Discover Camden, Maine & Cellar Door Winery: A Coastal Escape

The two-hour drive north from Portland to Camden, Maine, proved to be a scenic prelude to an enriching day of exploration. Camden, a picturesque harbor town, is renowned for its vibrant maritime history and the spectacle of its annual Windjammer Festival. This Labor Day weekend celebration transforms the harbor into a sea of sails, as hundreds of windjammers parade in a breathtaking display of nautical prowess. The festival buzzes with energy, featuring events like the "schooner crew" talent show, adding a touch of lighthearted competition to the festivities. Beyond the main event, windjammer cruises offer visitors a chance to experience the charm of these majestic vessels firsthand, allowing them to chart their own course through the sparkling waters of Penobscot Bay. Year-round, Camden hosts other maritime celebrations, including the Windjammer Gam and the Great Schooner Race, solidifying its identity as a hub of sailing tradition.

A great video of the windjammer parade of boats at the Camden Windjammer Festival.

Our exploration of Camden began with a leisurely drive through its historic streets. We admired the architectural gems that line the thoroughfares, including the stately Camden Opera House, a testament to the town's rich cultural heritage. The High Street Historic District offered a glimpse into 19th-century life, showcasing beautifully preserved homes that whisper stories of generations past. Even the Camden Public Library, with its meticulously landscaped amphitheater, exuded an air of timeless elegance. A surprising discovery was the nearby Camden Snow Bowl, a truly unique ski destination. Imagine carving down slopes with panoramic ocean views – a rare and exhilarating experience. This unconventional venue even plays host to the U.S. National Toboggan Championships, adding another layer of intrigue to its already compelling character.

Toboggan Run down the Camden Snow Bowl.

After capturing our introductory footage against the backdrop of the harbor, we embarked on a short journey south, retracing our route to the Cellar Door Winery. While Cellar Door boasts a convenient tasting room in Portland, we were drawn to the allure of their main vineyard and winery, nestled in the rolling hills outside of Camden. This decision proved to be inspired. The Cellar Door property is a sprawling haven of rural beauty. The tasting room, vineyards, and event spaces seamlessly blend into the landscape, creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors. A well-stocked gift shop and a restaurant serving delectable cuisine further enhance the experience, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

Our exploration of Cellar Door's offerings culminated in a delightful wine tasting. Among the impressive selection, the Perfect Stranger emerged as a clear favorite. This crisp and refreshing white wine, crafted from 100% Cayuga grapes, offered a delightful balance of acidity and fruit-forward notes. The hints of pear and green apple made it the perfect accompaniment to a sunny Maine afternoon.

Cellar Door's approach to wine-making is a true demonstration of ingenuity and adaptability. Recognizing the challenges of cultivating wine grapes in Maine's harsh climate, they've adopted a resourceful strategy. Instead of attempting to grow grapes locally, they source premium grapes from regions renowned for viticulture, such as the Finger Lakes in New York, the Columbia Valley in Washington, and even select vineyards in California. These carefully chosen grapes are then transformed into wine at the Cellar Door winery, allowing them to craft wines that reflect their unique style and vision. This innovative approach provides wine enthusiasts on the East Coast with access to a diverse range of high-quality wines that would otherwise be unavailable. As a wine aficionado, I appreciated the nuances that even the transport of grapes or juice can impart to the final product.

The Cellar Door Winery near Camden, Maine episode.

Our visit to Cellar Door was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. We savored the beauty of the property, immersed ourselves in the ambiance, and, of course, indulged in the fruits of their labor. With our episode segments captured and our palates pleased, we returned to our Portland accommodations, our minds brimming with the memories of a day well spent. Another chapter in our travelogue was complete, filled with the sights, sounds, and tastes of Maine's captivating landscape.