Nassau Valley Vineyards pioneered state's wine industry
Late each summer and early fall, something magical is set into motion on a 6-1/2-acre plot of land near Lewes. It's during this time that Nassau Valley Vineyards harvests vinifera grapes for some of its 15 different wines.
As the only vineyards in Sussex County, Nassau Valley is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. It was two decades ago that Peggy Raley-Ward talked her father, Bob, into getting into the wine business on their family farm.
It was the Raleys who pioneered Delaware's wine industry in 1991 by lobbying to change state law to allow for wine production. Two years later, the Raley's winery opened for business.
They grow Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
NVV has received more than 190 medals from international wine competitions and has been featured in numerous national magazines, newspapers and TV shows.
