Best 6 Wineries in Delaware: Top Picks for Wine Lovers
Delaware may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of wineries, but the state has a surprising number of quality vineyards and wineries to visit. From traditional wineries to meaderies, Delaware offers a unique wine-tasting experience that is worth exploring.
Delaware: The First State
Delaware, also known as “The First State,” is one of the smallest states in the United States, but it is big in history. It was the first state to ratify the Constitution on December 7, 1787, making it the first state in the Union. Delaware is located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States and is bordered by Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Delaware is known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and charming small towns. It is also home to some of the best wineries in the country. Delaware’s wineries offer a unique experience for visitors, with beautiful vineyards, scenic views, and award-winning wines.
One of the most notable wineries in Delaware is Nassau Valley Vineyards, which was the first winery in the state. It was established in 1987 and opened its doors to the public in 1993. Nassau Valley Vineyards is located in Lewes, Delaware, and is known for its award-winning wines, including Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Another popular winery in Delaware is Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery, located in Frankford, Delaware. This winery offers a wide variety of wines, including reds, whites, and fruit wines. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours of the vineyard, and live music events.
Delaware’s wineries have gained national recognition for their quality wines, and many of them have won awards in prestigious competitions. Some of the most popular wines produced in Delaware include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.
Exploring Delaware Wineries
Delaware’s wine industry has been growing steadily over the years, and there are now several wineries and vineyards spread throughout the state. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, exploring Delaware’s wineries is a great way to spend a weekend.
Most of Delaware’s wineries are located in the southern part of the state, with a few scattered throughout the central region. Some of the most popular wineries in Delaware include Nassau Valley Vineyards, Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery, and The Brimming Horn Meadery.
Visitors to Delaware wineries can expect to find a variety of red and white wines, including popular varietals like Merlot and Chardonnay. Many wineries also offer tastings and tours, giving visitors a chance to learn about the wine-making process and sample some of the best wines the state has to offer.
One of the best things about exploring Delaware wineries is the opportunity to take in the beautiful scenery. Many wineries are located in picturesque settings, with rolling hills, lush vineyards, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just looking for a fun day out with friends, exploring Delaware’s wineries is a must-do activity. With so many great wineries to choose from, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Nassau Valley Vineyards
Nassau Valley Vineyards is Delaware’s first and only award-winning winery. Located in Lewes, just a few miles from Delaware’s bustling beach resorts, the winery is nestled among verdant fields on a quiet country road.
The vineyard boasts over 20 acres of vines, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot grapes. To create their line of 14 wines, they also use Eastern Shore-grown grapes and fruit to supplement their own produce.
Visitors can enjoy a tour of the vineyard and winery, including a tasting of their award-winning wines. Nassau Valley Vineyards offers a variety of tours, including a walking tour of the vineyard and a guided tour of the winery.
The tasting room is open daily and offers a selection of wines to sample. Visitors can also purchase bottles of their favorite wines to take home or enjoy on the vineyard’s beautiful grounds.
Overall, Nassau Valley Vineyards is a must-visit destination for wine lovers in Delaware. With its picturesque setting and award-winning wines, it’s no wonder why it’s one of the best wineries in the state.
Website: https://www.nassauvalley.com/
Address: 32165 Winery Way, Lewes, DE 19958, United States
Harvest Ridge Winery
Harvest Ridge Winery is a family-farm winery located on the Mason-Dixon line in Marydel, Delaware. The winery features acres of gorgeous property and even a cornerstone of the Mason-Dixon line. Part of the property is in Maryland, and part is in Delaware. The winery has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, making it a perfect place to spend an afternoon with friends or family.
Harvest Ridge Winery is known for its well-crafted wines that have won awards at the Tasters Guild International Competition. The owners of Harvest Ridge Winery, Chuck and Chris Nunan, first set up their business in Marydel on the border of Maryland five years back. Since then, they have expanded rapidly to become one of the most favorable spots for wine tasting in Delaware. Harvest Ridge Winery delivers an impressive selection of alcoholic beverages like Chardonnay, Viognier, Malbec, and Merlot.
