Well, for the Kennebunks, that is. After much anticipation, Lower Village Kennebunk’s new wine bar, Old Vines, has finally opened! In addition to a wide variety of wines by the glass and bottle, they serve appetizers and small plates. And for our designated drivers they offer a multitude of carbonated fruit flavored sodas by “Fizzy Lizzy.” Truthfully I am not much of a wine drinker, so I sampled the pomegranate variety – boy, was it delicious! My dining companion, Anne Monahan, a friend and integral member of our Guest Services Team, had the Reisling – somebody had to have wine at the Wine bar. I was relieved to hear that she thought it was wonderful. The food was excellent as well – I had the beet and chevre salad, and she got the olive tampenade with toasted baguette rounds. The flavors were superb and presentation inventive for such simple fare, however the plates were definitely “small.” Even after having eaten dinner, I left hungry (their dessert options didn’t include anything for a gluten-free diner). In all, though, I can overlook the skimpy portions for the intimate atmosphere, exquisite wood-work, creative wall covering (all lids from wooden wine cases), and the opportunity for an interesting new place to enjoy friends and food besides Federal Jack’s.
At they Maine Stay, we are delighted to have a new place to recommend to people for an evening snack and glass of wine. Old Vines, new favorite.
-Johanna Hauer
