Browne Trading Market: A Premier Seafood and Gourmet Destination in Portland, Maine
Nestled in the heart of Portland’s vibrant working waterfront, Browne Trading Market is a landmark for seafood lovers and culinary enthusiasts alike. Known across the nation for its dedication to sourcing pristine, fresh seafood directly from local fishermen and lobstermen, Browne Trading Market also brings the best of the world’s oceans to Maine. Whether you’re seeking local delicacies or global gourmet treasures, Browne Trading Market offers a curated selection of exceptional products that are hard to find elsewhere.
Since its founding in 1991 by Rod Browne Mitchell, Browne Trading Market has been a cornerstone of Portland’s renowned seafood scene. A true family affair, Browne Trading upholds its legacy of excellence in the seafood industry, continuing a longstanding tradition that has made the market a destination for those who appreciate the finer things in life. From fresh fish and shellfish to luxury items like caviar, the market is a testament to quality, craftsmanship, and passion for gourmet food.
A Seafood Lover’s Paradise: Fresh, Local, and Imported Delights
Browne Trading Market prides itself on offering the freshest seafood, sourced from both local waters and international fisheries. The market’s dedication to sourcing the best seafood from Portland’s bustling commercial fishing district ensures that every product is of the highest quality. The selection of fish, shellfish, and lobster is handpicked from the most reputable local fishermen and lobstermen, ensuring that you receive nothing but the finest.
In addition to local seafood, Browne Trading Market also imports premium seafood from around the globe. Whether you’re looking for exotic fish, shellfish from distant shores, or special delicacies, the market brings a world of seafood to your table. One of the standout offerings is their expansive collection of tinned fish, considered the largest selection in Maine, perfect for those seeking something unique and delectable.
For those with a taste for the finer things, the market carries a selection of artisan cheeses, signature caviars, and gourmet prepared foods. Among these delicacies is Browne Trading’s in-house smoked seafood line, where traditional smoking techniques are elevated to an art form. The market’s specialty smokehouse, located on-site, produces exquisite smoked salmon, fish, and shellfish, turning an age-old preservation method into a gourmet experience with innovative flavor combinations and meticulous attention to detail.
A Wine Lover’s Dream
Browne Trading Market is also a haven for wine aficionados, offering the largest wine selection north of Boston. Whether you are an experienced collector or a casual enthusiast, the market’s temperature-controlled wine cave houses an impressive array of wines to complement any meal or occasion. For those seeking expert guidance, Joel Hatch, the wine specialist at Browne Trading, is available to help you navigate the selection. Whether you have specific requests or are looking for something special, Joel can offer personalized recommendations to suit your taste and occasion.
Please note that, due to state regulations, Browne Trading is unable to ship wine out of state. However, wine lovers are encouraged to visit the market in person to explore its vast collection and find the perfect bottle.
Gourmet Food and Lunch Options
In addition to its renowned seafood and wine selection, Browne Trading Market also offers a lite lunch menu, featuring fresh and flavorful options, as well as soups to go. For those on the go or looking for a quick bite, the market provides an assortment of gourmet prepared foods that are perfect for enjoying at home or on-site.
Caviar: A Legacy of Excellence
Browne Trading Market has earned national recognition as a premier caviar provider, thanks to its long-standing expertise in sourcing and importing the finest caviar from around the world. Founded as a direct importer of Caspian Sea caviar, including the renowned beluga, sevruga, and osetra sturgeon varieties, Browne Trading’s legacy in the caviar business is unparalleled. When the wild sturgeon populations in the Caspian Sea became restricted due to overfishing, Browne Trading transitioned to importing farmed alternatives from sustainable sources.
Today, Browne Trading collaborates closely with sturgeon farms across the globe, including in Belgium, Italy, Israel, China, and the United States. This direct relationship ensures traceability and guarantees the highest quality caviar available. As a result, Browne Trading is the only company in the U.S. to co-brand with caviar producers, a testament to their commitment to quality and sustainability.
