2024 Event Schedule
Like a Fine Wine… Getting Better Every day
Sunset WINE SAIL: Celebrating Women Winemakers @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot Sailboat, Frances as you explore five delicious quality wines from some incredible women winemakers with Sommelier Erica Archer. 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.
Find out what makes each wine region unique in the styles of wine they produce
Discuss the major grape varieties and styles worthy of your attention
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting your next bottle of wine
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 may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations.
PRICE: $150 per person
LINK: Wine Wise
Portland Wine Week is Presented by Wine Wise with Partner Sponsors Bangor Savings and Buoy Local.
WINE SAIL: France @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: 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 a selection of delicious quality wines from the diverse wine regions of France that you'll love to have in your repertoire.
Taste and learn about some delicious wines from the renowned and diverse sub-regions of France with all the varying climates, elevations, terrain, classic and emerging wines, and styles.
Find out what makes each wine region unique in the styles of wine they produce
Discuss the major grape varieties and styles worthy of your attention
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting your next bottle of wine
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 may bring your snack if you have food allergies or hesitations.
PRICE: $150 per person
LINK: Wine Wise
Portland Wine Week is Presented by Wine Wise with Partner Sponsors Bangor Savings and Buoy Local.
(SOLD OUT) SUNSET WINE SAIL: Spain @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise 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 a selection of delicious quality wines from the diverse wine regions of Spain that you'll love to have in your repertoire.
Taste and learn about some delicious wines from the renowned and diverse sub-regions of Spain with all of its varying climates, elevations, terrain, classic and emerging wines, and styles.
Find out what makes each Spanish wine region unique in the styles of wine they produce
Discuss the major and emerging Spanish grape varieties and styles worthy of your attention
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting your next bottle of wine
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 may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations.
PRICE: $150 per person
LINK: Wine Wise
Portland Wine Week is Presented by Wine Wise with Partner Sponsors Bangor Savings and Buoy Local.
SUNSET WINE SAIL: Sparkling Wines @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot Sailboat, Frances as you explore some delicious sparkling wines from around the world with Sommelier Erica Archer. 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.
Taste and learn about a series of five delicious sparkling wines from around the world, including, of course, Champagne, France that you’ll love having in your repertoire.
Discover classic and emerging sparkling wine regions, styles, and producers that this exciting and growing category of sparkling wines has to offer.
Discuss the major styles of sparkling wines (e.g., pet-nat, Charmant, and Methode Champagnoise) worthy of your attention.
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a sparkling wine label when selecting your next glass or 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 may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations.
PRICE: $150 per person
LINK: Wine Wise
Portland Wine Week is Presented by Wine Wise with Partner Sponsors Bangor Savings and Buoy Local.
(SOLD OUT) WINE SAIL: The Mediterranean @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot Sailboat, Frances as you explore five delicious quality wines from some incredible women winemakers with Sommelier Erica Archer. 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.
Taste and learn about a series of five delicious wines from all around The Mediterranean from countries such as Greece, Mediterranean France, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Lebanon, etc.
Discover some incredible gems, emerging and classic, that you’ll love to have in your repertoire.
Learn a few things to expect from wines made in these Mediterranean counties and climates.
Discuss the major grape varieties and styles worthy of your attention.
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting wine.
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 may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations.
COST: $125 per person
LINK: winewiseevents.com
RESERVE: Click here to purchase tickets.
(SOLD OUT) WINE SAIL: Portugal + Spain @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot Sailboat, Frances as you explore some delicious sparkling wines from around the world with Sommelier Erica Archer. 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.
Taste and learn about a series of five delicious sparkling wines from around the world, including, of course, Champagne, France that you’ll love having in your repertoire.
Taste and learn about some delicious wines from Iberian Portugal + Spain as we explore indigenous grape varieties grown in varying climates, elevations, terrain, and classic and emerging wines and styles.
Find out what makes each wine region unique in the styles of wine they produce
Discuss the major and emerging Portuguese and Spanish grape varieties and styles worthy of your attention
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting your next bottle of wine
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 may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations.
COST: $125 per person
LINK: winewiseevents.com
RESERVE: Click here to purchase tickets.
WINE SAIL: Tuscany @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot Sailboat, Frances as you explore some delicious sparkling wines from around the world with Sommelier Erica Archer. 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.
