From Field to Glass: Exploring the Journey of Maine Wild Blueberries in Craft Cocktails

Wild blueberries are known for their incredibly delicious flavor, making them the perfect addition to any dish or drink. Hayley Wilson, mixologist and the Events Coordinator at the Portland Hunt + Alpine Club located in Portland, Maine, has been using Maine’s iconic berry in her handcrafted cocktails for years. We sat down with Hayley to ask her how she harnesses the powerful flavor of Maine’s berry to create incredible cocktails and mocktails for her guests.

Meet Hayley Wilson, Portland-based Bartender

With a background that spans over a decade in the hospitality industry, Hayley joined Portland Hunt + Alpine Club in 2019, where she’s flourished for the past five years. Inspired by her deep connection to music and her love for community, she believes that cocktails should reflect the atmosphere they are enjoyed in. Her innovative style and commitment to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients have earned her and the Portland Hunt + Alpine Club a special place in the hearts of Portlanders and beyond. Mashed recently named Portland Hunt + Alpine to its list of 25 Best Cocktail Bars in the US.

One ingredient Hayley adores is Maine’s wild blueberries because they bring a bold, sweet and tangy flavor that adds a perfect punch to her cocktails. Their vibrant purple hue also adds an aesthetic appeal to drinks. With wild blueberries, Hayley can carefully control the drink’s sugar content, utilizing the berries as a citrus substitute. They shine through, allowing for a unique and unforgettable drinking experience. 

To give you a taste, we worked with Hayley to craft four vibrant wild blueberry-based cocktail and mocktail drinks that can easily be replicated at home.

The Taste of Maine Wild Blueberry Mocktails & Cocktails

Wild Blueberry Mocktails

Wild Blueberry Zinger

Taste the tantalizing combination of tangy lime, sweet wild blueberry syrup, and warming ginger with this Wild Blueberry Zinger mocktail. This drink is the perfect choice for a refreshing and invigorating beverage, whether you’re out in the hot sun or chilling in the cool AC. Enjoy this delightful creation and savor the vibrant flavors with every sip!

Tropical Smash

Indulge in the tropical flavors of the Tropical Smash mocktail, a citrus style sipper that’s as refreshing as it is delightful. This drink is sparkling with bubbly goodness, and makes you want to sit back, relax, and savor the flavorful blend of pineapple, lemon, and wild blueberries.

Wild Blueberry Cocktails

Maine Royale

The perfect blend of wild blueberry sweetness, peach complexity, and a hint of salt, the Maine Royale has a delightful punch to it. Whether you’re hosting a special gathering or seeking a moment of indulgence, this cocktail is sure to impress. For convenience, the Maine Royale cocktail can be easily prepared for a crowd or enjoyed on the go. Simply grab a 4-pack of sparkling wine cans and assemble the recipe directly in the can if you prefer.

Wild Blueberry Smash

This robust Wild Blueberry Smash cocktail combines the richness of bourbon with the vibrant flavors of fresh lemon, wild blueberries and mint. It’s a perfect choice for cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate a balance of bold flavors.

Bartender Tips

Hayley’s pro tip for crafting these delightful concoctions—never walk away from the stove while making the wild blueberry syrup—she once found herself with a thick blueberry jam. Make sure to trust your gut and taste test as you go!

Visit Portland Hunt + Alpine Club

At the Portland Hunt + Alpine Club, the brainchild of founders, Andrew and Briana Volk, is deeply intertwined with the city itself. As one of the first craft cocktail bars in Portland, they have significantly contributed to shaping the city’s renowned food and beverage landscape. Celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, the duo is revising their cocktail menu monthly to bring back beloved classics that have delighted customers over the years.

Andrew and Briana’s dedication to using local ingredients mirrors the abundance of fresh produce found in Maine. Their commitment to quality and creativity has garnered national recognition, with the establishment being a two-time James Beard award semifinalist for Outstanding Bar Program. 

If you ever find yourself in Portland, ME, a visit to the Hunt + Alpine Club is a must. The establishment will also be participating in Wild Blueberry Weekend on August 5th & 6th, and will be sharing one of these crafty recipes on their menu in honor of the occasion. Make sure to stop by and immerse yourself in the creative world of Hayley’s cocktails, where the vibrant flavors of wild blueberries intertwine with the city’s rich culinary heritage. Celebrate a decade of craftsmanship and innovation at this iconic establishment, where every sip tells a story and every cocktail is a masterpiece. Cheers!

