Must be 21 years of age or older.
LET’S GO ON A WINE & FOOD SAIL!
You’ll be joining Sommelier Erica Archer of Wine Wise and Chefs/Owners Shanna & Brian O’Hea of Academie Brasserie at the Kennebunk Inn, for a gorgeous scenic wine and food sail on board the 74-foot sailboat, The Frances, built by her Captains and crew on Portland's waterfront. You’ll sail and sip five incredibly delicious wines that you'll love to have in your repertoire ... each paired with food thoughtfully prepared for you by two awesome chefs.
You're in for an incredible wine and food 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 and eating delicious food. You'll walk away with 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. And no doubt you will enjoy every bite of food that Chefs O’Hea prepare for you.
The menu will be available close to the date of the event as these chefs take inspiration from only the freshest local ingredients. Due to the nature of this event, we regret that we cannot accommodate food substitutions.
Your Chefs
Chefs Shanna and Brian O’Hea, who met as students at the Culinary Institute of America, are Chef-Owners since 2003 of Academe Brasserie and The Kennebunk Inn in Kennebunk, Maine. Built in 1799 and featuring 23 guest rooms/suites and a 100-seat restaurant, the Inn anchors Main Street in one of Maine’s most popular tourist destinations. In 2019, Food Network listed The Kennebunk Inn #3 among the Best Hotels for Foodies in the U.S.
The O'Heas have gained widespread recognition through numerous appearances as Guest Chefs on Holland America Cruise Line and in culinary events across the U.S. and internationally, including Walt Disney World Epcot International Food and Wine Festival since 2011. Shanna competed on Food Network's "Chopped” and “Beat Bobby Flay” and won "Rewrapped."
Academe’s signature Lobster Pot Pie has been featured in O, The Oprah Magazine as a Gayle King favorite, the Travel and Leisure Holiday Gift Guide, Food Network’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate,” and Travel Channel’s “Food Paradise”; its Lobster White Truffle Pizza on the “O List” in O, The Oprah Magazine and Travel Channel’s “Food Paradise.” Both Academe products and a recent creation, Lobster Lo’Maine, as well as lobster rolls are available at Goldbelly.com shipping fresh overnight across the U.S.
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 and down-to-earth style.
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. Please refer to our FAQ page for answers to questions that you may be wondering about.
CANCELLATIONS/RESCHEDULES/NO SHOWS
Because of our size, cancellations affect us significantly. If we are able to re-sell your tickets we can refund your ticket price minus the $20.00 credit card transactions we have to pay OR reschedule you to a different date that has availability (there is no credit card transaction fee in this case). You are always welcome to send a friend or family member in your place or sell your own tickets. Just make sure we have the ticket holder's email address so we can send them the event notifications, so they are aware of where to find us and any day-of weather-related notifications. There are no refunds or reschedules for no-shows or if we are not able to resell your tickets. Makes sense, right?