Aronia, Portersfield Cider.

By Josh Christie

Deep red and packaged in a handsome swingtop bottle, Portersfield Cider’s Aronia is a sterling replacement for wine on your dinner table. Starting with a blend of some of the 225+ varieties of apples grown on Portersfield’s Pownal property, Aronia is then augmented with elderberry and tart aronia juices. The result is a dry, bright, rich cider that recalls rosé and pairs well with tons of different foods.  www.portersfieldcider.com

Blueberry Soda, Maine Root.

By Kate Cone

Mainers never tire of local wild blueberries, vaccinium angustifolium. Native to Maine, they are the official state fruit. They’re in pie, beer, jellies and jams, barbeque sauce and, now—soda. 

On the palette, Maine Root’s blueberry soda has the tart and sweet pop of blueberries off the bush, and a note of Concord grape. It’s sweet, but not cloying and highly drinkable. It can take the place at the table, or the bar or tasting room with the best alcohol-free drinks available. Perfect for kids if you have them along, or abstaining adults, Maine Root hits the mark for a luscious zero-ABV drink. www.maineroot.com

Chaga Chai Kombucha, Urban Farm Fermentory.

By Dave Patterson

Brimming with chai spices, lively probiotics, and a subtle tart bite, Chaga Chai Kombucha is great cool weather libation. The first sip offers notes of fresh cinnamon and soft vinegar undertones indicative of kombucha. The use of wild foraged chaga mushrooms from Maine imparts a refined earthiness that warms the palate. The spicy flavors of this kombucha are reminiscent of orchard-fresh apple cider. If you’re looking for an outside-the-box fermented beverage, reach for a bottle of Chaga Chai Kombucha. www.fermentory.com