Taste and learn about a series of five delicious sparkling wines from around the world, including, of course, Champagne, France that you’ll love having in your repertoire.
Taste and learn about five delicious wines from Tuscany, such as Carmignano, Chianti Classico, Montalcino, Maremma, San Gimignano, etc.
Find out what makes Tuscany’s regions and sub-regions unique in their styles of wine.
Discuss the major grape varieties and styles worthy of your attention.
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting wine.
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 may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations.
COST: $125 per person
LINK: winewiseevents.com
RESERVE: Click here to purchase tickets.
(SOLD OUT) WINE SAIL: Sparkling Wines @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot Sailboat, Frances as you explore some delicious sparkling wines from around the world with Sommelier Erica Archer. 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.
Taste and learn about a series of five delicious sparkling wines from around the world, including, of course, Champagne, France that you’ll love having in your repertoire.
Discover classic and emerging sparkling wine regions, styles, and producers that this exciting and growing category of sparkling wines has to offer.
Discuss the major styles of sparkling wines (e.g., pet-nat, Charmant, and Methode Champagnoise) worthy of your attention.
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a sparkling wine label when selecting your next glass or 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 may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations.
COST: $125 per person
LINK: winewiseevents.com
RESERVE: Click here to purchase tickets.
WINE SAIL: Celebrating Women Winemakers @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot Sailboat, Frances as you explore five delicious quality wines from some incredible women winemakers with Sommelier Erica Archer. 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.
Find out what makes each wine region unique in the styles of wine they produce
Discuss the major grape varieties and styles worthy of your attention
Learn what to expect from certain terms on a wine label when selecting your next bottle of wine
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 may bring your own snack if you have food allergies or hesitations.
COST: $125 per person
LINK: winewiseevents.com
RESERVE: Click here to purchase tickets.
LUNCHEON: Women Winemakers @ Falmouth Country Club
SPONSORED BY BACK COVE FINANCIAL.
DETAILS: This event is part of a series of Opening Day Events at Falmouth Country Club. On Monday (6/12) join us for an incredible kick-off to Portland Wine Week and our Women in Wine Track with a 4-course luncheon. Four incredible women wine professionals will be representing, pouring, and discussing their favorite women winemakers' wines from their portfolios. Each of the four wines will be paired with a delicious course from The Falmouth Country Club culinary team. People will be seated at a table sized according to the number of people in the reservation. See below for instructions for buying tickets when wanting to be seated with other people.Don't delay in getting your tickets! If there was ever a reason to take the day off from work to enjoy a long, leisurely, and delicious wine lunch, this is it.
COST: $95 per person includes food, wine, and tax.
Due to the nature of this event, we regret that we cannot accommodate food substitutions.
RESERVE: PURCHASE TICKETS
GET YOUR TICKETS TO ALL OPENING DAY EVENTS AT FALMOUTH COUNTRY CLUB:
9:00-11:30 am Women in Wine Panel Discussion: $20
11:30-2:00 pm Women Winemaker Luncheon: $95
5:30-9:00 pm Women in Wine Dinner: Who Paired it Better? $200
Portland Wine Week is Presented by Wine Wise with Partner Sponsor Bangor Savings.
EMCEES:
FEATURING:
Alexis Iaconis
Alexis and Matt Iaconis founded Brick & Mortar in 2011 and co-run the winery. Our all-lowercase name serves as a metaphor for our foundational philosophy highlight the vineyard with minimal intervention, and run a winery that is down to earth, yet high performing. We firmly believe this philosophy embodies authenticity at its core.
Amanda Denniston
Amanda started eighteen twenty wines in 2015 with a friend who had been home-brewing rhubarb wine. Amanda has a strong background in marketing, had worked professionally in the wine industry, and wanted to take on the challenge of bringing a good wine to the market made with local produce (rhubarb). She has taken her love of wine and Maine, her marketing experience, and her constant curiosity to keep Eighteen Twenty growing.
Sheilah McGovern
Sheilah McGovern is a resident of York, ME. She studied oenology and viticulture in Reims, Bordeaux and Beaune and completed an internship with Joseph Phelps in Napa Valley. She grew up at The Hermitage Inn in Wilmington, Vermont where she and her father created one of the first, Grand Award Winning Wine Lists from the Wine Spectator with over 2,000 selections and a 40,000 bottle cellar. She has worked for Vineyard Brands, importers of fine wines from family estates and innovative wineries around the world for over 37 years.