Whether you prefer the delicate flavor of Osetra sturgeon, the richness of Siberian sturgeon, or the boldness of American white sturgeon, Browne Trading offers a selection of premium caviars that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Online Shopping for Caviar, Seafood, and Gourmet Goods
For those unable to visit the market in person, Browne Trading Market offers an easy and convenient way to shop online. Through their website, you can order a wide variety of fresh seafood, caviar, smoked fish, gourmet products, and more. Simply visit www.brownetrading.com to browse the extensive selection and have it shipped directly to your door.
Please note that while the Market and Web Store are separate businesses, both offer a top-tier shopping experience. For questions about online orders, customers are encouraged to contact saleslist@brownetrading.com.
A True Portland Experience
Browne Trading Market is not just a place to shop for gourmet foods; it is an experience. Located at 262 Commercial Street, the market is right in the heart of Portland, Maine’s bustling commercial fishing district. It offers a unique opportunity to explore some of the best seafood and fine foods in the country while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Portland’s working waterfront.
Whether you are a local resident or a visitor, a trip to Browne Trading Market is a must for anyone who loves fine seafood, exquisite caviar, and gourmet delicacies. As the New York Times famously said, “Unless you catch your own, there is no better way to sample exquisitely fresh seafood than ordering from Browne Tra
France
Germany
Italy
New Zealand
Portugal
Spain
Champagne
Port Wine
Saki
Sherry
Domestic
Wine Selection
Browne Trading Market has an extensive wine offering, something for everyone. From newbie to the enthusiast, we have over 1300 skews in the store and can do custom orders also. Joel Hatch is the wine director and can assist you with whatever your wine needs are. Please contact him at, jhatch@brownetrading.com or you can call the store 207-775-7560. The wines listed on the website are only a sampling of what is available. Please stop in and see us. Thank You!
brick & mortar Manchester Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019
Husband and wife team Matt and Alexis Iaconis source this Pinot Noir from the Manchester Ridge Vineyard, which sits at 2,000 feet above sea level and is part of the tiny and unique Mendocino Ridge AVA, a high-altitude coastal wine growing district that is beginning to catch the attention of critics and consumers alike. Their Pinot Noir from this site is ethereal and refreshing, with a now-unheard-of a.b.v. of only 12%. Lifted and aromatic, yet thorough and satisfying, bright red fruits with notable intensity are accented by notes of cedar and brambly spices.
Liquid Farm Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay Golden Slope 2018
A relatively new concern in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA (est. 2009), Liquid Farm seeks to capture the region with a wide angle lens, creating cuvées of several vineyard sites in order to express what is special about Sta. Rita Hills with a broader brush. The results, both red and white, are as delicious as they are impressive. The Golden Slope Chardonnay is a tribute to Meursault, with 15% new oak aging and fruit selected for its bolder, more full bodied style, and yet the signature chalky mineral, sea breeze, and lifted acid that are the regions hallmarks are here as well. SKU:20171
Liquid Farm Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay White Hill 2019
If the Golden Slope Chardonnay is meant to channel Meursault, the White Hill is a nod to Chablis, and here the focus shifts fully towards the limestone, racy acid, and crisp green apple, paying proper homage to its spiritual sister in the northernmost reaches of Burgundy. SKU: 20170
Forge Cellars Finger Lakes Riesling Caywood Vineyard 2020
The most gourmand of the estate’s single vineyard bottlings, the Caywood is deeply salty, mouthwatering, and possesses a firm and crystalline mineral profile. The wine has fantastic energy, shimmering with notions of lemon zest and green apple skins and laser-like acidity. SKU: 19886
Gallica Oakville Ranch Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
