Harvest Ridge Winery prepares to break ground

Kent County has a new winery, Harvest Ridge Winery, on 100-plus acres of beautifully manicured farmlands on Westville Road in Marydel. Though it won't break ground on its production facility, retail space and events building until Oct. 1, the winery has plenty of grapes growing and will participate in the third annual Delaware Wine & Beer Festival Sunday, Oct. 21, at the Delaware Agricultural Museum & Village.

"We won't be in full production for this year's festival," said Chuck Nunan, owner of the family-run business, "but we will be there to talk about our operation, our grapes and perhaps sample a little bit of our wine." Nunan calls the business his "300-year plan" as he anticipates this remaining in his family's hands for years to come.

Nunan and his wife Chris are the masterminds behind the winery, with its groundbreaking set for Monday, Oct. 1, followed by an April 2013 completion date. The Nunans' son Chip is the general manager, and several other family members are involved in the operation as well.

The farm currently includes more than seven acres planted in a variety of grapes. The Nunans are passionate about their new business, which is quite a departure from their other concerns, SERVPRO franchises in five states. The family also resides on the farm, which is meticulously manicured with a variety of trees lining the lane, bright white fencing and horses.

As for the Wine & Beer Festival, the Nunans are in full support. "If Delaware wants to become branded and be known as a state that features locally made wines and beers, then we all need to work together on that brand,"  Nunan said. "I hope that the next time we have a governor's inauguration in this state, only Delaware wines and beers will be served."

Tickets are now on sale for the Third Annual Delaware Wine & Beer Festival, produced by Kent County Tourism and being hosted this year by the Delaware Agricultural Museum & Village in the heart of Dover. A full contingency of Delaware wineries, breweries and artisans will participate in the event.

The event will be held from noon to 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 21. Admission, which will include choice of 10 samples, will be $25 if purchased online by Oct. 15 and $35 at the door. The first 500 wine and 500 beer ticket purchasers will also receive a free souvenir glass. Non-tasting or designated driver admission is $5. Full pours of wine and beer will be available for sale along with nonalcoholic beverages and food provided by local restaurants.

The event will be held rain or shine and will be moved inside the museum in case of poor weather. To purchase tickets, go to http://2012delawarewineandbeerfestival.eventbrite.com. For information, go to http://www.visitdover.com/winebeerfestival or call Kent County Tourism, 302-734-4888 or 800-233-5368.