Fields Fields Blueberries: A Labor of Love in Maine’s Wild Blueberry Community

Known for its breathtaking natural beauty and abundance of charming small towns, Maine is a wondrous place that offers many bountiful gifts to its seasonal visitors – like the place-based superfood, wild blueberries, that grow and spread naturally in the Midcoast and Downeast regions of Maine. Fields Fields Blueberries, a family-owned organic wild blueberry farm, has operated on the hills of Dresden, Maine, since the early 1970s, and became certified organic in 2000. Over the last few years, Ashley Field has transformed this grower-only farm into a thriving commercial business.

We sat down with Ashley to learn more about her journey and the unique aspects and offerings of Fields Fields Blueberries.

A Surprising Path to Wild Fruit Farming

Ashley’s connection to agriculture runs deep, having grown up on an organic dairy farm in western Maine for the majority of her life. However, it was her husband Jesse’s family’s wild blueberry farm that captured her interest and imagination. Initially, the farm was managed as a hobby by Jesse’s father, with occasional harvests being sold to bigger processors. Sensing an opportunity, Ashley approached her husband’s family seven years ago with the idea of turning the farm into a commercial venture. With their blessing, she took the reins of Fields Fields Blueberries and turned the project into a true passion, fueled by her creative drive and the supportive wild blueberry community in Maine.

A Fields Family Affair

In any family business, everyone plays a role, and Fields Fields Blueberries is no exception. Since transforming the business, Ashley has handled the day-to-day operations including business management, value-added product creation, and marketing. During the seven-week harvest season, the entire family steps in to lend a helping hand. Ashley’s mother-in-law contributes by weeding the fields by hand, while her husband assists with more labor-intensive field tasks. Their children, especially her youngest son, Alakai, enjoys picking and savoring the wild blues every chance they get. Her oldest daughter, Stella, plays an active role in their food truck, which sells a delicious wild blueberry crisp, a specialty recipe created by Ashley’s mother-in-law.

A Perfect Fit for Ashley’s Lifestyle

While the business can be hard work, Ashley’s wild blueberry venture ticks all the boxes for her dream lifestyle. The great outdoors, hard physical activity, and the chance to channel her creative and social sides—all come together harmoniously on the farm. With the flexibility of intense work periods followed by blissful downtime, Ashley has found the ideal balance.

What surprised Ashley the most about her new venture? The size of the industry! Wild blueberries are a unique crop, thriving in only a few places, which has created an exclusively tight-knit community of farmers who know and support each other. 

“The Maine industry is relatively small (only a total of 485 growers), which allows you to get to know everybody in the industry. I’m from a small town, so it’s wonderful to have that backbone of support in our community,” Ashley explained. “Every farming community has its share of characters, and getting to know them has been one of my favorite parts, and has made Maine truly feel like a big small town.”

Harvest Yield & Value-Added Products

Fields Fields Blueberries owns 10 acres and leases an additional 15 acres close to their property. On average, they harvest around 10,000 pounds of wild blueberries each year. For the industry as a whole, annual harvest yields vary from year to year but can be as high as 100 million pounds.

Despite dealing with recent challenges like drought and frost, Ashley remains resilient and compensates for any yield losses by purchasing from other organic wild blueberry farmers. With a new field in the works, their goal is to eventually double their harvest yield to 20,000 pounds annually.

Within 24 hours of harvest, Ashley flash freezes 100% of her harvest; 10% of that frozen crop is sold to various local businesses and customers through the farm’s website, while the other 90% is utilized as an ingredient throughout the year to make Ashley’s assortment of value-added wild blueberry products. 

“For value-added products, we do the wild blueberry crisp chips and powder, and then we also harvest the blueberry leaves. We have a whole wild blueberry leaf tea line, and we also make a tincture with the tea. That part of our business is growing really fast, so that’s exciting,” Ashley shared. “The tea stuff is really starting to take off. It benefits us because it just gives us another source of income, and we’re taking from the same field, so it’s the same amount of work.”

Their dedication to sustainability is evident as the Fields use every part of the blueberry plant to create their roster of products.

Future Farm Goals

Through her unwavering commitment to organic farming and value-added products, Ashley has turned her family’s farm into a thriving business. Her vision and five-year plan is to introduce the farm’s wild blueberry crisp to grocery stores as a frozen dessert so that consumers can bring a taste of the farm home. 

Fields Fields Blueberries continues to foster connections with its community while looking towards future growth and success. Ashley dreams of passing the torch to the younger generation one day, but for now the farm waits patiently, ready to embrace the kids whenever the time is right.

Fields Fields Blueberries Celebrates Wild Blueberry Weekend

Fields Fields Blueberries is committed to engaging with its local community, and plans to open its doors to the public for Maine’s third annual Wild Blueberry Weekend.  Last year, the farm had over 1,000 visitors and Ashley’s goal is to double that visitor rate in 2024. To do that, she’s added a pancake breakfast each day of the weekend that will go from 9 to 11 AM. 