The 2017 Gallica Oakville Ranch Cabernet, blended with 16% Cabernet Franc, has really started to come together now, showing layers of savory details, such as sage, tobacco, and warm spices, folded into the finely balanced but full-bodied dark blue fruits on the palate. Aromatically enticing, the wine’s dusty tannins and dry extract add textural layering, nuance, and length. While this wine will clearly continue to develop for years to come, it is very attractive already. SKU: 20000
Nickel & Nickel Branding Iron Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Branding Iron is an eight and a half acre vineyard of loamy clay at the foot of the Mayacamas Mountains in western Oakville. The wine sees about three weeks of skin contact and is raised in French oak, half new and half second-use. A powerful, full-bodied, and iconic Napa Cabernet (100%), with wood spice, vanilla, and significant density of fruit, it has bold but rounded tannins and a richly complex finish. SKU: 19999
I. Brand & Family Bayly Ranch Paicines Cabernet Franc 2019
The Bayly Ranch benefits from some coastal influences and significant diurnal temperature shifts. These factors pair well with the lighter winemaking touch- all the oak used here is neutral and the grapes are harvested with moderate sugars. The result is a west coast Cabernet Franc with Loire-like sensibilities, exhibiting lovely cut grass and white pepper on the nose and sitting more lightly on the palate. At the same time, the wine is energetic and still delivers lovely and lifted red fruits and blackberry, finishing with a zesty flourish. SKU: 20002
I. Brand & Family Fellom Ranch Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Fellom Ranch is on the Montebello Ridge, adjacent to the legendary Montebello Vineyard and sharing its unique soil composition. Lightly crushed whole berries are fermented with native yeasts with a three week maceration and the wine is aged in one new puncheon and one neutral barrel, for a tiny production of just 63 cases. Like its famous neighbor the wine displays a very Pauillac-like nose, with prominent blue fruits and graphite up front. Beautifully textured on the palate, it is full bodied but graceful, with elegant but assertive tannic structure, fresh toast, blueberries, plums, and fine sous bois accents coming in towards the back. An outstanding performance that does justice to its noteworthy terroir. SKU: 20004
Calera Central Coast Pinot Noir 2018
Easily one of the best performers at this appellation level and price-point, Calera’s Central Coast Pinot Noir delivers satisfying depth of dark berries and zesty spice on a supple palate that is pure and expressive. SKU: 19692 California
Etude Carneros Pinot Noir Grace Benoist Ranch 2018
“The 2018 Pinot Noir Grace Benoist Ranch captures all the personality of this site in its wild character. Sweet red cherry, dried herbs, game, licorice, iron and soil-driven tones all run through the 2018. Medium in body, yet quite potent, the 2018 has plenty to offer.” Antonio Galloni, Vinous 90 pts SKU: 17519 California
Brea Central Coast Pinot Noir 2021
A collaboration project between Chris Brockway of Broc Cellars and importer Tim Elenteny, Brea’s focus is varietal purity and accessibility. With native yeast fermentation and aging in neutral French oak, this gem delivers on its promise, with expressive and elegant dark cherry notes, slightly floral fragrance, and clean, zesty finish. SKU: 19706 California
Mount Eden Vineyards Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
“The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is going to need a number of years to come around. The only question is how many. In 2017, the Mount Eden Cabernet is shockingly opulent. Inky black fruit, bittersweet chocolate, spice, leather and incense are all dialed up in this super-sized Cabernet. Even so, there is plenty of structure lurking beneath. I can’t wait to see how it ages.” Antonio Galloni, Vinous 97 pts SKU: 19799 California
Drew Anderson Valley Chardonnay Bahl Briney 2019
Sourced from the Valenti and Clow Ridge Vineyards in Anderson Valley, this cool-climate, coastal Chardonnay spends about a year in French oak (12% new) and is bottled unfined and unfiltered. Crisp and lively, with a fine but assertive thread of savory marine character running throughout the poached pear, apple tart, and toasted ginger palate, this middle-weight Chardonnay has good texture and a salty, juicy finish. SKU: 19781 California
Lyric Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir 2019
Lyric is the Santa Barbara extension of Carneros icon Etude, and their SBC Pinot Noir lives up to this lineage, offering silky ripe cherry sensations laced with baking spices, soft tannins, and a bright, fresh structure. SKU: 17718 California
