discovering coastal maine
I had never been to Maine before, but this first visit felt truly special. The rugged coastline and salty sea breezes perfectly matched what I had imagined. My work team picked this spot for a short, two-day meeting focused on strategy and team bonding. Our team bonding event—a tour of an oyster farm—became the highlight of the trip.
Oyster Tasting with Lady Oyster
Touring a Real, Live Oyster Farm
As we gathered in the harbor with champagne in hand, the family-run team provided an overview of what was to come. We boarded two small boats and began a short, scenic ride to the oyster farm.
Once we arrived, we were introduced to the fascinating process of oyster farming. Our captain, Joe Jerome, shared insights on how they nurture these incredible shellfish from tiny seeds to market-ready size, all while maintaining the natural ecosystem. We learned about the importance of water quality, the influence of tides, and the time it takes for oysters to mature—critical elements in creating the perfect briny bite.
An Expert Guide
Joe’s expertise was evident. In part, this is thanks to his work with the Basin Oyster Project, where he teaches K-12 students about shellfish reef regeneration. He showed us oysters at different stages of growth, culminating in full-grown oysters, which were shucked and enjoyed on the spot. Talk about fresh!
To top it off, Joe prepared his special mignonette and favorite oyster pairing cocktail. This added a fun and very personal touch to the tour. As we sipped, it was clear how much care and effort goes into producing these ocean gems. It requires a delicate balance of nature and patience.
Wine and Oyster Pairing
After the tour, we walked to a charming house perched high on a hill above the harbor. Stunning views and a beautifully set table awaited us for our oyster and wine pairing. Warrick Ombler, a luxury travel expert, was busy shucking (and shucking and shucking). As he worked, Virginia guided us through a tasting featuring oysters from three different Maine farms, allowing us to savor the nuanced differences between locations and farming practices. We even received an oyster tasting book to jot down our impressions, along with an oyster aroma wheel—just like the wine aroma wheel!
The oysters were served on a bed of small, glistening pebbles, a stunning presentation. What elevated the tasting experience was the thoughtful wine pairing. Each round of oysters was paired with a different crisp white wine, which cut through the richness and enhanced the flavors. Muscadet, Sancerre, and Txakolina complemented the oysters perfectly—a perfect balance of land and sea.
The Grande Finale
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we transitioned to the next highlight of the day: a lobster dinner. Maine is synonymous with lobster, and this meal was nothing short of extraordinary. Freshly caught lobsters were steamed to perfection and paired with butter and fresh, local corn. Simple yet elevated, it was the perfect ending to a spectacular event.
A Spectacular Experience
Experiencing the oyster farm tour not only deepened my appreciation for oysters but also connected me with the passionate people behind the food, creating a unique and memorable experience I hope to repeat. Additionally, what sets Lady Oyster apart is the team’s warm authenticity. Virginia’s infectious enthusiasm and storytelling, combined with the knowledge and expertise they shared, truly made the tour exceptional. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
