Southern Aroostook Couple Opens a Northern Maine Winery

Jean and Richard Sloat know about diversity of interests. For more than two decades, they've operated Jean's Serendipity embroidery shop in Houlton. But they also sell custom crafts and toys, even English and Western tack and apparel. And Jean's is paired with a pet supply store called Fish N' Friends. And now they've opened a winery in Hodgdon.

Hidden Spring Winery is on a hill on land in East Hodgdon that's been owned by family members for almost a century. The spring in the name is a real local spring, located on Sloat Family property.

Richard Sloat was given a wine-making kit for a Christmas gift some years back and has since developed into a full-fledged winemaker. The Sloats have begun producing vintages like Frisky Fall apple spice wine and A Bottle of Sunshine dandelion wine

The Sloats are producing seven wines, using as many local materials as possible and hope to expand to more products next year

Hidden Spring is located at 1057 White Settlement Road in East Hodgdon and is in its first month of operation.

You can contact Hidden Spring Winery at (207) 694-2154 or 532-0753, or through their Facebook page.