Our Story

Est. 2000

Peace With Nature…

“Shalom Orchard has a long history of being a special place in Maine and a gift to the community…”

Shalom Orchard is a special place. There are many wineries out there, some with pristine rows of grapes, fancy restaurants and expensive wine. Shalom Orchard isn’t that, it’s a real place. It’s a farm run by good people who have put years of hard work into caring for the land and producing quality organic wine from the fruits of their labor.

When you visit, you experience rural Maine, a working farm, an old farmhouse, a hand-built winery and authentic people with a passion for what they create and have to offer. It’s a different kind of place and a different kind of wine than the big labels that you’d buy at the grocery store – and it’s quite remarkable.

Shalom is located high on a ridge with beauty in every direction. To the east the sun rises over the East Orchard and the Schoodic mountains; to the south stretches Frenchman’s Bay and the mountains of Mount Desert; to the west, the sun sets behind the West Orchard and the hills of Dedham & Bangor – a beautiful view you can enjoy from the properties edge. The property is about 35 minutes from Bar Harbor, a trip well worth making if you’re visiting the area.

The farm has a long history of being a special place in Maine and a gift to the community. The farmhouse, though not the original structure, has stood since the 1840s. Originally, a house was built a ways away, down the hill and across a pond. In the 1800s, getting lumber and supplies to build a home was no easy task. When the family that owned the land needed a house, they faced a challenge. The original house unfortunately burned down, and its foundation no longer matched the needs of a new dwelling. So, instead of milling lumber and building anew, they opted for a remarkable feat – moving two separate buildings from across the valley. In the winter when the ponds were frozen, they used oxen to pull these structures to their current location, creating the farmhouse that stands today!

Local families who have been in the area for generations say that the land has been farmed for as long as anyone can remember. In the 1960’s an episcopal minister owned the farm. He cared for many foster children who have come back to visit and shared fond memories of hard work and happy times. There is an old photo of the barn with a very 60s style mural of rainbows and doves painted on it. It was this time that the farm was named “Shalom” meaning peace.

Adding to the farm’s charm are Fern and Oliver, our resident canine ambassadors. Fern and Oliver, a sprightly rescue pup, are instant favorites with guests, especially the little ones. They have a hilarious misconception that every visitor arrives solely to shower them with endless petting and playtime. Let’s just say, the look on his face when someone asks about the wine selection is priceless!

Shalom produces dry fruit wines. Unlike many other fruit wines, they are not overly sweet and maintain the integrity of the fruit flavor. They specialize in apple, pear and blueberry wine and also produce smaller batches of honey mead, kiwi, cranberry and rhubarb wines.

From seed to seal, the entire process of each bottle of wine is produced by hand, on the farm with hard work and lots of love. Each and every day, Jim manages the orchard and cares for the trees and plants. After harvesting, hours are spent in the basement turning the fruit into wine. If you visit the winery, you may find Jim gluing on the labels or hand-sealing bottles with wax. He will then set you down and tell you about Shalom, offer you tastings and help you find your favorite wine. Meanwhile, Charlotte is the farm manager, overseeing the organization and planning of the winery and farm work. It’s remarkable how much can come from someone’s hard work and dedication.

Shalom’s motto is “Peace with Nature,” a philosophy we’d all do good to live by. With the beautiful sunsets on the farm’s mountain top, the abundance of food the plants yield, the sheep grazing the yard, the hard and passionate work that happens there, and a glass of delicious wine, I believe all that visitors will experience a taste of that peace here.

~ Shalom ~