Wild Blueberry Weekend is set for the weekend of August 3 – 4, 2024, and will take place across the state at a variety of wild blueberry farms, breweries, restaurants, and more. In addition to the pancake breakfast, Fields Fields Blueberries has a wonderful weekend planned for visitors to the farm, including live music, farm and apiary tours, and dozens of local vendors selling their creations. Here’s what you’ll find at Fields Fields Blueberries for the third annual Wild Blueberry Weekend: 

  • Wild blueberries for purchase (fresh or frozen)
  • Food trucks 
  • Value-added wild blueberry products 
  • Live music 
  • Hikes through the property
  • Storytime for kids – Blueberries for Sal
  • A premiere showing of the documentary film ‘Growing Wild’

To learn more about Fields Fields Blueberries and the Maine wild blueberry industry, make sure to pay them a visit on Wild Blueberry Weekend. If Dresden isn’t located in your neck of the woods, you can explore 15 other farms located throughout the state.

Preserving Tradition and Nurturing Generations: The Story of Brodis Blueberries in Maine

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Central and Downeast Maine, where the salty ocean breeze mingles with the sweet scent of wild blueberries, lies Brodis Blueberries, a ninth-generation, family-owned wild blueberry farm that’s rooted their legacy in stewarding the iconic crop for just over two centuries. Ron Howard, one of the farm’s main caretakers, resides on the property with his wife, Sonja, as well as varying family members who play a large role in yearly harvesting and farm operations.

Brodis Farm Family Heritage

Brodis Blueberries, once a cluster of thirteen small farms located in Hope, Maine, is today 170 consolidated acres specializing in Maine’s wild blueberries. Ron joined the seventh generation of the Brodis family 47 years ago, and since then has had the pleasure of assisting with this wild venture and all that it entails. For 30 years, Ron and his wife worked in careers outside of farming, but after the passing of his father-in-law seven years ago, they found themselves returning to their farm roots. At that time, Ron took charge of the field operations, learning and working alongside his mother-in-law and farm owner, Gwen Brodis. Today, the Howards are joined by Sonja’s sister, their son, daughter, niece and nephew – the eighth generation – and their grandchildren and cousins – the ninth generation – all of whom work tirelessly to ensure the farm’s success, “because here at Brodis Blueberries, it’s all hands on deck year-round,” notes Ron.

“Last year, in 2023, for the three weeks or so that we were open, we had 15 different family members actively working the farm,” Ron explained. “The roles range from harvesting and packing to sales. There were four generations working side by side which is not only very special, but in our case, essential for getting the job done in such a short window of time. We’re very, very, very fortunate,” he concluded.

Nurturing the Next Generation and Beyond

Ron and his family have a deep sense of pride in the farm and all the history it holds, and they hope to keep it running successfully for the next generation. Ron’s goal is to better the farm’s operations and create a sustainable business model that will support future generations for years to come. Having been raised on an agricultural farm in his youth, Ron recognizes the challenges of relying solely on wild blueberry farming for a livelihood. He has diversified his business model, opening a farm store that sells jams, sauces and pies year-round to ensure the farm’s longevity.

New *Wild* Business Ventures for the Whole Family

While a lot of the family is hands-on only during harvest season, there’s still a handful of family members who remain highly involved during the off-season. Ron’s son, Jeremy Howard, is one of them. Five years ago, Jeremy and a friend started Blue Barren Distillery & Restaurant, and began crafting spirits from the farm’s wild blueberries. 

According to Ron, “The very first product was a 100% wild blueberry non-barrel aged brandy. Since then, they’ve created a number of new products including a few wild blueberry spirits, and a myrteau that tastes similar to a port – but it’s wild blueberry. Those are their core product offerings which link them back to the farm. What Jeremy and his friend are doing also helps to tell the story of the wild blueberry and of our farm, for us and for them.”

Ron’s mother-in-law, Gwen Brodis, is also active year-round, handcrafting all of the farm’s flavorful wild blueberry jams. Ron’s wife also bakes the delicious pies, desserts and sauces that are served at their son’s Blue Barren restaurant, located on the harbor in Camden, Maine.

Harvest Season and Sales

Spanning 170 total acres, Brodis Blueberries’ annual harvest yield can vary – from 100,000 to 200,000 pounds. The size of the crop depends on the state’s weather conditions and fragile pollination process. While a significant portion of the harvest is sold to Wyman’s of Maine for wholesale freezing, the farm actively seeks alternative sales channels to diversify their income. 