Laura Zimmerman
Originally from Philadelphia, Laura Zimmerman has been living and working in Maine for twenty-two years. A veteran of the hospitality industry, Laura has been a sales representative with Crush Distributors since its inception in 2009, helping bring the company to the forefront of the New England distributor market. Her experiences meeting producers and their families, learning about different winemaking traditions across the globe, and all the unforgettable moments she's collected over the years remind her daily that it's about more than what's in the bottle. Today she will pour one of her favorite Women Winemaker wines for us to enjoy.
CANCELLATIONS/RESCHEDULES/NO SHOWS
Cancellations affect us significantly. No refunds will be permitted after June 1. We will have incurred all the expenses for wine, food, and rentals for your reservation by then. Before June 1, if you need to cancel … if we can re-sell your table, we can refund you minus the $20.00 credit card transaction fee per headcount (e.g., table for 2 = $40, table for 3 = $60). 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 holders’ names and email addresses so we may send them event notifications, including any day-of weather-related communications. There are no refunds or reschedules for no-shows or if we are not able to resell your tickets. Makes sense, right?
Transportation between Portland and falmouth country club:
On Opening Day (6/12) Transportation Sponsor Maine Limousine Service will provide complimentary transportation between the Press Hotel in Portland and Falmouth Country Club on their beautiful executive sprinter (before dinner) and shuttle bus (photos below) for after dinner. Seating is limited. Get your event tickets and reserve your Maine Limousine chauffeured transportation by emailing kim@mainelimo.com.
(SOLD OUT) WINE SAIL: Delicious Sparkling Wines @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot Sailboat, Frances as you explore some delicious sparkling wines from around the world with Sommelier Erica Archer. 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.
* Taste and learn about five delicious high-quality sparking wines
* Discover what makes each sparkling wine and wine region unique
* Discuss major styles and influences of the different regions on the wines they produce
* Learn what to expect from certain terms on a sparkling wine label when selecting your next bottle
* Learn the basics of tasting or take your wine knowledge to the next level
* Enjoy a selection of delicious cheeses, fruit, and nuts.
COST: $125 per person
LINK: winewiseevents.com
RESERVE: Click here to purchase tickets.
WINE SAIL: Celebrating Women Winemakers @ Wine Wise
DETAILS: Join presenting sponsor Wine Wise for a gorgeous scenic wine sail on board the 74-foot Sailboat, Frances as you explore five delicious quality wines from some incredible women winemakers with Sommelier Erica Archer. 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.
* Taste and learn about some delicious high-quality women-made wines
* Discuss major styles and influences of the different regions on the wines they produce
* Learn what to expect from certain terms on a sparkling wine label when selecting your next bottle
* Learn the basics of tasting or take your wine knowledge to the next level
* Enjoy a selection of delicious cheeses, fruit, and nuts.
COST: $125 per person
LINK: winewiseevents.com
RESERVE: Click here to purchase tickets.
(SOLD OUT) LUNCHEON: Women Winemakers @ Falmouth Country Club
SPONSORED BY BACK COVE FINANCIAL.
If you’ve been hearing that we’re pouring a Ukrainian Artwine at this luncheon, and the panel before it, you heard right! Read the details on the Wine Wise blog.
Don't delay in getting your tickets! If there was ever a reason to take the day off from work to enjoy a long, leisurely, and delicious wine lunch, this is it.
DETAILS: This event is part of a series of Opening Day Events at Falmouth Country Club. On Monday (6/13) join us at Falmouth Country Club for an incredible kick-off to Portland Wine Week and our Women in Wine Track with a 4-course luncheon inside Falmouth Country Club. Four incredible women wine professionals will be representing, pouring, and discussing their favorite women winemakers' wines from their portfolios. Each of the four wines will be paired with a delicious course from Chef Mel Harrington of Sunday Supper Society, based in Kittery, Maine.
COST: $95 per person includes food, wine, and tax.
Due to the nature of this event, we regret that we cannot accommodate food substitutions.
