Nassau Valley Vineyards Self-Guided Tour & Wine Tasting — Lewes, Delaware

Discover the Nassau Valley Vineyards Self-Guided Tour & Wine Tasting in Delaware

Located in Lewes, Delaware, just a short drive from the Atlantic coast, the Nassau Valley Vineyards Self-Guided Tour & Wine Tasting offers visitors a relaxed way to explore one of Delaware’s oldest wineries. This self-guided winery experience allows guests to walk through vineyard grounds, view the production facility, and learn about the winemaking process at their own pace.

Visitors can explore the winery buildings, see fermentation and bottling areas, and finish their visit with a tasting of locally produced wines.

Why it’s special: Nassau Valley Vineyards was Delaware’s first winery since Prohibition and helped revive the state’s modern wine industry.

History & Story of Nassau Valley Vineyards

Nassau Valley Vineyards was founded in 1987 by Robert Russell and his family, making it the first winery to operate in Delaware after the end of Prohibition-era restrictions. The vineyard was established on farmland near Lewes with the goal of creating locally produced wines that reflect the Mid-Atlantic climate.

Over the years, Nassau Valley expanded its vineyard plantings and built a reputation for regional wines made from both estate-grown grapes and carefully sourced fruit.

What You’ll See & Do on the Nassau Valley Vineyards Self-Guided Tour & Wine Tasting

• Walk through vineyard rows and landscaped grounds
• View fermentation tanks and winemaking equipment
• Learn about grape growing in Delaware’s coastal climate
• Discover the bottling and labeling process
• Explore the winery’s tasting room and retail shop
• Enjoy a wine tasting featuring select Nassau Valley wines (21+)

Hands-On Elements: Guided wine tasting available in the tasting room for guests 21+.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography permitted in vineyard areas and public spaces.

Souvenirs & Extras: Bottled wines, wine gift baskets, and branded merchandise available for purchase.

Pricing of the Nassau Valley Vineyards Self-Guided Tour & Wine Tasting

Adult price: $8 per adult

Includes tasting flight; self-guided tour of grounds is free.

Visiting information for Nassau Valley Vineyards Self-Guided Tour & Wine Tasting

Duration: Approximately 45–60 minutes

Age limits: All ages welcome; wine tastings limited to guests 21+

Accessibility: Tasting room accessible; vineyard terrain may be uneven

Working Hours: Monday–Saturday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

No reservation required for self-guided visits.

Nearby attractions to Nassau Valley Vineyards Self-Guided Tour & Wine Tasting

• Cape Henlopen State Park
• Lewes Historic District
• Cape May–Lewes Ferry

FAQs About Visiting the Nassau Valley Vineyards Self-Guided Tour & Wine Tasting

Is the tour guided or self-guided?
Visitors explore the winery grounds independently, while tastings are conducted in the tasting room.

Was Nassau Valley the first winery in Delaware?
Yes. It was the first winery established in the state after Prohibition.

Can I walk through the vineyard?
Yes. Guests are welcome to explore designated vineyard areas.

Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are generally not required for self-guided visits.

How close is the winery to Lewes Beach?
The vineyard is about a 10–15 minute drive from the Lewes waterfront.