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

Discover the Charm of Maine’s Local Wines and Ciders with the Private Vintner Experience in Lee

If you’re looking for a laid-back, authentic taste of Maine’s wine and cider scene, the Private Wine & Mead Tasting with the Vintner in Lee offers just that. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews and descriptions suggest it’s a cozy, intimate experience that’s perfect for those curious about local craftsmanship and history. Whether you’re a wine lover or just looking for a relaxing afternoon, this experience could be a highlight of your trip.

What really appeals to me about this tour are the personalized guidance from an experienced vintner and the stunning farm views that set a peaceful scene for tasting. Plus, the price—around $35 per person—seems quite reasonable considering the intimate setting and educational element. On the flip side, it’s a relatively short experience, just about 75 minutes, so if you’re craving a more extensive tour or wine tasting, this might feel a bit limited.

This tour is best suited for anyone interested in locally crafted beverages and eager to learn about how they’re made. It’s especially appealing if you’re into tasting different wines, meads, or ciders in a quiet, scenic environment. It’s also a great choice for those who appreciate personalized attention and a relaxed pace, rather than large, crowded tours.

Key Points

• Intimate setting: Only your group participates, adding a personal touch.
• Educational element: Learn about Maine’s winemaking history and process.
• Scenic views: Enjoy beautiful farm and orchard vistas during your tasting.
• Expert guidance: A passionate vintner will walk you through each sample.
• Affordable: About $35 for a curated tasting plus snacks, offering good value.
• Flexible timing: Tours run Thursday afternoons, between 3-6 pm, most of the year.

What to Expect During Your Visit

This experience begins the moment you arrive at the address in Lee, Maine. The welcoming staff greets you and guides you into a cozy tasting room, designed to create an inviting atmosphere perfect for savoring local drinks. The vibe feels both warm and laid-back, making it easy to relax and focus on your tasting.

Your tasting flight includes four servings—either 1.25 oz. glasses of wine/mead or 3 oz. servings of cider. The selection is curated to showcase noteworthy local offerings. Expect to sample a range of flavors, each with its own story and character. The vintner shares insights about the history of winemaking in Maine, as well as details about how these beverages are crafted from orchard to bottle.

The presentation isn’t just about the drinks; it’s about understanding the terroir and the craftsmanship behind each sip. Throughout, there’s plenty of opportunity for questions, so if you’re curious about the fermentation process or the differences between wines and meads, you’ll probably get your answers.

You’ll also enjoy snacks—Nat’s Nuts—to cleanse your palate between tastings, which adds a nice touch of local flavor for just $7. The entire experience lasts about an hour and 15 minutes, making it a manageable outing, whether you want a quick activity or a relaxed afternoon.

The Highlights of the Experience

The Tasting Room Atmosphere

The tasting room is described as cozy and welcoming, ideal for creating a relaxed environment. The rustic charm of the setting enhances the experience—perfect for soaking in the farm views and enjoying your drink without feeling rushed.

Curated Flight of Local Beverages

The flight includes a mix of wines, meads, or ciders, each representing the craftsmanship of local producers. These beverages are thoughtfully chosen to highlight the best of Maine’s offerings. It’s an excellent way to discover new flavors or deepen your appreciation for regional products.

The Vintner’s Story

What makes this experience stand out is the opportunity to hear directly from the vintner about the history and art of making wine, mead, and cider in Maine. This personal touch adds depth and context, making each sip more meaningful.

Scenic Views

While tasting, you’ll enjoy views of farms and orchards that surround the property. For those who love scenery, this backdrop enhances the experience—imagine sipping your drink with rolling fields and the crisp Maine air around you.

Expert Guidance

The vintner is not just pouring drinks—they’re sharing stories, answering questions, and explaining the nuances of the beverages. This personalized guidance makes the experience more engaging and educational, especially if you’re new to wine or cider tasting.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

At around $34.62 per person, this tasting provides good value, especially considering the personalized attention and the inclusion of snacks. Compared to other tastings, the price seems reasonable for a private, guided experience that focuses on quality over quantity.

The ticket includes a curated flight of four beverages and snacks, which together are valued at over $13. This means you’re paying mainly for the Vintner’s time and expertise—a worthwhile exchange if you appreciate learning about local production and enjoying scenic views.

Some reviews mention the knowledgeable guides as a highlight, which adds to the perceived value. Plus, since the activity is private, your group won’t be rushed or crowded, making it feel more special.

Practical Details

The experience is held on Thursdays from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, from September 2, 2025, through October 13, 2026. It’s a short afternoon activity, suitable for those who want a relaxed, scenic outing without a lengthy commitment.

Meeting at the given location in Lee, Maine, it’s easy to find, and service animals are allowed if you need to bring one. The experience is suitable for most travelers, though it’s especially appealing for those interested in local beverages and history.

What Are the Downsides?

One thing to keep in mind is that this is a fairly short experience—about an hour and 15 minutes. If you’re hoping for a longer wine tour or more extensive tasting, this might feel a bit brisk. Also, since it’s only offered on Thursday afternoons, if your schedule doesn’t align, you’ll need to plan accordingly.

Plus, while the experience is private, the limited hours mean you may need to coordinate your visit carefully.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits adults who enjoy tasting different wines, meads, or ciders and want a relaxed, educational session. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate scenic, quiet settings and are interested in learning about Maine’s local beverage scene.

It’s also a good choice for those wanting an affordable, intimate outing that’s more about quality and storytelling than large crowds or complex tours. If you’re traveling with friends or a partner who appreciates good drinks and good conversation, this could be a memorable addition to your trip.

FAQ

Is this a private tour?
Yes, only your group will participate, making it a personalized experience.

How long does the tasting last?
The entire experience is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, giving you enough time to enjoy without feeling rushed.

What is included in the tasting?
You’ll sample four drinks—either wine/mead or cider—and enjoy snacks like Nat’s Nuts for palate cleansing.

What is the price?
It costs approximately $34.62 per person, which includes the guided tasting and snacks, offering good value for a private experience.

When is the experience available?
Most Thursdays, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, between September 2025 and October 2026.

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

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is this suitable for children?
Since the experience involves alcohol, it’s designed for adults. Children are not mentioned as part of the activity.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after an authentic, intimate look at Maine’s craft beverages, this private tasting in Lee offers a thoughtfully curated experience. You’ll get to enjoy a selection of local wines, meads, and ciders in a beautiful setting, all guided by a passionate expert. It’s perfect for wine enthusiasts, curious travelers, or anyone wanting to add a relaxed, scenic activity to their Maine itinerary.

While it’s not a lengthy tour, its charm lies in the personal attention and scenic atmosphere, making it a worthwhile stop for those who appreciate good drinks and good stories. Just keep in mind the limited schedule and the short duration—if you’re after a quick, quality experience with educational insights, this could be just what you’re looking for.