Nassau Valley Vineyards in state of transition
After more than three decades at the helm of Nassau Valley Vineyards, winery founder Peggy Raley-Ward has stepped away from the business.
“After 32 years, it’s time to have a life. That’s the best way I can put it,” said Raley, in an interview Jan. 13.
Nassau Valley Vineyards opened in 1993 on family land located outside Lewes, just west of the Nassau Bridge, that had previously been farmed by Raley-Ward’s father, local entrepreneur Bob Raley.
Raley-Ward grew up in Lewes and attended college at American University in Washington, D.C., briefly after graduating high school in 1985. However, she was soon immersed in the world of wine, traveling to different parts of Europe as a photographer, writer and tour guide.
In her early 20s, at the urging of her family, she returned home, hell-bent on opening a winery to prove award-winning wine could be grown in Delaware. The problem she soon faced was a state law prohibiting production and resale of any alcohol. Undeterred, Raley-Ward got that law changed in 1991. A couple of years later, Nassau Valley Vineyards opened to the public.
“My goal was to make world-class wine in Delaware, and we did it,” she said, pointing to wine maker Mike Reese as key to the winery’s success. “With 800 medals, we proved conclusively that it could be done. My work here is done.”
Following a recent story on the transition of leadership at Nassau Valley Vineyards, representatives of the vineyard provided the Cape Gazette with new and corrective information to clarify ownership details and outline operational changes moving forward.
According to Tony Senn, operations manager of BAR-SGR LLC, Nassau Valley Vineyards was not purchased by Raley’s sister Susan Raley Hopkins, nor was there a buyout of ownership between family members.
“Ownership of the vineyard was transferred to BAR-SGR LLC, and the property remains under family stewardship through this entity,” Senn said. According to Senn, Nassau Valley Vineyards was originally founded by Robert A. Raley and John Simpler, and was later owned and operated by Peggy Raley Ward and Susan Raley Hopkins, with day-to-day operations led by Raley Ward. The business remained family-owned throughout its history.
Senn said the ownership transition reflects broader changes in the wine and event industries that have impacted long-standing vineyards. “Over the past several years, the expansion of vineyards across the state and the growth of alternative wedding and event venues have created a more competitive landscape,” he said. “These market conditions affected wine sales and prompted a decision to evolve the business model to support long-term sustainability.”
As part of that shift, grape production at Nassau Valley Vineyards has been phased out. However, the property’s retail tasting room and event centers will remain open and fully operational. “We will continue welcoming guests for wine experiences, private events and community gatherings,” Senn said. The Nassau Valley Farmers Market is scheduled to continue this season, operating every Sunday throughout the summer and featuring local vendors and fresh offerings.
“We look forward to continuing to serve the community while honoring the legacy of Nassau Valley Vineyards,” Senn said.
