Brodi’s Blueberries in Hope

At the top of a hill in Hope, Maine, with sweeping views over Alford Lake and fields of low-bush wild blueberries, sits one of the state’s oldest family-run farms. Brodis Blueberries, led by matriarch Gwen Brodis, has been in the same family since the 1750s. What began as a land grant more than two centuries ago has grown into an 800-acre operation stewarded by nine generations of Mainers.

During the short but intense harvest season, more than a dozen family members, including Gwen’s children and grandchildren, come together to help run the farm. Heidi Howard describes it as “many hands making it all work,” from field prep and harvesting to farm store sales and community events. Gwen’s son-in-law, Ron Howard, serves as the farm manager, drawing from his own roots growing up on a cattle farm. His son, Jeremy Howard, also plays a key role on the farm while co-owning Blue Barren Distillery, located at the Wharf at Lyman-Morse in Camden.

Brodis Blueberries grows about 170 acres of wild blueberries, producing close to 150,000 pounds annually. Much of the harvest is sold directly to customers during the season, either from the roadside stand or at events like Cocktails on the Hill, which runs Fridays and Saturdays from 4 to 6 p.m. Guests can enjoy small-batch cocktails—often featuring blueberries from the farm—while taking in some of the best views in the Midcoast.

If you’re planning to visit, Maine Wild Blueberry Weekend (August 2–3, 2025) is an especially festive time to come. There will be vendors, music, food, and the opportunity to learn more about the history, ecology, and harvest methods behind this iconic Maine crop.

As the family explains it, wild blueberries are different from cultivated blueberries. They’re smaller, more flavorful, and have grown naturally in these fields for thousands of years. “No one planted these,” Ron says. “Each plant is genetically unique, and they’ve been thriving here since the glaciers receded.” The Brodis family continues the Indigenous practice of mowing half the crop every other year to stimulate stronger yields, a method that has been passed down over generations.

Today, Brodis Blueberries is one of the largest small, family-run wild blueberry operations in the state. But for the Brodis family, it’s not just about the fruit. It’s about sharing a piece of Maine’s agricultural history with every visitor who makes the drive up the hill, and doing it together.

FAMOUS FOR:
Nine generations of family stewardship, sweeping views of Alford Lake, and some of the best wild blueberry pie and jam in Maine.

ADDRESS:
87 Jones Hill Rd, Hope, ME

WEBSITE:
brodisblueberries.com

photos by Aaron Snow