11:30-12:00 PM Seating | 12:00 - 2:00 PM Luncheon
RESERVE: TICKETS
EMCEES:
FEATURING:
Gayle Corrigan
Saperavi - Importer of Ukrainian and Georgian Wines, With a MBA in accounting from Boston University, Gayle has held various roles as CFO, VP, director, and chief of staff of corporations in the US and Russia, as well as several municipalities around the state of Rhode Island, most recently directing her own staffing and consulting business. Her journey into the world of wine was inspired by an experience on a summer abroad program in 1989. While studying Russian language in the USSR, Gayle was invited to a feast prepared by gracious students from what was then the Soviet Republic of Georgia, now the country of Georgia. These friendly Georgians prepared heaps of delectable foods and served wines unlike anything she had ever tasted. More incredible, these wines were homemade, and they relayed the fact that most people in Georgia make their own wine. The generosity of spirit of these Georgians and their extraordinary wine, was never forgotten.
During many stints living and working in Russia, Gayle met colleagues with family in Georgia, and became reacquainted with the culture. Looking for a new venture, she met with Georgians eager to export wine to America. Through extensive travel and education, Gayle’s goal is to introduce Georgian and Ukrainian wines to American palates.
Penny Murray
Export Manager - Planeta, Mt Etna, Sicily. Penelope (Penny) Alexandra Murray, born and raised in England, left her country in 1988 with the aim of travelling and learning about foreign cultures. She initially sold artwork throughout Italy, then, motivated by her strong interest in different aspects of the wine trade, she entered into the world of wine. She consulted in the areas of export and public relations for various companies, then joined Castello del Terriccio Winery, Castellina M.ma – Pisa, where she stayed for 5 years. Today, Penny is Export Manager for Sicily’s acclaimed Planeta wines, a collection of boutique wineries that represent a journey through Sicily, showcasing the island’s diverse terroir.
Michele D’Aprix
Winemaker/Owner MDX Wines Côtes du Castillon, France. Originally from upstate New York, Michele D’Aprix worked as a bartender in Boston while studying Organic Chemistry at UMass. Her ability to multi-task was finely honed behind the bar. Those years in service (along with her extremely limited lab skills) landed Michele her first winery gig at Dry Creek Vineyard in California. She loved the job so much that she decided to enroll in UC Davis’s Fermentation Science program (earning her 2nd degree), this time in Viticulture & Enology. In search of more experience, Michele found work at wineries in the Rhone Valley and South Africa, finally arriving in Bordeaux, where she trained with the accomplished and highly-regarded vigneron Stéphane Derenocourt. Fully-immersed at this point, Michele studied his methodology in both the vineyard and cellar, combining the fine art of organic farming and minimal intervention winemaking. Ready to add her own touch after few years, Michele became the winemaker at a small property in the Montagne-St Emilion A.O.C. where she developed a solo project, calling it "Pentimento.” At the start of it, and to this day (much to her surprise), she is the only American woman making her own wine in the region of Bordeaux. She now splits her winemaking efforts between Bordeaux, Costières de Nîmes (France) and Montsant (Spain), where she has multiple projects. Michele’s home is still in the U.S., and she spends a large amount of her State-side time traveling to visit customers.
Amanda Denniston
Owner/Winemaker, Eighteen-Twenty Wines, Portland, Maine. Amanda started eighteen twenty wines in 2015 with a friend who had been home-brewing rhubarb wine. When she tried it, she had the same reaction everyone else does when they have it "this actually tastes good".
Amanda has a strong background in marketing, had worked professionally in the wine industry, and wanted to take on the challenge of bringing a good wine to market made with local produce (rhubarb).
She has taken her love of wine and Maine, her marketing experience, and constant curiosity to keep eighteen twenty growing.
Amanda is also the Director of Marketing at DAVO Technologies and is the mother to an awesome little boy named Emmett and two vizslas named Otto and Milo. She grew up and currently resides on Peaks Island with her husband, Alex.
Chef Mel Harrington
Chef Mel Harrington Owner of Sunday Supper Society, a catering & event company based in Kittery Maine, that hosts a monthly farm-to-table supper club out of the barn on a property built in the 1800s, as well as off-site catering and private chef services. Mel was born in Vermont and grew up working in restaurants throughout New England for over 20 years. She holds a degree in business and recently passed her sommelier certification exam! Her passions are growing food, making pasta, traveling, and yoga. The menu she has created for this luncheon is nothing short of awesome and we can't wait to taste it all!
