by Susan Spisak
The weather is getting warmer, and it’s time to get outside with the pups! Go for a nice walk or an energetic hike, then find a spot to relax for a treat. Dog-friendly breweries and wineries are abundant, making them great destinations for outdoor sipping and munching. If you don’t always desire an “adult” beverage, there are options such as sparkling waters, sodas, and juices. And for the hard-core java lovers or a.m. enthusiasts, coffee houses are opening their patios and porches to canines as well. (Please, well-behaved, leashed pets at all.)
IDB aka Island Dog Brewing’s name is a blend of favorites of owners Jody and Jim Denz. It incorporates their love of their rescues, Felix and Mateo, and Jody’s nod to her Mount Desert Island family home. IDB had a specific mindset when they opened the small-batch handcrafted taproom, “Our goal was to build a community-friendly space where people can gather with family and friends, including furry friends, to relax, have fun, and celebrate special occasions,” Jim explained.
Brewed selections are aptly named like A Dog Named Blue, a blueberry wheat, and Toasted Dawg, a maple cream. IDB has food trucks on Friday and Saturday, and they encourage patrons to bring in meals other nights. K-9’s are allowed outside and in the taproom—great for rainy days. They advocate for local dog rescues and host fundraisers for them. Stop in at 125 John Roberts Road, Unit 15, South Portland. (islanddogbrewing.com/)
Another Portland place that will appreciate your K-9 is Definitive Brewing Company at 35 Industrial Way. If you prefer a lighter taste, try peach and raspberry ale. Delightful in the summer! If your dog enjoys rides, head to their Sunday River/Newry or Kittery location. Food options at all. (definitivebrewing.com/)
If you’re into a view, Mason's Brewing Company can accommodate. Located on the Penobscot River in Brewer, it’s housed in a historic 8,800 sq. ft. building with outdoor spaces, twenty-four rotating beers, a wine list, non-alcohol beverages, and a West Coast gastropub-inspired menu. Manager Jake Bridges said the patio, which overlooks the river, is terrific for you and your pup. He said the restaurant’s owner is all about dogs, so as a result, Mason’s sponsors shelter canines and DEDN’s Adoptables section. (facebook.com/masonsbrewing/)
Christy Cain, owner of Olive Pit Brewery at 16 Main St. in Lisbon Falls, loves animals. So much so that this spot is named after her beloved Pittie, Olive Roo. When I chatted with her, she said 4-leggeds are allowed in the tap room, “I have two in here now.” She also invites one animal group in a month to fund raise and garner attention for their cause. They also donate a portion of their proceeds to various animal and rescue groups. There’s a wide variety of beers. Stop by for one and support nonprofits. (olivepitbrewing.com/)
Lake St. George Brewing Company in pretty, rural Liberty is another place to take your bud. In addition to their core brands, this family-owned and run brew house has a variety of ever-changing offerings. Included in those is a fall hit, Davistown Coffee Brown made with Green Tree Coffee. The medium-bodied, cold Happy Dog enhances the rich chocolate malty notes of Davistown. (lakestgeorgebrewing.com/visit)
Speaking of Green Tree Coffee & Tea, it’s located at 2456 Atlantic Highway in Lincolnville Beach. Grab a cup of your passion and sit on their porch. Owner John Ostrand has coffee blends to go by the pound, single serve pods, teas, and much more. The aforementioned Happy Dog is popular, as is the Harbor Dog blend. Green Tree Coffee champions for animals, and they are a business donor to P.A.W.S Animal Adoption. They also sponsor DEDN’s Adoptables section. (greentreecoffee.com/)
Loyal Biscuit Co. deserves a shout out. They sell a high-quality Fenway Rescue Blend in their boutiques and online. Twenty percent of these coffee sales go to 501c3 Maine animal-related organizations. (loyalbiscuit.com/products/fenways-rescue-blend-coffee)
Little Dog Coffee Shop in Brunswick is changing things up this spring. Owners Mason Palmatier and his wife have decided to add outdoor seating. “Doggies and kitties are welcome outside through the year. We typically have water for drinking too,” said Mason. Their menu includes espressos, coffees, teas, and breakfast and lunch sandwiches. As far as the shop’s name, it’s after their little black Lab, Tally. (littledogcoffeeshop.com/)
Have a love of the vine? Wineries are aplenty and many allow dogs outdoors. “We are certainly dog-friendly,” said Deb Schwarz, co-owner of Cherryfield’s Catherine Hill Winery with husband, Walt. They recently had a 1st birthday party for their puppy and gifted treat bags to doggies on site and shared cake with their humans. Try their sweeter wines, they use the finest berries—locally sourced from Washington and Hancock County suppliers. If you prefer red, you’ll find Cabs to interesting blends. (catherinehillwinery.com)
If you peek at the Prospect Hill Winery & Vineyard website, you’ll spy a St. Bernard pictured in the vineyards. “We currently do not have a dog, but our family brings the dogs along whenever they visit. The dogs do seem to enjoy their time among the vines,” said Anita Carle, co-owner with her husband, Richard. She invites good dogs to visit. This vineyard is tucked in Lebanon, and has reds, whites, and rosés. They open in May, perfect for the nicer days approaching. Note info on GPS errors on the first page of website. (prospecthillwines.com/Wines)
Vista of Maine Tasting Room - Vineyard, Orchard & Cidery in Greene sits above Sabattus Lake. They’re famous for “Mainiac” Hard Cider, Ricker Hill Wines, homemade apple cider, and more. The views of the state’s central valleys and foothills are spectacular, and some days you’ll see the White Mountains. Dogs must stay on the gravel road, parking lot, or within the roped-in area outside of the tasting room. (vistaofmainewinery.com/)