Nassau Valley Vineyards Farmers Market opens May 29

Pat Coluzzi is bringing her tried-and-true farmers market formula to Nassau Valley Vineyards in Lewes.

Beginning Sunday, May 29, the Cape Region's newest farmers market will offer an eclectic selection of goods from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday through Sept. 4.

“We came up with a great market,” Coluzzi said, noting some of her best vendors from the Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market will be joining her in Lewes. “It's a beautiful venue.”

Peggy Raley, owner of Nassau Valley Vineyards, said the Sunday market should provide a nice alternative for folks who are unable to attend the Cape Region's other markets.

“The hard part about the farmers markets, especially for someone like me, a business person, is that I don't have a lot of time to sneak out and go to Lewes on Saturday,” she said. “I certainly can't go out on a Tuesday afternoon in Rehoboth or a Friday afternoon in Milton.”

The location at Nassau Valley Vineyards has added perks. Wine, and possibly beer, will be served at the market starting after noon, as stipulated by state law.

There will be 20 vendors to start, offering everything from lavender and soaps to vegetables, meats, seafood and cheeses. There will also be a vendor on hand to make fresh pizza as well as vendors offering cheeseburgers and salmon burgers.

As the co-producer of True Blue Jazz, Raley said there is also an opportunity to offer a rotating schedule of jazz musicians to entertain guests as they wander through the market.

“This provides a nice opportunity for young musicians,” she said. “That's really important in terms of what we do. There are no musicians of tomorrow unless we encourage and teach them today.”

Raley also expects to incorporate make-and-take programs from Abbott's Mill Nature Center. Through these programs, she said, folks will be able to make things like bird feeders and compost bins and take them home when they're done.

The market will not allow pets. However, folks can use the time away from their furry friends to take a tour of the winery or check out the art gallery on the premises.

Coluzzi is confident the new market will be a hit for weekenders heading home.

“I get a lot of complaints from people at the Rehoboth market, asking why we can't have it on the weekend,” Coluzzi said. “I thought this was a good alternative for those people headed to Baltimore, Washington and Philly; they can pick up things on their way out of town.”

Nassau Valley Vineyard is located 32165 Winery Way in Lewes, just off Route 1 north of Five Points. For more information, call 302-645-9463.