GET YOUR TICKETS TO ALL OPENING DAY EVENTS AT FALMOUTH COUNTRY CLUB:
Portland Wine Week is Presented by Wine Wise.
TRANSPORTATION BETWEEN PORTLAND AND FALMOUTH COUNTRY CLUB:
On Opening Day (6/13) Transportation Sponsor Maine Limousine Service will provide complimentary transportation between the Press Hotel in Portland and Falmouth Country Club on their beautiful executive sprinter (before dinner) and shuttle bus (photos below) for after dinner. Seating is limited. Get your event tickets and reserve your Maine Limousine chauffeured transportation by emailing kim@mainelimo.com.
PANEL DISCUSSION: Women in Wine Panel: Pushing the Boundaries
SPONSORED BY COFFEE BY DESIGN.
DETAILS: The wine industry, both in production and distribution, has long been a male-dominated industry. This has slowly been changing over the last few decades. This panel is made up of women who have push the boundaries and found ways to create their own places in the world of wine. As more and more women take up positions of respect and authority in the wine industry it is changing the business of wine and how wine is consumed. Come and hear the background stories and thoughts from these women who have been at the forefront of making this change happen, who have pushed the boundaries, and found ways to create their own places in the world of wine.
Join us on Monday, June 13, from at the Falmouth Country Club to kick-off Portland Wine Week with an insightful discussion on what it’s like being a woman in the wine industry and how these women claimed their spot in this evolving industry.
COST: $15 per person
Special note:
Each year at this event we pour a sparkling wine from the portfolio of one of the panelists to have a toast to kick off Portland Wine Week. We are so pleased to announce that we will be pouring the delicious Ukrainian Traditional method sparkling wine for this occasion. This has put a whole new excitement and greater purpose into this event. It is now a fundraiser for World Central Kitchen to aid their efforts of feeding the fleeing people of Ukraine. If you go to the event page, you'll notice that there are two ticket prices:
$15 ticket price to attend
A donation in $25 increments to World Central Kitchen
These are two mutually exclusive "tickets". You do not need to donate to purchase a ticket to attend, and you do not need to attend to donate. But there are benefits to doing both because Gayle is donating a Magnum (1.5 Liter) of Artwinery's Soloking sparkling wine to present to the person donating the most and in attendance.
RESERVE: Click here to purchase tickets and/or donate
MODERATOR:
PANELISTS:
BIOS:
Moderator:
Erica Archer
Sommelier/Owner at Wine Wise, Founder of Portland Wine Week, Wine Consultant at Falmouth Country Club.Erica grew up in Portland, Maine and is has an undergraduate degree in International Studies from University of Sourthn Maine and a Masters in Business from the UNH Whittemore School of Business. After which she began her wine training at the Culinary Institute of America’s wine program in St. Helena-Napa Valley. She used her vacation time to fly out and take wine classes and then ultimately to sit for their exams. After that program, she continued her studies with WSET and “the Court”. She funded Wine Wise as a side-hustle in 2010 and became fully committed to it in 2012. She founded Portland Wine Week in 2018. Join her on land and at sea in the iconic Portland, Maine, and abroad on small-group trips to renowned wine regions of the world.
Featured Panelists:
Michele D’Aprix
Winemaker/Owner MDX Wines Côtes du Castillon, France. Originally from upstate New York, Michele D’Aprix worked as a bartender in Boston while studying Organic Chemistry at UMass. Her ability to multi-task was finely honed behind the bar. Those years in service (along with her extremely limited lab skills) landed Michele her first winery gig at Dry Creek Vineyard in California. She loved the job so much that she decided to enroll in UC Davis’s Fermentation Science program (earning her 2nd degree), this time in Viticulture & Enology. In search of more experience, Michele found work at wineries in the Rhone Valley and South Africa, finally arriving in Bordeaux, where she trained with the accomplished and highly-regarded vigneron Stéphane Derenocourt. Fully-immersed at this point, Michele studied his methodology in both the vineyard and cellar, combining the fine art of organic farming and minimal intervention winemaking. Ready to add her own touch after few years, Michele became the winemaker at a small property in the Montagne-St Emilion A.O.C. where she developed a solo project, calling it "Pentimento.” At the start of it, and to this day (much to her surprise), she is the only American woman making her own wine in the region of Bordeaux. She now splits her winemaking efforts between Bordeaux, Costières de Nîmes (France) and Montsant (Spain), where she has multiple projects. Michele’s home is still in the U.S., and she spends a large amount of her State-side time traveling to visit customers.