These channels include partnerships with sparkling wild blueberry wine producers, vinegar makers, distilleries, and local kitchens and bakeries. By expanding its customer base and freezing a portion of the farm’s harvest, Brodis Blueberries ensures year-round availability of its  berries and supports the creation of local Maine value-added products.

Brodis Blueberries has established quite the name for themselves in recent years, especially as a family-managed business. They were named the 2023 Maine and New England Jeffrey Butland Family Owned Business of the Year, by the Small Business Administration, due to their “incredible history of the business, and the significant efforts to ensure the continued success of the business.” A family business is defined as one in which one owner either shares ownership or works in the business with at least one other family member (contemporaneously or over time) and has a commitment to the continuation of the enterprise. All family-owned businesses in Maine were eligible for consideration.

A Wild Blueberry Lesson & Farm Goals

Beyond their exceptional taste and nutritional value, wild blueberries carry a remarkable story – one that Ron shares with anyone and everyone who is willing to listen. He is committed to spreading the special message of what Maine wild blueberries are all about. 

“I think for me, the most important thing is to just get more people out on the farm, to get them to experience the barrens and the berries,” Ron explained. “When they can see and taste the difference for themselves, that’s what converts them to a wild blueberry lover. That’s what we need to do for the future of the industry, to make sure people understand and appreciate Maine’s wild blueberries.”

“These wild fruits exist where nature intended them to be, and have been growing in the Maine landscape since the end of the ice age. With hundreds of genetically unique plants thriving together, wild blueberries exemplify nature’s ability to adapt and coexist harmoniously,” noted  Ron.

“They’re magnificent,” Ron exclaimed. “There may be a hundred different plants in a field, and every one of those blueberries is a little bit different in color and a little bit different in taste – almost like snowflakes, every single one is a little bit different and unique in its own way. So when you eat wild blueberries, you know you’re getting that abundance of variety.”

Brodis Blueberries Celebrates Wild Blueberry Weekend

One way the family is helping to spread the wild message is through Maine’s annual Wild Blueberry Weekend – now in its fourth year –- which is dedicated to celebrating all the goodness these little blue gems have to offer. 

The event is set for the weekend of August 3 – 4, 2024, and will take place across the state at a variety of wild blueberry farms, breweries, restaurants, and more. Brodis Blueberries has a great weekend planned for visitors to the farm, full of fun family-oriented activities, food trucks, local vendors and even a hike through the property with breathtaking views. Here’s what you’ll find at Brodis Blueberries for the third annual Wild Blueberry Weekend:

  • Wild blueberries for purchase (fresh or frozen)
  • Food trucks 
  • Value-added wild blueberry products 
  • Live music 
  • Hikes through the property
  • Storytime for kids – Blueberries for Sal

To learn more about Brodis Blueberries and the Maine wild blueberry industry, make sure to pay them a visit on Wild Blueberry Weekend.

Maine’s Fourth Annual Wild Blueberry Weekend Set for August 3-4, 2024

Ah, summer in Maine . . . that incredible time of year we all wait for is just around the corner! With summer comes the opportunity to enjoy fun outings and excursions with family and friends. If you’re looking for a new event to add to your summer fun list, we’ve got something wild to share with you: The fourth annual Wild Blueberry Weekend is set for August 3-4, 2024. The Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine has organized this two-day, multi-location event to engage locals and visitors in celebrating Maine’s native berry and the local farms and businesses that propel this iconic Maine industry forward.  

Attendees will be able to explore 18 different wild blueberry farms located in Lincoln, Kennebec, Knox, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo, and Washington Counties for free. Some farms plan to open their doors to the public simply to sell delicious fresh wild blueberries directly to consumers, while others will host a wide range of farm activities and tours. 

Additionally, dozens of Maine businesses are gearing up to serve special food and beverages made with wild blueberries throughout the weekend.

Everyone can find a wild activity they’re sure to enjoy. Rake fresh wild blues by hand in a brilliantly blue field, sip thirst-quenching cocktails by the water at sunset, or sink your teeth into mouth watering dishes crafted by Maine-based bakers and chefs. Whatever you choose to do is entirely up to you, but make sure to squeeze every wild blueberry-related activity into your itinerary! For a full list of the participating local wild blueberry farms and businesses (and the incredible activities they have planned), visit www.wildblueberryweekend.com.

Explore the Best of Maine’s Wild Places

“Maine’s wild blueberry farms are family traditions that often go back six, seven, or even eight generations…” said Eric Venturini, Executive Director of the Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine, “…and Wild Blueberry Weekend is the opportunity to celebrate this tradition with the dedicated, hard-working farmers who harvest this special Maine berry. The weekend provides a unique opportunity for the public to learn more about the industry that is so important to our state and nation.” This year, Governor Janet Mills even honored the event by officially proclaiming the first weekend of August 2024, as the fourth annual Wild Blueberry Weekend. 

