1:30-3:30 PM (1:15 Boarding) | Maine State Pier | Portland, Maine

Must be 21 years of age or older.

WINE & FOOD SAILS ARE BACK!

If these aren’t the best experiences happening in Portland this summer and fall, we don’t know what are! Sommelier Erica Archer has invited some of her favorite Portland chefs to join her for a scenic Wine Sail aboard the immaculate 74’ tall ship Frances on select dates from June to October 2026. These special Chef Series Wine & Food Sails feature five standout wines, each paired with an equally delicious course.

We’re elated that “Shef” Mimi Weissenborn—now of her new company Bites & Such and formerly Executive Chef at Sur Lie—is joining us twice again this season. You’ll sail and sip five thoughtfully selected wines, each paired with a creative, seasonal course prepared by Mimi. Enjoy a scenic sail aboard the 74-foot Frances, built by her captain and crew right here on Portland’s working waterfront. This unforgettable experience takes you through the pristine waters of Casco Bay, with views of quintessential lighthouses, islands, and historic forts.

You’re in for a truly memorable afternoon of wine, food, and stunning views—with a sommelier as your guide and a high-caliber chef at the helm of the cuisine. Each wine is expertly selected to complement each course. With comfortable seating for everyone, you can relax and fully immerse yourself in this highly-rated wine and sailing experience. You will taste and learn a lot about wine through a series of five wines, each presented and enjoyed alongside the incredible cuisine that Shef Mimi has prepared for you.

Tickets sell out quickly—we highly recommend getting yours soon!

Menu TBA
The menu will be available near the event date, as the chefs draw inspiration from the freshest local ingredients. Due to the nature of this event, we regret that we cannot accommodate food substitutions.

Your Chef
Chef Mimi Weissenborn returns for two more Wine & Food Sails this season, bringing her bold, creative style and deep-rooted passion for local ingredients. Formerly the Executive Chef at Sur Lie in Portland, she now helms Bites & Such, her personal chef company offering small-scale private events, dinners, and styling services with a focus on community and creativity.

She studied at L’Academie de Cuisine and launched her culinary career in New York City—first at Superfine in Brooklyn, then as Executive Chef and Creative Director at Vinateria in Harlem, where she earned a Michelin recommendation. Over the years, she’s cooked in numerous high-profile collaborations, including the New York City Wine & Food Festival, Harlem Eat Up, and James Beard Foundation dinners.

A Maryland native and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Weissenborn first visited Maine in 2020 during the pandemic, seeking a break from NYC’s lockdowns. She quickly fell in love with the state’s vibrant food culture and decided to make it home.

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. She 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 down-to-earth style.

Where do we meet?
We are sailing on The Frances at Maine Sailing Adventures on the Maine State Pier, 56 Commercial Street, Portland, ME 04101 (where Commercial Street meets Franklin Street).

Cancellations, rescheduling requests, no-shows, and weather policies:
Please see our policies on the Get Ready for Your Wine Sail or FAQ page.

What else?

1. Add your Wine Sail to your calendar to arrive 20 minutes before departure, so you don't miss the boarding call. Please heed our advice and allow plenty of time to drive into Portland and find parking. It is no fun missing the boat because of late arrivals.

2. Review our Get Ready for Your Wine Sail page and forward it to everyone attending with you so that everyone is adequately prepared and on time—or early!! We cannot hold the boat for any late arrivals. 

3. We receive many of the same questions. We have taken the time to write thorough answers to frequently asked questions on our FAQ page. Please look there for immediate answers to many questions.