The vineyards at Harvest Ridge Winery grow a variety of grapes, including Chardonnay, Viognier, Malbec, and Merlot. The climate and soil of southern Delaware are similar to Bordeaux, making it perfect for growing aromatic wines. The winery has a tasting room where visitors can sample their wines and learn about the winemaking process. Visitors can also take a tour of the vineyards and learn about the different types of grapes grown on the property.
In addition to their wines, Harvest Ridge Winery also has a cidery on the property called Rebel Seed Cidery. Visitors can sample their hard ciders made from apples grown on the property. The winery also hosts events throughout the year, including live music, food trucks, and festivals. Harvest Ridge Winery is a unique experience that combines history, agriculture, and wine.
Website: http://www.harvestridgewinery.com/
Address: 447 Westville Rd, Marydel, DE 19964, United States
Pizzadili Vineyard and Winery
Pizzadili Vineyard and Winery is a picturesque countryside winery located in Felton, Delaware. The vineyard is known for its Italian winemaking traditions and inventive spirit. Visitors can take a stroll through the vines to a picturesque pond and unwind in a serene environment.
The vineyard has a wide range of wines, including red, white, and fruit wines. Visitors can sample wines in the tasting room and purchase bottles to take home. Pizzadili Vineyard and Winery also has a restaurant that serves delicious food and wine.
The vineyard offers tours and events throughout the year, including live music and wine tastings. Visitors can also host private events at the vineyard, such as weddings and corporate events.
Pizzadili Vineyard and Winery is a family-owned and operated business that has been producing wine for over 20 years. The vineyard has won several awards for its wines, including the Governor’s Cup for Best Red Wine in Delaware.
The vineyard is also committed to sustainable agriculture and uses eco-friendly practices in its winemaking process. Pizzadili Vineyard and Winery is a must-visit for wine lovers and those looking for a peaceful retreat in the countryside.
Website: https://www.visitdelaware.com/
Address: 1683 Peach Basket Rd, Felton, DE 19943, United States
Brimming Horn Meadery
Brimming Horn Meadery is a must-visit destination for mead lovers in Delaware. With over 20 years of crafting and perfecting its award-winning meads, Brimming Horn is a meadery that takes pride in its craft. The meadery has two locations in Delaware, one in Milton and the other in Rehoboth Beach.
The Brimming Horn Meadery has a breathtaking design that offers a Scandinavian vibe, which visitors usually don’t encounter. The meadery has large chandeliers embellished with antlers, giving visitors the impression of joining a Viking stronghold. The meadery is owned by Jon Talkington, who has over 26 years of mead-making experience.
Brimming Horn Meadery produces a variety of meads, fruit wines, and ciders that are served on tap, in bottles, growlers, and glasses. One of their most popular meads is Pucker-Up-Baby, a tart and tangy mead made with hibiscus. The meadery also produces award-winning meads like Royal Metheglin, which won first place at the 2021 National Honey Board Mead Crafters Competition.
The meadery has a tasting room where visitors can sample their meads, fruit wines, and ciders. The tasting room is open from Thursday to Sunday, and visitors can enjoy a flight of four meads for $10. Visitors can also purchase meads, fruit wines, and ciders to take home.
Brimming Horn Meadery is a great place to visit for those who love meads, fruit wines, and ciders. With its unique design, award-winning meads, and knowledgeable staff, visitors are sure to have a great time tasting and learning about the craft of mead-making.
Website: http://brimminghornmeadery.com/
Address: 28615 Lewes Georgetown Hwy, Milton, DE 19968, United States
Food and Wine Pairings
When it comes to wine tasting, food pairing is an essential aspect to consider. Delaware wineries offer a wide range of food options to pair with their wines, from cheese plates to food trucks.
