What pairs well with lobster? (If you’re thinking hot butter, we’ve got a better option for you.) The Maine Lobster Festival’s annual Steins & Vines tasting event is one where fine wines and good craft brews actually upstage Maine lobster for an afternoon while live music plays as you mingle.

On Thursday, August 2, 2018, people from around the country will converge in Rockland, Maine, to sample delicious, locally crafted wines and beers while getting to know the brewers and vintners who make them.

All about the Steins

With more than 120 craft breweries in the state, Maine is currently on the top 10 list of best states for craft beer scenes and you’ll find some of the most diverse flavors in the Midcoast right here at this event.

If you’ve never been to a beer tasting event, there’s an art to getting the most out of a pour. First, you’ll get a small, 3-ounce glass. The brewer will pour for you. Take the time to note the color. Then, put your nose into the glass to detect the earthy smell of hops or the fruity smell of botanicals. Take small sips at first to let the flavor linger, and talk with your brewers. They’ll be happy to tell you what went into their creations.

All about the Vines

In Midcoast Maine, we have four stellar vineyards growing their own grapes and making award-winning wines, some from family-owned farms that go back a century. Some of those vintners who participated last year will be back again, introducing their dry reds and whites, along with their sweeter varieties.

With wine tasting, bring a tasting book or try this app for your smartphone. Experts recommend you avoid wearing any fragrance/aftershave, which might interfere with the wine’s aromas. Your goal is to have fun, as Steins & Vines isn’t a super serious event. And break out of your typical wine comfort zone to try something from Maine you never thought you’d like. You’ll be surprised!

Tickets are $25 each, which gets you into the entire Maine Lobster Festival. Participants 21 and over will receive 12 tickets to pick their tastings, as well as a commemorative glass.