Nassau Valley Vineyard, Lewes, Delaware

 

“Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards; there it enters the roots of the vines, to be changed into wine; a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy.”

Benjamin Franklin

On our trip to New Jersey, we found that we had some extra time before going into the town of Lewes and started looking to see if there were any Vineyards in the area. This is one of the things Joe and I love to do while traveling is to stop at local wineries, taste their wines, and enjoy the scenery. We were pleasantly surprised to find there was an award winning vineyard just outside of town called Nassau Valley Vineyard. So off we went to give it a good look over.

We drove down a quiet country road and parked. There in front of our car was a stand of trees that were planted close together. It was a very pretty and unusual looking with the trees so close together. We thought they were Sycamore trees but were still unsure until we talked to Braedan, a worker at the vineyard, who told us we were correct. He said they were planted 40 years ago as a border.

We headed into the main shop where there is a nice gift shop and told Braedan we would like to do a tasting. After we paid our $12 a person for a tasting, he led us into a large building called the Claret Hall. This is a hall that can be rented out for special occasions and can seat 150 people or 200 people cocktail style. He said at one time this building was a carriage house. The brick arches in front of the building were modeled after Carter’s Grove Plantation in Williamsburg, Virginia. We were the only ones there that day as it was a week day and was early. He explained on the weekend it gets busy.

 The tasting room was set up with various tables to sit at and four larger tasting tables. He gave us a sheet with a listing of all their wines and told us we could each pick six different wines to taste. We each picked six wines to taste. We did the usual and I picked the white wines and Joe picked the reds. Braedan was very informative and easy to talk with. He told us he worked here for a few years and loves his job. He told us about each wine as we tasted it and also gave us background on this vineyard.

He told us the owner and founder of the winery was a popular jazz singer, named Peggy Raley. Peg started by buying 8 acres and between 1987 – 1990 planted 7 acres of grapes. Then she went to the local state legislature to get the law changed to allow her and others to be able to open wineries in Delaware. She was approved and became the first commercial vineyard to exist in the “First” state. She opened the vineyard in 1993.

There was a wide selection of wines to choose from and the wines were excellent. Braeden explained they grow Bordeaux variety of grapes. They first grew Cabernet sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc and later expanded to grow chardonnay, Seyval blanc, and Chambourcin. This was a great stop since it was close to Lewes. After our tasting and revisiting, we choose to buy two bottles of wine. It was a hard decision choosing which ones as they all were very good.

There was a small but very unique museum that shows the history of start of wine making 8,000 years ago to how the grapes are grown in modern days. There were picture displays and some artifacts. It was very interesting.

Their was also an art gallery known as Gallery One that had a display of beautiful paintings done by a local artist displayed on the walls. It was beautiful work. They allow different artists to display their work throughout the year. This area can also be rented out for an intimate party of 35 or less seated or 50 standing. There is a glass window where you can look down to see their wine cellar. There were tables there so we sat down and opened the white Chardonnay.

Afterwards, we walked around the property some and saw there was another large venue area called the Grand Cru Hall. We were told you can either rent the whole building or just part of it, or the patio. We also heard that many people chose to get married in Bacchus Grove where the Sycamore trees are located.

The first Wednesday of every month, True Blue Jazz plays. They also have a farmers market every Sunday between 12 – 3 from the middle of May till the end of October.

What a beautiful vineyard and what a great place to spend part of our day. I only wish that Peggy was there so we could have met her. What a great venue for a special occasion. We plan on visiting again. This is a very special place. It is one of a kind. Check it out. https://www.nassauvalley.com.

Till next time. Bye for now.

Occoquan, Virginia and Occoquan Workhouse Arts Center

 

“Every genuine work of art has as much reason for being as the earth and sun.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

This is a charming riverfront town sits on the banks of the Occoquan River and was established by Nathaniel Ellicott in 1804. The name Occoquan originally came from the Algonquian Doeg Indian word meaning “at the end of the water.” The British Colonists settled here because they could rely on the river for transportation and fishing. In the 1700’s, the Anglo Americans colonist settled in town making it into a mill town and also built tobacco warehouses. Now this vibrant eclectic town is full of artsy stores, antique shops, indoor and outdoor dining, and businesses.

We headed to Occoquan with our friends, Steve and Erin who have lived in this area for years. We walked to Mill Street since Erin wanted us to check out her friends shop named Earth Additions. We walked in and we were warmly greeted by Jinny Lyons, the stores owner. It is a beautiful shop with so much to see. Jinny has been a collector of earthly goods for years and when her house overflowed with all her treasures, her husband suggested she sell some. She has brought her worldly treasures for all to see and enjoy. The store features fossils, rocks, minerals, crystals, gems, and so much more. This is a great shop to visit with reasonable prices. Her store is located upstairs and has great views of Occoquan River.  Check her out at https://earthaddictions.com. 

After that we walked down Mill Street past all the lovely townhouses that grace the street. The fancy brick sidewalk in front of the townhouses really added that extra flair. They are all beautifully built and painted in various colors. There were lovely shops on either side of Mill Street and many unique items like a large carriage stone that once graced the front of the Occoquan Hotel that was used to help travelers get in and out of their horse and buggy's. We also passed a Historic Carbide Bunker. That was used to store Carbide that was used to light the gas lanterns in town. It had to kept underground as it could explode easily.

  

We walked down to see River Mill Park. This is a one acre park with one of the iconic LOVE signs that Virginia is well known for. This park is used for events and has a pavilion, paved walking trail, and public restrooms.

Then we headed across the Nathaniel Ellicott Footbridge over the beautiful Occoquan River. We got to see the falls of Occoquan on the other side of the bridge and a foot path that is know as a great birding place. The whole town of Occoquan has been designated as a bird sanctuary.

Then we headed back to Mill Street where we stopped and had lunch at The Secret Garden Cafe. What a cute place. This building was built in 1840 and was first used by Dr. Hornbaker as a pharmacy. Then it went through many hands of ownership until now when it was converted into a restaurant. Outside to side door is a lovely secluded garden that was beautifully designed. It must be stunning in the spring and summer. Inside there was a fireplace as you entered and beautiful aged wooden floors. It was very cozy. The food was fabulous and the staff were terrific. This was a great stop.

After we left the town, we headed to the Occoquan Workhouse Arts Center that was once the Lorton Reformatory and Lorton Correction Complex that was once used by the District of Columbia. When we lived in Virginia, this was still the prison that was surrounded by a barbed wire fence. It was a scary looking place. The prison closed in 2001.

In 2008, the Workhouse Arts Center opened and offered affordable studio space to rent. This 55 acre center is dedicated to the arts and art education and has room for more than 80 artists. Along with rental studio space, actors can preform on stage, and students of all ages can take classes from dance to blacksmithing. Yoga, rowing, jazzercise, pilates, and even ballroom dancing are also offered here. There is a studio for piano instruction, voice, cello, and flute. During the summer months, they offer musical performances on the Quad and throughout the year, they have comedy nights and cabarets. What a change from the olden days at this site. This place is really something to see. What a fantastic change.

After that we headed back to our car. What a lovely town that we will visit again. I’m so glad our friends took us there. Till next time. Bye for now.