Sweetgrass Farm Winery & Distillery Destroyed By Fire

A lot of focus is put on Maine's beer culture.

Yes, over the last few decades we have seen the number of craft breweries explode. These days, no matter how small the town is, there is a good chance that it is home to at least one or two great breweries.

We put so much focus on our breweries that sometimes we forget that we have some great wineries. Yes, Maine is currently home to over two dozen wineries.

Additionally, we have some great distilleries, too. Cold River, for example. And, who hasn't marveled over how good Chadwick's Reaper's Revenge is when compared to other, more well known, cinnamon whiskies?

Sadly, we got word earlier this week that Maine had lost one of its wineries and distilleries.

The Fire at Sweetgrass Farm in Union

According to an article in the KJ, an early Monday morning fire destroyed the much loved Union, Maine business.

The article explains that the fire was reported at about 2 AM and several departments showed up to fight the blaze. Firefighters were able to stop the fire from spreading across the rest of the property, which is located at 347 Carroll Road. The owners’ home and barn sit right next to the winery, but both were spared. No one was hurt.

The owners posted on the business’s Facebook page that they are heartbroken, but thankful their family is safe and their home is still standing. They also thanked the community for reaching out with kindness.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Union fire Chief Jesse Thompson was not immediately available for comment on Monday.

About Sweetgrass Farm Winery & Distillery

The small business, owned by a husband and wife team, operates the farm/winery/distillery and a retail shop in Portland's Old Port.

Sweetgrass is known for its variety of fruit wines, like their Blueberry Smash and Cranberry Smash. On the distillery side, they are known for their Back River Gin.

While the fire may have destroyed the farm, the retail shop in Portland remains open.