To many, the more granular aspects of wine might seem inaccessible. The finer details picked up by the oenophiles among us are largely lost on those on the outside looking in. And make no mistake, there are A LOT of finer details … and only the select few who fully grasp all of those details can achieve the title of master sommelier.

But what if your passion for wine isn’t enough? What if there are other forces at work, personal and professional responsibilities that are at odds with your singular goal?

That’s the conflict at the center of “Uncorked,” the new drama from Netflix. Written and directed by Prentice Penny, it’s the story of one young man whose love of wine inspires him to try and pursue an oenophile’s education, much to the chagrin of the father who wants him to take over the family business.

This sort of father/son conflict is pretty standard fare for family drama, but this film explores it without ever devolving into boilerplate. Sure, there’s a formula at work here, but thanks to some smart choices and a handful of really compelling performances, the movie never succumbs to cliché. Instead, we get a heartfelt and extremely watchable drama – one to which you’ll have no problem raising a glass.

BANGOR – Get ready to fill your belly with delicious beer, wine and wings on the Waterfront this weekend.

The Best of the North Festival – an event born of a collaborative effort by the Greater Bangor Convention and Visitors Bureau (GBCVB) and the United Way of Eastern Maine - is set to take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Bangor Waterfront.

The festival represents the coming together of three unique events – the CVB’s Wine on the Waterfront and Tap into Summer and the United Way’s Wingfest Maine. The Best of the North Festival will also feature local music and the addition of a kid zone, creating a family-friendly hybrid of both organizations’ events.

All told, there will be 28 brewers, 20 wing vendors and a dozen purveyors of wine and spirits in attendance – more than enough variety for a fan of any or all of these wonderful things. Tickets are $28 per person for just wings, $50 per person for the wings, wine and beer combo ticket or $70 per person for the VIP ticket; they can be purchased at www.bestofthenorth.com.

CVB to present Wine on the Waterfront and Tap Into Summer

BANGOR Get ready to raise a glass or two on the Bangor waterfront.

BANGOR - Bangor Wine and Cheese proudly announces additions to, and expansion of, their store's selection of fine specialty goods. 'It's part of our effort to offer Central Maine serious options when considering what to eat and drink,' said Eric Mihan, owner of Bangor Wine, of his store's new partnerships with W.A. Bean and Sons and Massimo's Breads, as well as expansion of the FIORE Artisan Olive Oils & Vinegars Tasting Bar located in the store.

A fruity business with sweet profits 

STETSON - Growing grapes in Maine is something many people thought was impossible, but a couple from Stetson is proving that it can be done - and that producing the fruit can create some sweet profits.

"Everything we've made so far has gone over really well," said Treena Nadeau, co-owner of Dragonfly Farm & Winery.

The next time you're in need of a pest repellent, stain remover or something to remedy an ailment, check your pantry before heading to the store. You might just find what you need and, surprisingly, it may simply be a common kitchen ingredient.

For years people have had their own uses for different products, some of which seem very unusual but work. So I thought I would take some time to surf the web and talk to a few friends to compile a list of great, thrifty and eco-friendly uses for everyday household items that you may not have thought of.

Bangor Wine & Cheese offers Wine and Beer classes

BANGOR - Merlot, pinot noir, chardonnay, riesling - the options are endless and sometimes overwhelming when it comes to wines. But Eric Mihan is hoping to help the public narrow down which wines best suit their own personal palate at the Wine Underground Beverage School, located inside his Bangor Wine & Cheese store.

"There's nothing like this that's been done in Maine," said Mihan. "We all sleep and we all eat and drink, so why not take a third of your life and do something to make it a little better?"

Last week the wine school held its first course, Wine Appreciation 101. During the one-hour class Mihan taught participants about taste-testing, properly serving and storing wine and how to choose a bottle from among the numerous options available at stores and restaurants.