Supporting Maine’s Blueberry Growers and Preserving Open Land by Winemaking

Join Stonington Public Library for an inspiring presentation by Michael Terrien, founder and winemaker of Bluet Maine Wild Blueberry Sparkling Wine, as he shares the story of Maine’s 10,000-year-old indigenous wild blueberry, exploring its rich ecology and cultural history. What began as a romantic, terroir-inspired journey has evolved into a mission to support the families who tend these wild fields by paying a premium for their fruit, recognizing the value of blueberry wine as a way to sustain blueberry fields and the iconic Maine landscape.  Michael will highlight Bluet’s efforts to grow nationally and encourage others to craft blueberry wine, with a hopeful message about land preservation amid threats of development.

Michael Terrien is a California-based winemaker, born in Harpswell, Maine, on a fading saltwater farm. After swordfishing with Linda Greenlaw and earning a BA in philosophy, he moved west for a degree in Enology from UC Davis. Over the past 30 years, Michael has crafted wines, especially Pinot Noir, with a deep appreciation for expressing terroir. In 2012, he co-founded Bluet Maine Wild Blueberry Sparkling Wine, a crisp wine made from only Maine blueberries. Inspired by the belief that wine—at its best—should reflect the land, Bluet celebrates Maine’s indigenous blueberries and the extraordinary landscapes where they have always thrived.