Liquid Farm Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir 2019
Deceptively light in color, this Pinot delivers surprising depth, with crisp raspberry and pomegranate gradually revealing layers of rooibos, bergamot, and cherry stone as it opens with air. The aromatics also blossom as the wine gains momentum, with everything framed by fine lines of tart acid and berry skins. SKU: 19782 California
Hall Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Not your typical grassy Napa Sauv Blanc, Hall is more forward with the ripe stone fruits, flashes of lemon thyme, and a satisfyingly compact mineral core of wet stone. It will be perfect with goat cheeses, white fish, or crudo. SKU: 19783 California
Elk Cove Vineyards Yamhill-Carlton Chardonnay Goodrich Vineyard 2017
With less than two acres of Chardonnay planted in the Goodrich Vineyard, this is tiny parcel, boutique Chardonnay to be sure. Gently whole-cluster pressed and aged in a mixture of new and used French oak, it offers generous heaps of lemon citrus and apples on a silky textured frame with lovely acid and hints of spice. SKU: 19719 Oregon
Terre Rouge Ascent Sierra Foothills Syrah 2014
Winemaker’s notes: “Each year Bill Easton, an original Rhône Ranger, crafts his top Syrah named ASCENT from several Sierra Foothills vineyard sites ranging up to 3,000 feet in elevation. All of the grapes are grown in granite and volcanic-based soils. Only 8 barrels are produced and spend 22 months in 100% new French oak barrels before bottle ageing. This is a deeply concentrated wine with dense layers of aromatic complexity. In the mouth, you’ll find riotous smoky wood tones, exotic spices, minerality and fine tannins. This wine has great structure and ageing potential.” SKU: 19952 California
Patricia Green Cellars Chehalem Mountain Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
This brand new release from Jim Anderson is a glorious come-back after the unfortunate 2020, whose fires prevented this estate from bottling any single vineyards releases. Though it is entirely primary and just minted, with air it is delightfully apparent that we are dealing with a great vintage for this wine. Glorious and thorough fruit is held up by a wonderfully energetic backbone of acid, fruit skins, orange rind, and spice, with perfectly harmonic tannins offering tensile definition now and the promise of real longevity and development. Not to be missed. SKU: 19924 Oregon
Cristom Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir Jessie Vineyard 2019
“The 2019 Pinot Noir Jessie Vineyard offers notable layering and purity this vintage. Intense, savory cranberry fruit is accented by tones of charcuterie and sweet balsamic on the nose, and the palate combines that sweet, savory and earthy character in a silky frame, finishing with a flourish of spices and great length.” Erin Books, Wine Advocate 96 pts SKU: 19607 Oregon
Burgess Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Contadina 2016
A nicely developed bouquet of red and blue fruits infused with lavender and warm earth tones greets the nose, leading to a medium-bodied palate with lush, rounded fruit, lightly spiced vegetal details, and fine tannins. The wine finishes long, with highly perfumed echoes of floral and red fruit tones. SKU: 19355 California
Arrowood Sonoma Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Intense and saturated tart red fruits with ripe cherry and cranberry flavors make for a vivid impression on the palate. Youthful and racy at this point, the tannins and acidity are well tuned to this core of substantial fruit, which is at once juicy and compact. SKU: 19356 California
Barboursville Viognier Reserve 2019
This mineral-driven Viognier keeps the white plum and dragon fruit well in hand, while showing off a full and firm mouthfeel, with textures that are at once plush and well defined by background suggestions of white peppercorn and refreshing acidity. SKU: 19106 Virginia
Austria
Austria
Steininger Riesling Ried Steinhaus 2019
This Riesling from the steep terraced south-facing vineyard of Steinhaus, which is rich in quartz and feldspar, has remarkable tension and structure, with a firm core of white plum pit and polished stone minerality flecked with prominent saline and flint notions. True to the vintage, this vertical frame is matched by vibrant acidity and a lengthy, thrilling finish. Really outstanding. SKU: 1991
