Must be 21 years of age or older.
LET’S GO ON A WINE SAIL!
You're in for an incredible wine education experience as you sail through Maine’s beautiful Casco Bay with scenic views of Maine lighthouses, islands, and waterways, all while indulging in a wine class! You'll walk away knowing a lot about wine, how regional influences impact wine styles and quality, gain confidence knowing how to evaluate, select, and pair wines, and describe what you smell and taste.
Join Sommelier Erica Archer, CWP, WSET Advanced, in beautiful Portland, Maine, for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot sailboat, Frances, built by her Captains and crew on Portland's waterfront, with new seats added for everyone to be seated comfortably. You'll explore some incredibly delicious quality wines from France's renowned Loire Valley that you'll love to have in your repertoire. These wines are diverse, delicious, perfect for summer, and adored by wine newbies and connoisseurs.
Taste and learn about these delicious wines that you'll be thrilled to have in your repertoire
Find out what makes each region and sub-region unique in the styles of wine they produce
Discuss the major grape varieties and some up-and-coming contenders worthy of your attention
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting your next bottle
Learn the basics of tasting or take your wine knowledge to the next level
Enjoy your delicious box of cheeses, cured meats, fruit, nuts, crackers, etc. Due to the nature of our events, we cannot accommodate food allergies, commissions, accommodations, or substitutions during these sails. You are welcome to bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations.
Your Sommelier
Archer is a true oenophile, having obtained high levels of certification in her field. In 2010, she was awarded the Wine Spirit and Education Trust Level Three Advanced Certification in Wines and Spirits (with merit), became a Sommelier in the American Court of Master Sommeliers, and received her Certified Wine Professional award from the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, California. Erica is the principal of Wine Wise, a wine education and events service, and is skilled at creating truly creative and memorable wine experiences that take guests beyond a typical tasting with her intimate understanding of what makes each wine unique. And she’ll do it with her trademark sense of humor.
Where do we meet?
We depart from the Maine State Pier, located at 56 Commercial Street (where Commercial Street meets Franklin Street). You’ll receive a more detailed email a few days before your event.
What else?
Please refer to our FAQ page for answers to questions that you may be wondering about.