Native to our Northeastern state, wild blueberries have been prospering in the barrens of Maine for over 10,000 years, and unlike ordinary blueberries, wild blueberries are completely untouched and unaltered by man. They are one of three native North American fruits, and for over a hundred years, Maine’s multigenerational family-owned farms have passed their land down through the years, giving each generation the opportunity to sustainably steward their portion of the crop. In total, Maine’s 512 wild blueberry farmers produce 100% of all wild blueberries grown in the United States. Maine is the only state in the U.S. with significant commercial production of this wild crop.

Plan Your Family’s Wild Blueberry Weekend Itinerary 

If you’re planning on heading to Maine this August or are lucky to live in our neck of the woods, make sure to map out your family’s weekend itinerary. You can do so by browsing through the Wild Blueberry Weekend map which highlights the many participating businesses, as well as the 18 participating wild blueberry farms located throughout the state. 

If you decide to join the fun and participate in Wild Blueberry Weekend, make sure to tag us using #WildBlueberryWeekend, and follow along with @wildblueberries on Instagram and Facebook.

To learn more about Wild Blueberry Weekend, visit www.wildblueberryweekend.com. If you’re curious about the health benefits, origin, and ways to enjoy wild blueberries, visit www.wildblueberries.com for research, recipes, and more.

Need Help Mapping Out Your Wild Blueberry Weekend Adventure: Explore These Locations

The Second Annual Wild Blueberry Weekend is fast approaching, and you know what that means – it’s time to start thinking about your *wild* line up of activities to help celebrate our state’s iconic fruit! Whether you’re a native Mainer or enjoying a Maine getaway, mark your calendar for this new Maine tradition, scheduled to take place August 6th and 7th, 2022. 

Tour, pick (and nibble) wild blueberries at one or all of the 14 participating wild blueberry farms located in Franklin, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Penobscot, Waldo and Washington counties, or try a new-to-you wild blueberry dish or drink statewide. Wild Blueberry Weekend is happening this summer in Maine (rain or shine)—how wild you get is totally up to you. To help get your wild weekend adventure started, we mapped out a few destinations to consider adding to your list.  

*Wild* Drink Destinations

There are more than 20 craft beverage establishments from Portland to Cherryfield, Maine participating in Wild Blueberry Weekend. Below are a select few. Check out the complete list at www.wildblueberryweekend.com.

Rising Tide Brewery (Southern Maine) 

This independent, family-owned, artisanal-style brewing company is considered an anchor to Portland’s vibrant East Bayside neighborhood. Guided by creative flavors, quality, and consistency, Rising Tide will be featuring their Blueberry Squadron fruited sour ale, exploding with wild Maine blueberries and balanced with a touch of lactose milk sugar, for Wild Blueberry Weekend. Visit their tasting room, order some scrumptious appetizers, and play some cornhole in their outdoor seating area right on Fox street in Portland. While you’re in the area, make sure to check out several other participating craft beverage establishments in the area, which are only a short walk down the street! Stop by Urban Farm Fermentory to try their wild blueberry kombucha, hard cider, mead and vinegar, or Three of Strong Spirits to try their craft rum cocktails with wild blueberries.

SweetGrass Farm Winery & Distillery (Southern & Midcoast Maine)

Forged from the true spirit of Maine, SweetGrass Farm Winery & Distillery is committed to crafting the best wines and spirits, made with love, from fruits and grains grown here locally in Maine. As a proud family run business, SweetGrass is rooted in Maine culture, inspired by place, and devoted to excellence in every bottle! For Wild blueberry Weekend, they will be featuring wild blueberry themed cocktails, as well as their aromatic cocktail bitters including bitter blueberry, made with Maine wild blueberries. Check out their locations in both Union and Portland, ME!

Generationally Owned Wild Blueberry Farms

The star of the weekend – wild blueberry farms. Fourteen (14 farms) are opening their doors free to the public. Below are two farms, one in Dresden and one in Harrington. To find one close to you, visit the complete list of participating wild blueberry farms at www.wildblueberryweekend.com.

