If you’re recently moved to Delaware, here’s something you might not know: we are becoming a desired destination for people who love wine! Because we live and work in downtown Lewes, we’re well acquainted with the offerings at Nassau Vineyards, located just a couple of miles from the heart of town. But whether you live in New Castle, Kent or Sussex County, you’re not too far away from lovely settings where you can try and buy a variety of whites, roses and reds.
With thanks to a terrific feature by Mathew Korfhage in the July 28 Sunday News Journal, (Our daily Delaware-wide newspaper that’s well-worth subscribing to https://subscribe.delawareonline.com/offers?gps-source=CPSUBFOOTER&itm_medium=onsite&itm_campaign=subfooter&itm_source=subfooter&itm_content=subfooter&gnt-eid=control, here's a quick look at the offerings:
Salted Vines in Frankford
Adrian Mobilia can trace his journey to wine country back four generations in Italy and, more recently to his Salted Vines https://www.saltedvines.com/ farm in Frankford. Located at 32512 Road 374, it’s a 26-acre vineyard that yields cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and malbec, and according to the article, future offerings of chardonnay and pinot noir. It’s also a beautiful day trip destination, with tastings offered seven days a week. Visit the web site for more details.
Harvest Ridge Winery on Kent County’s Pennsylvania border
Located just west of Kent County, this winery at 1140 Newark Road in Toughkenamon, Pennsylvania, Harvest Ridge https://www.harvestridgewinery.com/ was founded by Chuck Nunan and his wife in 2013. Their wines come from French and hybrid grapes, with an emphasis on the nouveau offerings. If you visit for a tasting or a tour and like sweet blends, ask about the Cherry Blossom, priced around $17 a bottle. They’re open seven days a week. Learn more at the web site.
Twin Branch Winery in Milton
Located at 14756 Twin Branch Road just outside of beautiful and historic downtown Milton, Twin Branch https://www.twinbranchwinery.com/ was founded in 2013 but just opened to the public last year as a gathering spot for live music, special events, and tastings. The infrastructure and entertaining spaces have been upgraded, and the story notes that there are thousands of new vines, along with grapes sourced from other vineyards. The major offerings now are cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc, and a vidal blanc will be offered soon. Visit their Facebook page to find out when they will be reopening!
Brimming Horn Meadery in Milton and Seaford
Also near Milton, at 28615 Lewes Georgetown Highway (Route 9), and in Seaford at 106 Spring Street, the Brimming Horn Meadery https://www.brimminghornmeadery.com/ offers what might be deemed a popular cousin to wine, with several varieties of mead based beverages from fruits, herbs and flowers. As the article notes that while it “drinks as smooth as cider, it often kicks like wine. So be warned.” Wine aficionados might enjoy the varieties made from pears, raisins and tomatoes. Visit the web site to learn about tasting options.
Nassau Valley Vineyards in Lewes
Located at 32165 Winery Way, which is just a shout away from busy Route 1, the Nassau Valley Vineyards https://www.nassauvalley.com/the-vineyard/ offer a shady and restful place for enjoying wonderful wines and celebrating special events. The vineyards were founded 31 years ago by local jazz legend Peg Raley and her father, Bob, and have become beloved for their offerings of chardonnay, Vintner’s Red and Cape Rose. It’s open for wine shopping and tastings seven days a week during the summer and closed on Mondays during the off-season.
Special note: if you love gorgeous vocals, you see experience Peg in action at the True Blue Jazz Fest https://www.truebluejazz.org/ this October. She’ll perform alongside Eddie Sherman and Terel Stafford at the final event – a brunch at the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel on Sunday, October 20th.