Union

Wine consumption in the U.S. has been declining in recent years. While the baby boomer generation drove wine consumption for decades, millennials and Gen Z are not following that trend.

Here is a roundup of local restaurant news, including openings, closings and holiday events.

Photographer Jim Neuger visited the annual agriculture fairs in Fryeburg, Unity, Union and Presque Isle to capture the action.

Herbal Revolution Farm & Apothecary, which is based in Union and recently started selling in 400 Sprouts Farmers Markets stores nationwide, is "undergoing reviews" with several other retailers, according to the company's owner and founder.

Balfour Farm, Fields Fields Blueberries, Herbal Revolution Farm & Apothecary, Ledgeway Farm and the William H. Jordan Farm will each receive USDA Rural Development funding.

Some 44% of Maine’s 13,414 agricultural producers are women.

Keith Bodine built and managed wineries and distilleries in the U.S. and China before moving to Union, where he co-owns Sweetgrass Farm Winery & Distillery. He now advises both wineries and distilleries around the globe.

A total of $2,027,149 in funding has been awarded to 10 Maine agribusinesses and farms through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Value-Added Producer Grant Program.

Not all news is good news. From COVID cancellations to ignominious rankings, here are some of the stories that were tough for Maine businesses in the past year.

Seaweed salad made in Maine and one of the state's craft beers were among this year's winners, selected among more than 1,900 entries nationwide.