ABOUT PAIRINGS

Pairings has developed from a desire to educate people about the many ways to "pair" wine and ale with food and to have an enjoyable time learning about this match. There is so much to learn but also so much to enjoy in the process. The motto "fine food, fine wine and ale for good times" seems to sum up the learning experience best.

Michael and Joan Anderson have been seeing first hand how you can always find something new about wine, ale and food together since they opened Winterport Winery in 2001. Since then, people have continued to enjoy sampling and buying their wines at their tasting room in Winterport. A common question has been, "What's a good food to go with this wine?" This made them aware that people really would like to learn more about wine, food and just how they complement each other. When the space became available next door to the winery it was a logical step to develop it into a wine and food education center. So they, along with their friend and part owner Jody Connor, started the renovations of the property in the spring of 2005. In early 2009 they also added Penobscot Bay Brewery to offer selections of ales as a further development of their growing interest in the culinary world of flavors, cuisines and tastings. Pairings' facility is both beautiful and yet very functional, with an open kitchen that is the setting for the cooking classes and wine, ale and food events they offer.

The goal in the kitchen is to share knowledge and enthusiasm about food, wine and ale with hands-on or demonstration classes that are for cooks of all levels and to offer a facility that is available for the many good times in life. We utilize fresh, seasonal and local ingredients as much as possible.

Chef Laurie Turner is responsible for the continuing excellence in cooking classes and dining we want you to experience at Pairings.

You can learn more about Laurie by visiting our Meet The Chef page.

Jennifer Williamson has been with Pairings since 2007 and has served as our Events Coordinator since 2009. From corporate dinners to bridal showers to weddings, Jenn has the vision to make your event a unique, pleasurable and unforgettable experience.

You can learn more about how Jenn can make your next event a hit by visiting our Planning Details page.