1. The national recognition
Wine Spectator magazine this year honored Bluecoast Seafood Grill + Raw Bar, Lupo Italian Kitchen and Eden with Restaurant Awards. They’re all located in Rehoboth Beach.
Winners have wine lists that offer interesting selections appropriate to their cuisine and appeal to a wide range of wine-lovers. This is Bluecoast’s first win. It’s the second year that Lupo, which has an all-Italian wine list, has received the honor. Eden has made the list since 2004.
2. The wineries
Nassau Valley Vineyards is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Located near Five Points in Lewes, the winery has a collection of rustic buildings that are a charming backdrop for a farmers market, held on Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. through September.
32165 Winery Way, Lewes · 645-9463
3. Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery
Located near Bethany Beach, Salted Vines is popular for its wine and its summer concert series, which ends on Sept. 23. These events, which feature a food truck, sell out, so check the website calendar before you go.
32512 Blackwater Road, Frankford · 436-1500
4. The boutique wine stores
Teller Wines in Lewes arranges its wine by the flavor profile and then by the price. It’s ideal for novices, and the unique selection makes it perfect for savvy collectors. Tastings are typically held on Saturday afternoons.
201-A Savannah Rd, Lewes · 644-7400
Bin 66 Wine and Spirits on the Forgotten Mile has a large granite-topped bar for its wine tastings, held on Friday and Saturday evenings.
20729 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach · 227-6161
5. The wine bars/restaurants
Cuvée Ray Wine Bar & Restaurant offers more than 170 wines by the glass. You can arrange private tastings for four to 14 people. For something different, opt for the “Vintunes” wine tasting with owner Ray Kurz, who will match wine with music to bring out the “notes.”
236 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach · 567-2942
Vineyard Wine Bar & Bistro suffered a setback with a fire that caused significant damage. It’s expected to reopen soon, giving Rehoboth Beach visitors two options within quick walking distance.
28 Wilmington Ave., Rehoboth Beach · 567-2094
6. “SoDel Fest”
The Fourth Annual Southern Delaware Wine, Food & Music Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, from noon to 4 p.m., at Independence Hall, the clubhouse in Independence, a community just outside of Lewes. Better known as “SoDel Fest,” the event features dishes prepared by regional chefs that are paired with wine, beers or spirits. The festival also offers live music. Discounted tickets are currently available. Tickets are $75 per person until Sept. 4 then $85 per person.
