalized tours and are eager to learn about local crafts. It’s also a good pick for travelers looking for a relaxing, scenic activity that isn’t overly commercialized. If you have a curiosity about wine, mead, or cider, and appreciate regional stories, this tasting will be a highlight of your Maine trip.

What You Can Expect Step-by-Step

Arrival and Warm Welcome: Upon arriving at the farm, you’ll be greeted by friendly staff and led into the tasting room. Expect a warm, informal atmosphere that feels more like visiting a friend’s home than a commercial winery.

Introduction to the Flight: Your vintner will walk you through each of the four beverages, explaining their origins, ingredients, and what makes them unique to the Maine Highlands. You’ll likely learn interesting tidbits—such as how the local climate influences the flavor profiles or the traditions behind mead-making.

Tasting and Storytelling: As you sip, the vintner shares stories—perhaps about the farm’s history, the challenges of growing grapes or apples in Maine, or the evolution of local craft beverages. This is where the experience feels most personal and heartfelt.

Questions and Interaction: Don’t hesitate to ask questions—whether about pairing suggestions, the fermentation process, or future plans for the farm. The vintner’s enthusiasm makes the experience engaging.

Enjoying the Scenic Views: Throughout the tasting, you can take in the vistas of the surrounding orchards and fields, which really help you connect the beverages to their natural environment.

Wrap-Up and Reflection: After the tasting, you’ll have a chance to purchase bottles directly from the farm if you wish, though this isn’t included in the price. You’ll leave with a better understanding of Maine’s local alcohol scene and some memorable stories to share.

Analyzing the Value

At just over $34, this private tasting provides a lot of value. The price covers the curated flight of drinks, snacks, personalized guidance, and the scenic experience. Compared to larger commercial tours, the intimacy and educational component make it a worthwhile investment—especially if you’re genuinely interested in regional beverages.

If you’re a wine or cider enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the chance to taste products crafted in small batches, often with a story to tell. For casual visitors, it’s a relaxed way to spend an afternoon, combining education with scenic beauty.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you enjoy small, private, and educational activities. It’s particularly suitable for couples, small groups, or solo travelers who want a quiet, authentic taste of Maine’s craft beverage scene. It’s less ideal if you’re seeking a lively group event or a tour that runs outside the specified Thursday afternoon hours.

The Sum Up

The Private Wine & Mead Tasting with the Vintner in Lee offers a welcoming, intimate look into Maine’s local beverage scene. With expert guidance, scenic views, and a thoughtfully curated flight, it appeals to those wanting to deepen their appreciation for regional wines, ciders, and meads without the crowds or commercial feel. The personal stories shared by the vintner bring the experience to life, making it more than just a tasting but a small window into Maine’s agricultural heritage.

If your idea of a memorable trip involves learning about local craftsmanship in a relaxed setting, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s a genuine, affordable way to add flavor to your Maine adventure and leave with a few new favorites—and stories—to tell.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tasting last?
The experience lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it a perfect short activity for an afternoon break.

Is this a group or private experience?
It’s a private tour, meaning only your group participates, which allows for personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

What beverages are included in the tasting?
You’ll sample a flight of four drinks, which could be wines, meads, or ciders, served in 1.25 oz. portions or 3 oz. cider servings. The specific selection is curated to showcase local craftsmanship.

What is the cost?
The price is $34.62 per person, which covers the drinks, snacks, and guided commentary, representing good value for a personalized tasting.

Are tips included?
Tips are not included but are greatly appreciated if you feel the experience was worth it.

What is the best time to visit?
The experience runs from September to October 2026, Thursday afternoons from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted during the experience.

Is advance booking necessary?
Yes, as it’s a private experience with limited availability on specific days, booking ahead is recommended.

Can I purchase bottles during the visit?
While not included in the cost, you may have the opportunity to buy bottles or other products directly from the farm after your tasting.

Is transportation needed?
The tour starts at a designated meeting point in Lee, Maine, and you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from the site.

This private tasting experience offers a genuine taste of Maine’s local spirits, set against a beautiful farm backdrop, guided by passionate experts. If you’re looking for a relaxed, educational, and scenic activity that supports regional artisans, it’s well worth considering during your trip.