Best Beer And Wine Shopping Destinations In Maine

If you're looking to buy beer and wine in Maine, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the state has specific laws regulating the sale and possession of alcohol, with the serving of alcohol supervised by the State Liquor and Lottery Commission. You can find beer, wine, and liquor at various retailers and wholesalers, such as Maine Spirits, RSVP Discount Beverage, and Maine Beer Company. These stores offer a range of options, including craft beer, wine, and spirits, and some even provide delivery services. It's important to note that the legal age to purchase and consume alcohol in Maine is 21, and establishments selling liquor must not be within 300 feet of a school or church.

Liquor laws in Maine

The sale and possession of alcohol in Maine are regulated by Title 28-A of the Maine Revised Statutes. The serving of alcohol in the state is supervised by the State Liquor and Lottery Commission, which consists of five members appointed by the Governor of Maine and confirmed by the Maine Legislature. The Maine Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations (BABLO) is responsible for regulating the business practices of the alcohol industry, creating a favourable economic climate for the industry, and prohibiting sales to minors.

Alcohol may be sold between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m. the following day. On New Year's Day, sales are permitted until 2 a.m., and consumption is allowed in licensed establishments until 2:15 a.m. Alcohol sales are prohibited on Sundays before 5 a.m., except when St. Patrick's Day falls on a Sunday, in which case sales are allowed from 6 a.m. onwards.

It is illegal to distribute free alcoholic beverages or to serve a customer more than two drinks at a time. Drinking games and awarding drinks as prizes are also prohibited. Liquor may be sold from mobile carts on golf courses.

The legal drinking age in Maine is 21, and minors are not allowed to transport liquor unless required by their employment or at the request of a parent or guardian. The legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit for drunk driving is .08%, and teenage drivers are not allowed to have any alcohol in their system. Drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle and carrying open containers of alcohol are prohibited, except in certain cases, such as in vehicles without trunks or in vehicles operated by a licensed caterer.

Public intoxication and consumption are not allowed in Maine state parks and Acadia National Park. It is illegal to consume alcohol within 200 feet of a notice prohibiting alcohol consumption, and law enforcement officers can personally forbid individuals from drinking in public.

Local breweries

Maine is home to a plethora of craft breweries, with 99.9% of beer brewed in the state coming from a member of the Maine Brewers' Guild. The state has consistently ranked highly for the number of breweries per capita, and offers a mix of ocean, mountain, city, and rural brewery experiences.

One of the most well-known breweries in Maine is the Allagash Brewing Company, which offers a variety of beers and a local food truck serving delicious lobster rolls and lobster melt sandwiches. Another popular option is the Shipyard Brewing Company, known for its reasonably priced sampler and wide selection of beers. The Maine Beer Company is also worth a visit, but due to its high popularity, reservations are recommended.

For those looking to explore different types of beers, the Atlantic Brewing Company offers some beers on tap that are not available at its restaurant, Mainely Meats. The Rising Tide Brewing Company has a wide variety of beers, including the Spinnaker Hefeweizen and Choose Love, while the Foundation Brewing Company has a playful and colorful tap list, with a double IPA that pairs well with their Detroit-style pizza.

If you're looking for a cozy atmosphere and a nice variety of styles, the SoMe Brewing Company is a great choice, offering Kolsch, Amber, and IPA options. For those who enjoy outdoor seating and amazing pizza, the Boothbay Craft Brewery and Flight Deck Brewing are excellent choices.

Online retailers

If you're looking to buy beer and wine in Maine, there are several online retailers that can provide a wide range of options. Here are some of the top choices:

Total Wine & More

Total Wine & More offers a vast selection of beer and wine options, including some from Maine. They provide online services, allowing you to browse and purchase from the comfort of your home. Total Wine & More also offers various deals and specials, helping you save money on your favourite beverages.

Maine Beer Company

The Maine Beer Company, founded in 2009 by brothers David and Daniel Kleban, offers a unique range of beers crafted with care. Their website provides detailed descriptions of their beers, including flavour profiles and ABV percentages. You can explore their selection and learn about their commitment to social responsibility and environmental causes.

RSVP Discount Beverage

RSVP Discount Beverage is a Maine liquor store that provides alcohol delivery services. They offer a range of beers, wines, and liquors, and you can contact them via phone or email to place your order. RSVP Discount Beverage caters to both individual customers and restaurant/bar owners in Southern Maine, ensuring top-notch service and customer satisfaction.

BeerMenus

BeerMenus is an online platform that helps you discover where to buy specific beers near you. By entering your location, you can explore nearby places that offer a diverse selection of beers. BeerMenus also provides valuable information about different beers, such as their flavour profiles and ABV percentages.

These online retailers offer a convenient way to purchase beer and wine in Maine, allowing you to browse, compare, and order from the comfort of your home. Remember to drink responsibly and adhere to the legal drinking age restrictions in your area.

Wholesale suppliers

Maine has a number of wholesale suppliers of beer and wine.

Maine Spirits

Maine Spirits is the exclusive wholesale supplier of liquor for the State of Maine. They stock a range of spirits, including white rum, whisky, tequila, gin, and vodka.

RSVP Discount Beverage

RSVP Discount Beverage is a wholesale alcohol seller that delivers across Maine. They stock a variety of beers, liquors, and wines, including Sacred Profane's Smoked Dark Lager, Chocolat White Chocolate Liquor, and Scarpetta Barbera del Monferrato. They also offer special order requests for customers.

Central Distributors

Central Distributors is a family-owned, full-service beverage distributor in Maine, specialising in beer and wine. Their portfolio includes domestic, craft, and imported beers and ales, as well as table wines, sparkling wines, and fortified wines from popular wine regions worldwide. They offer sales and delivery services statewide.

Retail stores

If you're looking to buy beer and wine in Maine, there are several retail stores you can visit.

One option is the Maine Beer Company, which has a tasting room that's open daily and a bottle shop that opens at 10 am. They hold their beer to a high standard and have an extensive lab and sensory testing process to ensure quality and consistency. Their beer is distributed in many states across the country, and their website provides links to distributors in each area. The Maine Beer Company also has a mezzanine that offers additional seating and a tasting room with 20 draft lines, as well as merchandise and bottles to go.

Another option is RSVP Discount Beverage, which is a liquor store in Southern Maine that offers a wide range of beers, wines, and liquors. They also provide alcohol delivery and wholesale services. Their store is open from 9 am to 8 pm Monday through Saturday and from 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays. They also offer call-ahead curbside pickup every day until 6 pm.

Additionally, Total Wine & More offers a variety of beer, wine, and spirits options, with deals and savings on certain products. Their website provides information on product availability and pick-up options.

These are just a few examples of retail stores where you can purchase beer and wine in Maine. Each store will have its own unique selection, so it's worth exploring to find your preferred choices.

Frequently asked questions