We are John VerPlanck and Jennifer Laskey VerPlanck. We think a wine shop should be fun, informative and not the least bit stuffy.

John is a retired airline pilot and US Marine veteran. His career took him to numerous wine producing countries where he acquired an appreciation for regional wines and various types of beer that were not readily available in the states at the time.

Maine is one place that doesn't lack micro- breweries! New Maine brew houses are opening up all the time. There are about 170 now. They are all unique; it's a joy to meet the brewers and to taste all their great beers!

Our selection of beer isn't the largest, we choose for quality and stock exceptional brews that you won't readily find at other stores. We rotate our brands weekly, to keep offering what is new and fresh as well as the old favorites and seasonal styles.

John has published two novels,  "Pacific Air 55 is Missing"and  the sequel, "Tailwind".  

Both novels involve intrigue: a mystery, a crime, six friends and a fast-paced international chase. They have themes of flight,escape,interpersonal relationships,morality and the price of freedom.

These are both available at our store. John will sign them for you if you like!

Jennifer grew up on a saltwater farm in Brunswick,Maine,that was part of her family heritage going back for over 200 years. Her family grew their own vegetables, had laying hens, raised beef and dairy cows and often everything on their table was grown right there on the farm. 

Having an appreciation for fresh food led Jennifer into a career as a cook and pastry maker as well as a chocolatier. She has been actively involved in promoting small business in Harpswell, co-founding The Harpswell Business Association.

She owned and operated a popular artisan chocolate and candy store for a number of years,The Chocolate Deli,in Harpswell, which has now evolved into the Black Sheep Wine and Beer store.

She no longer makes the chocolates,but receives them made to order from local chocolatiers.

We sell Jennifer's Harpswell Originals, note cards based on photos taken around our beautiful town of Harpswell,Maine. Profits help support charitable causes.

The Black Sheep Wine and Beer Shop in the Press 

Black Sheep Wine and Beer Shop  is mentioned in the "48 hours in Brunswick and Harpswell" article by Managing Editor, Katy Kelleher, April, 2014 issue of Maine Magazine.

The Boston Globe,By The Glass, by Stephen Meuse 

The Forecaster- Brunswick Area news : Late Harvest Wine- The Black Sheep Wine Shop

(Note: We have posted these articles on our "More fun with wine,beer,food " page)

We are honored to be listed in several books about Maine, including:

The Food Lovers Guide to Maine , Best Local Markets, by Margaret Shane K. Hathaway.

The Explorers Guide to Maine (16th Edition) by Christina Tree and Nancy English.

We write a monthly wine column in The Cryer.The column is usually also posted on our blog: Black Sheep Wine and Beer Field Notes,

 Some other nice reviews writen about the Black Sheep Wine and Beer Store:

The Foodie Pilgrim  ,Boston.com "By the Glass"  

We support Maine green energy by buying all our electricity through 100% clean, Maine - made renewable resources.