The Clown - Wine and Spirits in York, Maine
Fine Italian and Spanish wines

Since 2009

Wines and spirits, sourced one producer at a time.

We are a wine and spirits merchant on US Route 1 in York, Maine offering wines made with integrity, a sense of place, and excellent quality.

Visitors also enjoy our assortment of fine foods- from high-quality European tinned fish and farmer-produced olive oils to tea biscuits and artisan sweets.

Quality glassware, decorative antiques, and party accessories are displayed all around the store for a gift or your own home.

From the shop

A New Chapter in a Proud History

The front of the Clown with a vintage Alfa Romeo

“

We've been open on US Route 1 in York since 2009 after previous locations in Portland and Stonington.

In 2025, Yorgos Hatziefthimiou bought the shop from its founders. A restaurant owner in Manhattan for over 27 years, Yorgo brings a plethora of Wine Spectator awards, extensive wine knowledge, and personal friendships with many top Italian and Greek producers, fueling an exciting new chapter in the history of The Clown.

Read more about the shop

Notes from the shop floor

Things we're excited about

Dickel Leopold Rye

Tullahoma, Tennessee & Denver, Colorado

George Dickel x Leopold Bros

Three Chamber Rye Whiskey

A unique collab that blends Dickel's lighter-style rye with Leopold Brother's rich, viscous expression produced in their reproduction three chamber still. Creamy malt, vanilla, cinnamon, rye spice, subtle herbs and baked apples.

2021 Barolo

Barolo DOCG

2021 Barolos

Various, 2021

The legendary 2021 Barolo vintage has arrived at The Clown! Perfect weather conditions yielded wines that can age for years but manage to still be delicious now. The perfect vintage for a now/later tasting! Currently available: Viberti, Principiano, Alessandria, Borgogno, Aldo Conterno

Michter's Barrel Proof Sour Mash

Kentucky

Michter's

Barrel Strength Kentucky Sour Mash

Michter's 2026 release tips the scales at 111.2 proof and presents in the space between bourbon and rye. Production follows Michter's classic sour mash recipe- including aging in toasted and charred new white oak barrels and filtration before bottling. Sweet and aromatic upfront with notes of cherries, plums, and powdered cocoa with balanced spice and a rich, honeyed finish.

Borgogno No Name

Langhe Nebbiolo DOC

Borgogno

"No Name", 2023

This protest wine is a declassified Barolo. Grapes from the top crus; 2 years of aging in Slavonian oak; Piemontese excellence. Dry and austere yet harmonious and velvety smooth

A trio of Italian reds from a recent tasting at the shop

The Clown Philosophy

Our Perspective

Our wine offerings are chosen specifically to highlight the integrity found in clear expressions of grapes, traditional vinification methods, sustainable and organic farming, and friendships that span continents.

Following this philosophy, we also offer additive-free tequilas, small batch whiskeys, classic amari and even Clown-exclusive wines! Yorgos and his team go the extra mile to offer a quality selection with something for everyone.

Highlights of New Additions

Next tasting

Highlights of New Additions

New Additions with Yorgos

When
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 · 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Where
The shop, 659 US Route 1, York
With

This month's tasting isn't a region, a geography, or any other theme; it's just a catch-up on some exciting new wines we've recently brought to the shelves. As you can see below, they're kind of all over the board, but that's because we do our best to bring you distinctive bottles.