Lynch Hill Farms (DownEast Maine)

If you’re searching for a traditional farm experience to get in touch with your Maine roots, Lynch Hill Farms located in Harrington, Maine is a great destination. During Wild Blueberry Weekend visitors will learn about the history of the wild blueberry and how these tiny delicious berries from Maine are grown, harvested, and processed in 45-minute tours starting at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Various pieces of specialized equipment unique to wild blueberry farming will be on display and visitors will get an insider’s view into the fresh processing area to see how Maine’s berries get retail ready and are packed in pints, quarts or freezer-ready boxes. The tour concludes at the farm store where fresh berries to-go as well as homemade Maine wild blueberry jam and other gift items can be purchased. Plus, visitors will have a chance to harvest some of their own wild blueberries by picking or hand-raking. For families, there is a 1:00 PM  special tour for kids that will take them on a short trek out to the wild blueberry field and concludes with the reading of the Maine classic Blueberries for Sal and a chance to pick their own little pail of berries.

Fields Fields Blueberries (Midcoast Maine)

Another great farm destination is Fields Fields Blueberries, a 2nd generation family-owned organic wild blueberry farm, located in Dresden, Maine. Focused on maintaining the berries in their most natural state, Fields Fields has been certified organic for over 20 years. They are passionate about sharing the powers of wild blues, making it their goal to educate Maine communities about this indigenous plant that only grows in a small section of North America. For Wild Blueberry Weekend, visitors will have the opportunity to experience walking tours while learning about wild blueberries, what makes them special and how they’re grown, harvested and cared for. The farm’s apiary will also be open for viewing to educate visitors on the importance of bees to the crop from a master beekeeper. Specifically for families with children, The ‘Magic Woods’ (a preschool nature play area) will be open, and there will be readings of Blueberries for Sal. Take in views of both the Camden Hills and the White Mountains from the hilltop farm while nibbling on wild blueberry crisp tarts (gluten free and vegan options available) along with other wild blueberry products (including the farm’s famous wild blueberry chips). There will be local farmers and crafters selling their creations and live music both Saturday and Sunday starting at 11 AM.

Farm to Table Food Options

There are more than 20 eating establishments participating from Portland all the way to Machias, Maine for Wild Blueberry Weekend. Below are a few delicious options, but check out the complete list at www.wildblueberryweekend.com.

Helen’s Restaurant (Downeast Maine)

Looking for some dinner options to complete your *wild* weekend? At Helen’s Restaurant in Machias, ME, you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in some incredible home-style dishes including their mouthwatering grilled salmon with wild blueberry glaze. They will also be offering some select blueberry cocktails for you to sip between courses, and their famous wild blueberry pie for dessert. Helen’s Restaurant is committed to buying great fresh seasonal food from local farmers, and continues to make this a committed, ongoing mission for their business. Helen’s Restaurant is so excited to share their love for delicious home-style food with all the wild blueberry lovers for Wild Blueberry Weekend.

Engine 5 Bakehouse (South-Central Maine)

If you’re looking for some flaky and oh-so-delicious treats, this friendly, family-owned bakery specializes in fresh baked sweets, including those with some tasty Maine wild blueberries! Located in Waterville, ME, Engine 5 Bakehouse will be offering bakery items including their blueberry pies (6″ and 9″), blueberry muffins, and blueberry-lemon scones. Founded in 2018, this family bakery has a long fire-fighting history, so keeping the firehouse theme was only natural given its location in the last fire substation near the city of Waterville. Stop by during Wild Blueberry Weekend to enjoy an authentic and tasty bakery experience!

What an incredible selection of offerings we have this year! Thank you to all of the establishments participating in Wild Blueberry Weekend – we couldn’t offer this truly wild Maine experience and continuously share the love for wild blues without all of you! 

We can’t wait to see what you choose for your *wild* weekend adventure. No matter where you choose to spend Wild Blueberry Weekend, make sure to capture plenty of pictures, post on social media, and tag us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter so we can revel in your love for wild blueberries.

Wild Blueberries are a Family Affair at Ridgeberry Farm, Midcoast Maine

Tim Davis didn’t choose the wild blueberry life, the wild blueberry life chose Tim Davis. After marrying his wife, Jess, heir to Ridgeberry Farm in Midcoast Maine, he joined a multi-generational family wild blueberry business and learned the ways of “blueberrying” firsthand. Today, Tim is a busy guy – he is the seasonal Head Harvest Manager for Ridgeberry, the full-time Knox County Sheriff, and a father to the next generation of Ridgeberry Farm farmers. We sat down to chat about his work in the wild blueberry industry, and it was clear that Tim is not only proud of what his family does, but also that he’s part of this special community that stewards a truly wild plant. 

“When most people think about blueberries, they think about those found in the foothills of North Carolina or those exported from Chile,” Tim explained, “Those berries are very different from wild blueberries from Maine. And that’s why one of my goals is to educate folks on the difference so they understand how special our little wild berry is. The Maine wild blueberry is so unique, and it can’t be grown anywhere else. Our harsh Maine climate gives wild blueberries their incredible health benefits. And don’t get me started on taste because wild blueberries have a flavor profile that outshines all those ordinary blueberries. This is our berry, our product, and we are very proud of that.”

