Business Spotlight: Harvest Ridge Winery

BY REGINA DONATO

Nestled on 140 acres on the Delaware-Maryland border and the home of Mason Dixon crown marker 47, Harvest Ridge Winery is proudly celebrating 10 years of award-winning winemaking. With their main location in Marydel, Delaware and a second tasting room in Toughkenamon, PA, Harvest Ridge has grown from a small family farm with four different grape types to a 17,000-case winery with 25 different varietals. While the sales and crop yields have increased, one thing remains the same: this is a family-focused business through-and-through.

It all began with a trip to Charleston, South Carolina. Chuck Nunan visited a winery there during his son’s wedding and was inspired to turn his love of wine and winemaking into something bigger. He had already purchased land, which he and his wife Chris then decided to turn into Harvest Ridge Winery. The first vines were planted in 2011 and they officially opened to the public in 2013. Three generations of the Nunan family work at the winery in some capacity.

“Our goal has always been to create a place where people can come together and enjoy great wine, good company, and the history of our property,” says Sales Director Alexis Nunan, who is also the daughter-in-law of founders Chuck and Chris. “We all love what we do, and we want to share that with the community.”

While they are most known for their wines (especially their best seller Blue Hen Blue), the Harvest Ridge experience offers much more. The winery offers a range of events throughout the year, including live music, food trucks, unique food pairings, and seasonal festivals. And for those looking to learn more about winemaking, the winery offers vineyard tours and educational classes about the history of the property. “There is something for everybody here,” remarks Nunan. “Even if you think you don’t like wine, we’ll find something for you.”

Additionally, Harvest Ridge Winery boasts the largest wine club in the area— 2,800 members strong. Members of the wine club get exclusive access and special deals on Harvest Ridge wines and events. “We’re clearly very family oriented. When you sign up for the wine club, it’s not just a welcome, but a welcome to the family,” says Nunan. “We truly believe the people who support us year-round deserve that treatment.”

We’re such a small state. Helping each other out and forming those partnerships is only going to benefit the entire hospitality industry in Delaware.

Their loyal customers support Harvest Ridge, and in return Harvest Ridge supports the community right back. Harvest Ridge gives back extensively to nonprofit organizations like The Hero-Hunts Foundation and St. Jude’s through fundraising events. Partnerships with other small businesses are also vital to Harvest Ridge’s success, including Painted Stave Distilling and Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company. “We’re such a small state. Helping each other out and forming those partnerships is only going to benefit the entire hospitality industry in Delaware,” explains Nunan.

Harvest Ridge Winery has big plans for their 10th anniversary, including a ribbon cutting and celebratory dinner in October, as well as an exclusive anniversary release of their original five wines in a limited-edition custom pack. To purchase any of Harvest Ridge’s products or to learn more, visit their website at www.harvestridgewinery.com. It’s never too late to join the family.