Penny Murray
Export Manager - Planeta, Mt Etna, Sicily. Penelope (Penny) Alexandra Murray, born and raised in England, left her country in 1988 with the aim of travelling and learning about foreign cultures. She initially sold artwork throughout Italy, then, motivated by her strong interest in different aspects of the wine trade, she entered into the world of wine. She consulted in the areas of export and public relations for various companies, then joined Castello del Terriccio Winery, Castellina M.ma – Pisa, where she stayed for 5 years. Today, Penny is Export Manager for Sicily’s acclaimed Planeta wines, a collection of boutique wineries that represent a journey through Sicily, showcasing the island’s diverse terroir.
Gayle Corrigan
Saperavi - Importer of Ukrainian and Georgian Wines, With a MBA in accounting from Boston University, Gayle has held various roles as CFO, VP, director, and chief of staff of corporations in the US and Russia, as well as several municipalities around the state of Rhode Island, most recently directing her own staffing and consulting business. Her journey into the world of wine was inspired by an experience on a summer abroad program in 1989. While studying Russian language in the USSR, Gayle was invited to a feast prepared by gracious students from what was then the Soviet Republic of Georgia, now the country of Georgia. These friendly Georgians prepared heaps of delectable foods and served wines unlike anything she had ever tasted. More incredible, these wines were homemade, and they relayed the fact that most people in Georgia make their own wine. The generosity of spirit of these Georgians and their extraordinary wine, was never forgotten.
During many stints living and working in Russia, Gayle met colleagues with family in Georgia, and became reacquainted with the culture. Looking for a new venture, she met with Georgians eager to export wine to America. Through extensive travel and education, Gayle’s goal is to introduce Georgian and Ukrainian wines to American palates.
Cha McCoy
Cha is a certified sommelier, public speaker, founder and business owner of Cha Squared Experiences, a beverage consulting company focused on events, tourism, and education. She has been recognized by the Wine Enthusiast Magazine as “Top 40 Under 40 Tastemakers” and Wine & Spirits Magazine “Rising Black Voices in Wine”. McCoy’s list of clients includes James Beard Foundation, Facebook, NBC. With roles as Beverage Director for Charleston Wine + Food Festival and Cherry Bombe Magazine’s first Beverage Director & Editor. Her work has been celebrated for making wine more accessible, through initiatives like the signature wine dinner series, The Communion. And educating new wine drinkers as an adjunct professor teaching wine history and appreciation at Syracuse University, her alma mater.
Dyane Lacerda
Southern Maine Wine Sales Rep Extrordinaire of Wicked Wines in Brewer Maine. Born in the Azores, on the island of Faial, Dyane has been selling wine in Maine for 10 years. Her current position is a sales rep and portfolio manager for Wicked Wines. She found her place in the industry through a natural progression of exploring craft beer, fine dining, and biodynamic wines. What started as a thirst for tasting new things became a desire to learn more about how these things came to be - particularly through geography, history, and cultural traditions. She is inspired by those who express the land through the wines they produce, and her ambition is to support the work of these artisans.
Maeghan Fortier
Maeghan is the owner of Millennial Imports, in s, Portland, Maine, which has been importing wines from Europe since 2018. Born and raised in Maine, Maeghan has a background in athletic training – passion created by a desire to help people feel good about themselves and enjoy life to the fullest. Over a glass of wine in Lisbon, Portugal, she realized that sharing the wines she had discovered on her travels was another way to pursue the same goals. Millennial Imports focuses on sustainably produced wines that offer high quality at a good value. Maeghan’s wines are a way to make the everyday a little less ordinary.
GET YOUR TICKETS TO ALL OPENING DAY EVENTS AT FALMOUTH COUNTRY CLUB:
Portland Wine Week is Presented by Wine Wise.
Transportation between Portland and falmouth country club:
On Opening Day (6/13) Transportation Sponsor Maine Limousine Service will provide complimentary transportation between the Press Hotel in Portland and Falmouth Country Club on their beautiful executive sprinter (before dinner) and shuttle bus (photos below) for after dinner. Seating is limited. Get your event tickets and reserve your Maine Limousine chauffeured transportation by emailing kim@mainelimo.com.