To really understand what makes the work Tim’s family does so special, we dug further into the history of his family farm, the work they do today, and what’s on the horizon for Ridgeberry Farm. 

How Ridgeberry Farm Came to Be

In the early 1980’s, Tim’s in-laws, John and Alison Boyington, bought their first piece of wild blueberry land, and over the years, fell in love with the captivating Maine landscape enough to eventually build a house on the property. In the early 2000’s, they started commercially harvesting wild blueberries. 

The Boyingtons began harvesting the traditional way: handraking every inch of the multi-acre field. During the first 10 years of operation, they slowly modernized their harvesting practices and have evolved into a sustainable family business. Today, Ridgeberry Farm has been blueberrying for over 40 years, and this strictly family-run operation is the pride and joy of the Davis/Boyington family. 

A Look Inside Wild Blueberry Harvest Season

During the offseason, Jess works as a teacher and Tim as a police officer, utilizing all of their vacation time during the late summer months. Why? Because it’s all hands on deck in early August as Ridgeberry Farm works to harvest between 250,000-600,000 pounds of wild blueberries annually. Tim hopes they’ll be able to harvest between 300,000-400,000 pounds in 2024, with decent weather and increasing rainfall as a positive indicator. The reality for Maine wild blueberry growers is that their annual crop is dependent on the kindness of mother nature.

For many years, Ridgeberry Farm has sold the majority of its harvest to Wyman’s of Maine, as well as several local Maine wineries. The farm has its own fresh and frozen processing units onsite, with 10-20% of the annual yield sold fresh during harvest season. However, as demand grows for wild blueberries, Tim’s hope is that they’ll be able to expand their frozen wild blueberry processing capabilities onsite to extend their selling season beyond harvest season. They currently freeze a small portion of their yield for sales throughout the year.

Sharing What Makes the Wild Blueberry Industry Unique 

“When you talk to somebody, even people from Maine, they automatically connect our state to the lobster, potato and tree farming industries. Many people don’t realize that Maine is the largest U.S. producer of wild blueberries. While demand and understanding of this is slowly changing, we have a lot of work to do to continue differentiating wild blueberries from cultivated blueberries. We are the better blueberry and Maine deserves a spot on the map,” Tim concludes.

Wild Blueberry Weekend

For the fourth year running, Ridgeberry Farm will be participating in Wild Blueberry Weekend, which is scheduled to take place August 3-4, 2024. The farm will be offering a variety of family-friendly activities on Sunday, August 4th, including:

  • Wild blueberry sampling and u-pick
  • Food truck vendors
  • History lessons on old-school harvesting machinery
  • Farm tours via hay wagon ride

To learn more about Ridgeberry Farm and the Maine wild blueberry industry, make sure to pay them a visit on Wild Blueberry Weekend.

Fresh Wild Blueberry Season is Officially Here–Celebrate with Us in Maine

If you’ve grown up in Maine or spent a lot of time in Vacationland, then you know that summer means one thing: fresh, wild blueberry season! For a lot of us, wild blueberry season certainly brings back fond memories of raking wild blueberries, filling buckets and eating them before you get home, making tasty pies, or buying fresh wild blueberries at a local farm stand. During this time of year, we also like to recognize the farmers and all the hard work that goes into harvesting these naturally occurring, wild berries that Mother Nature put there more than 10,000 years ago.

As one of North America’s three native fruits, wild blueberries have never been planted, and are only commercially harvested in Maine and parts of Eastern Canada during late summer. Many of the 485 Maine farmers who carefully steward and harvest these wild blueberries have been doing so for generations and have created a unique heritage. To celebrate this wild, native-to-Maine berry, let’s dive into more information about where they come from, their health benefits, and more.

Why Wild Blues are Different Than Ordinary Blueberries

Maine currently has more than 38 thousand acres of wild blueberries, primarily in the Midcoast and Downeast regions of the state, and each field contains thousands of different varieties of wild blueberry plants. Looking at a field is a site to behold. You’ll see a tight-knit, ankle high carpet of color waves ranging from purple to blue, and it’s this variety that translates into a distinct taste ranging from sweet to somewhat tangy that when combined is often described as the “blueberriest” blueberry flavor. 