For those who enjoy a good cheese plate, Nassau Valley Vineyards offers a selection of gourmet cheeses that pair well with their red and white wines. Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery also offers a cheese plate that includes a selection of local cheeses, crackers, and fruit.
If you’re in the mood for a full meal, several Delaware wineries have on-site restaurants or food trucks. Harvest Ridge Winery has a food truck that serves up burgers, cheesesteaks, and other tasty options that pair well with their wines. At Chateau Bu-De Winery, Restaurant & Inn, visitors can enjoy al fresco dining with views of the Bohemia River while savoring their wines paired with crab cakes or other seafood options.
For those with a sweet tooth, Pizzadili Vineyard & Winery offers a dessert menu that includes homemade pies and cheesecakes that pair well with their wines.
Delaware’s Family-Friendly Wineries
Delaware’s wineries are not just for adults. Many of them offer activities and amenities that make them perfect for families with children. Below are some of the most family-friendly wineries in Delaware:
Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery
Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery is a family-owned and operated winery that is perfect for families with children. In addition to wine tastings, the winery offers a variety of activities for children, including a playground, yard games, and a petting zoo. The winery also hosts events throughout the year that are great for families, such as movie nights and live music performances.
Website: http://www.saltedvines.com/
Address: 32512 Rd 374, Frankford, DE 19945, United States
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery & Tasting Room
While not technically a winery, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery & Tasting Room is a popular destination for families visiting Delaware. The brewery offers tours and tastings of its craft beers, as well as a restaurant that serves a variety of family-friendly dishes. The brewery also hosts events throughout the year that are great for families, such as live music performances and outdoor movie nights.
Website: http://www.dogfish.com/
Address: 6 Cannery Village Center, 6 Village Center Blvd, Milton, DE 19968, United States
Overall, Delaware’s wineries offer a variety of activities and amenities that make them perfect for families with children. From playgrounds and petting zoos to live music performances and food truck festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Wine-Related Events in Delaware
Delaware has a thriving wine culture with many events throughout the year that celebrate the state’s wineries and vineyards. These events are perfect for wine enthusiasts and novices alike who want to learn more about the wine-making process and taste different varieties of wine.
Seasonal Wine Events
Delaware has several seasonal wine events that take place throughout the year. One of the most popular is the Delaware Beer, Wine, & Spirits Festival, which is held annually in August at the Delaware Agriculture Museum and Village in Dover. This festival features over 50 local wineries, breweries, and distilleries, as well as food vendors and live music.
Another seasonal event is the Arts, Wine, Jazz & Soul Festival, which takes place in August at the Delaware Agricultural Museum. This festival features local artists and musicians, as well as wine tastings from several Delaware wineries.
Wine List Events
Many Delaware wineries host their own wine-related events throughout the year. Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery is one of the most popular wineries in Delaware, and they offer several events throughout the year, including wine tastings, live music, and food pairings.
Central Delaware Relaxing Wine Tour is another popular event that takes visitors on a four-hour tour of two of Central Delaware’s top wineries. This all-inclusive tour includes transportation, wine tastings, snacks, and professional photography.
Other wineries in Delaware that offer wine-related events include Pizzadili Vineyard & Winery, Twin Branch Winery, Harvest Ridge Winery, and Fenwick Wine Cellars.
Overall, Delaware offers a variety of wine-related events throughout the year, making it a great destination for wine enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy seasonal events like the Delaware Beer, Wine, & Spirits Festival or attend wine tastings and food pairings at local wineries.
Conclusion
Delaware may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of wine regions, but it has a surprisingly rich wine culture. With a variety of wineries and vineyards, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Based on the research and reviews, some of the best wineries in Delaware include Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery, Nassau Family Vineyards, and Pizzadili Vineyard and Winery. These wineries offer a range of wines to suit different tastes, from sweet blends to dry chardonnays and merlots.
One of the favorite wines in Delaware is mead, and The Brimming Horn Meadery is the ultimate destination for mead lovers. They offer at least 12 meads to sample on tap, and they are all fabulous.