History & Background

Pairings has developed from a desire to educate people about the many ways to "pair" wine 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 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 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 compliment 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. The facility has been transformed into a beautiful and yet very functional, open kitchen, which is the setting for the cooking classes and wine and food events they are planning.

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

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