Did you know that wild blueberries provide you with a higher skin-to-pulp ratio than ordinary, larger blueberries? Since wild blueberries are much smaller, they contain less water (making them great for baking), and possess more antioxidant-rich pigments, more fiber, and a more intense tangy, sweet flavor than ordinary blueberries. These wonderous wild berries are also loaded with 33% more brain-healthy anthocyanins than normal blueberries.  Anthocyanins are the plant compounds found in the skin of the Wild Blueberry that give them their pretty purply-blue hue.

Each summer, farmers all over Maine collectively harvest millions of pounds of wild blueberries. While 99% of the harvested crop is frozen at peak ripeness to lock in nutrition and taste, a small amount is sold fresh at local markets, roadside farm stands, fairs and festivals, or used in value-added products like jam, syrup, wine, beer, and more. If you can’t make it to Maine during fresh season, you can purchase frozen wild blueberries in the freezer aisle of your local grocery store–just make sure it says “wild” on the packaging!

Celebrate Our Native Berry During Wild Blueberry Weekend, August 7-8, 2021

This year, we’re celebrating Maine’s native berry and the hardworking farmers that harvest this iconic crop during the first annual Wild Blueberry Weekend. On August 7th and 8th, people will have the opportunity to visit 15+ farms participating in the event to rake wild blueberries, learn about harvesting practices, and see where their food comes from. Mainers and visitors will also be able to try wild blueberry-themed menu items at 40+ participating restaurants, inns, bars, and wineries across Maine. The best part? You can plan your weekend to fit your family’s interests. Visit Downeast Maine to pick wild blueberries, or simply check out a local establishment that has wild blues on the menu. Learn more about Wild Blueberry Weekend and plan your Eat, Drink, Experience itinerary today!

First Ever Wild Blueberry Weekend Planned for August in Maine

Ready to begin a new summer tradition in Maine? Well, we’ve got a new exciting event to share with you. The Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine is putting our state’s iconic, delicious, and healthy wild blueberry in the spotlight this summer with the first ever Wild Blueberry Weekend.  Mainers and visitors will have the opportunity to eat, drink, and experience the taste of Maine summers by visiting 15+ wild blueberry farms and 40+ participating restaurants, inns, bars, wineries, and distilleries August 7-8, 2021. For a full list of the participating businesses and local farms (and the incredible activities they have planned), visit www.wildblueberryweekend.com.

“We want Mainers and visitors alike to experience the hardworking, vibrant, and distinctly Maine culture of wild blueberry farming,” said Eric Venturini, Executive Director for The Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine. “Wild Blueberry Weekend is a fun way to engage foodies, families, folks interested in the local food scene, residents and tourists in this iconic Maine food–and help our farms and businesses. Our goal is to make Wild Blueberry Weekend a new, annual summer tradition in Maine each August.”

Learn about Maine’s Wild Places

During the weekend, visitors will have the opportunity to visit 15+ wild blueberry farms located in Midcoast and Downeast Maine to learn how multi-generational family farms have stewarded and harvested this healthy, delicious berry for generations. Locations are offering a range of activities from farm tours to u-pick, hand-raking demonstrations, and even the ability to camp out in select fields. Additionally, visitors can purchase farm fresh and frozen wild blueberries and a number of value-add products like dried wild blueberry powder, jams, syrups, honey, and more.

“We want visitors to learn that wild blueberries are not ordinary blueberries. Wild blueberries have a rich, cultural history that we want to share, and they are grown and harvested in a way that is truly unique to Maine’s coastal landscape. Wild blueberries have thrived in this region for thousands of years–they are not planted like ordinary blueberries. Instead, they grow where nature put them, and are nurtured and harvested by Maine farmers,” continued Venturini. “Our farmers love what they do and are excited to share their stories with you. I encourage everyone to come up to Maine, see what the wild difference is for yourself, experience the natural beauty of a Maine wild blueberry field, and most importantly, eat and enjoy Maine wild blueberries.”

Plan Your Wild Blueberry Weekend Itinerary–Fun for the Whole Family 

If you’re heading to Maine this August or simply live here plan your family’s weekend itinerary by browsing the Wild Blueberry Weekend map that highlights 40+ participating restaurants, bars, wineries, and eating establishments, as well as the 15+ participating wild blueberry farms. Plus, you’ll have a chance to highlight you wild experiences and win prizes by following along with @wildblueberries on Instagram and Facebook and using #WildBlueberryWeekend on social media. 

“We’re very excited to launch this first ever, Maine wild blueberry weekend and hope to make it a tradition that Mainers and tourists look forward to each year. Don’t miss out on the fun. Plan your Wild Blueberry Weekend today,” concluded Venturini.

To learn more about Wild Blueberry Weekend, visit www.wildblueberryweekend.com. If you’re curious about the health benefits, origin, and eating wild blueberries, visit www.wildblueberries.com for research, recipes, and more.