SHOP TALK – May 2014
by Veronique McAree | Photography  Amanda Kowalski

Bettina Doulton didn’t write a formal business plan on how to become a Maine vintner. But this former investment banker has happily found herself smack dab in the middle of the midcoast growing grapes, making wine, and most recently introducing her Cellardoor At Home line of delectable vinegars, olive oils, jams, and more. Here’s the delicious scoop. 

Grapes are not the first crop that springs to mind when we think about Maine. Blueberries, potatoes, lobster? Sure. Grapes for wine? Not so much. But Cellardoor Winery is changing that—giving wine aficionados (and foodies) another great reason to head to the midcoast.

Just a stone’s throw from Camden you’ll find Lincolnville’s Cellardoor Winery, the 100-year-old, 68-acre farm (and one of Maine’s top ten tourist destinations) run by Bettina Doulton and her team of wine experts. 

Ready for a career shift and charmed by the property, Doulton purchased Cellardoor in 2007 and has since immersed herself in cultivating grapes (her goal is to eventually grow 20 percent of the fruit) as well as sourcing grapes from the West Coast, and managing the warehouse, winery,  gift shop, tasting bar, and test kitchen where she offers culinary events.

Obviously appreciative of a robust palette of projects, Doulton has also recently added fine food to Cellardoor’s repertoire.  

“The guest experience is the most critical part of Cellardoor Winery,” says Doulton. “The wine is the core of the business, but our new At Home collection makes for an even richer and more varied experience.”  

The idea for the line sprung up couple of years ago, when a batch of sourced wine arrived a bit more on the vinegar side of things. Always the businesswoman, Doulton ran with the idea. She marketed the vinegar and has since added olive oils, spices, dessert sauces, jams, jellies, and more. 

Among the new offerings are: British Curry Spice infused with a hint of Vermont maple syrup and one of eight exotic spice blends presented in lovely tins; Treasure Dessert Sauce and Jam, each made with the winery’s Maine Blueberry Treasure wine; Sauvignon Blanc Fiery Jelly. Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar, and a chocolate truffle gift box for which Cellardoor recommends perfect wine pairings. 

“Our vinegars are great for salad dressings and marinades or just drizzled over your favorite fresh farmer’s market veggies,” said Doulton. There’s something for every palate, and customers who shop from the website will find handy recipes accompanying the products.Naturally, some products are made with Cellardoor wine and others (jams and jellies) are made in small batches by Maine artisans.  

Whatever you choose, the banker-turned-vintner firmly believes her At Home products are the perfect reflection of the brand’s mission: that life is to be enjoyed, moments are to be savored.  One taste of the Sauvignon Blanc Fiery Jelly or chocolate truffles and you’ll most definitely agree. Yum. 

Cellardoor’s At Home products are available at the winery in Lincolnville, at their Cellardoor Winery at the Villa at 47 West St. in Rockport, or via the website or cellardoorathome.com.