Have you always wanted to learn about wine, but fear the thought of being judged by experts at stuffy wine tasting events? Nectar Valley Winery is right in our backyard, offering a judgment-free, intimate wine experience unlike anywhere else in Beaver County! If you are looking to get some good wine to keep at your house then visit WoodlandsWines.
I am by no means a wine connoisseur. In fact, I own only one pair of wine glasses. But sometimes, after a long week, I just want to let my hair down and cozy up on the couch with my love to share a bottle of wine. Our selections used to be hit-or-miss, by choosing random labels at the state store and hoping for the best. Trust me, that method often fails to please.
Luckily, we don’t have to wonder what’s inside the bottle anymore. We’re fortunate to be in Chippewa, home of Nectar Valley Winery. Here we can “try before we buy,” and go home with a guaranteed winner every time!
This outstanding little operation is a perfect blend of family, artisans, and locally-sourced products. If you haven’t yet experienced Beaver County’s little taste of Heaven, here’s a sneak peek:
Wine Tasting
Stop in anytime for an impromptu tasting of Nectar Valley’s assortments in a welcoming, intimidation-free environment. This blew us away on our first visit! I’d never been to a wine tasting, but my initial anxieties were quickly forgotten as we were guided through each flavor by a smiling, easygoing gal that made the experience comfortable and personal.
Varieties
At any given time, Nectar Valley Winery has about 10 varieties available, affordably priced between $11 – $19. There really is something for everyone! In addition to whites and reds, they offer seasonal flavor blends – look for blueberry and peach varieties this spring, and pumpkin in the fall. My personal favorites are Fredonia (a red with just the right amount of sweetness) and Catawba (a white with a delicious grapefruit flavor). Love them!!
In the mood to try something different? “The Bee’s Knees” is a honey mead, made with honey from the Gumpf’s own bees, farmed right here in Beaver County! This unique type of wine takes extra time to perfect, fermenting at least a year before it’s ready.
History
Nectar Valley’s roots begin with Steve and Niki Gumpf’s shared love for wine. Their hobby of making home batches of their own varieties for friends and family became a dream to open a winery as a retirement venture. Opportunity knocked sooner than expected, and the young couple’s dream became reality on May 1, 2015, when the doors of the little white house on Shenango officially opened for business.
Steve calls himself “a blue-collar wine maker,” and that really nails it. Here, you feel like you’re in the company of friends. Everyone is welcome, be you novice or oenophile!
Production
All of Nectar Valley’s wine is produced on-site, aged carefully in over a dozen 60-gallon fermentation tanks. Each bottle is labeled and corked with their (adorable!) signature honey bee corks.
The ingredients are locally sourced, with grapes farmed in the vineyards around Lake Erie. You won’t find wines from California or Argentinian grapes here, but let them know what you like and they’ll help you find something you love!
Events
Wine Glass Painting: Wine, Art, and Chocolate? Yes, please! Nectar Valley invites local artists to host wine glass painting classes. This weekend the theme is Valentine’s Day – with registration you get glasses to paint, supplies, a bottle (or two!) of wine, and some sweet Noland’s Chocolates.
Local Music: The inviting outdoor patio is home to local musicians on Saturday evenings during the summer. Delicious wine, live music, a warm July breeze…I can’t wait!
Gift Shop
While you’re visiting, check out their gift shop. They feature local artists’ works, custom gift baskets, and wine-making supplies that will come in handy if you’d like to take the wine-making instruction class that’s in the works!
Venue
Looking for a unique place for a business meeting, bridal shower, or birthday party? Look no further. This is the perfect venue for memorable moments in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
How Do I Get There?
Nectar Valley Winery is located in Chippewa at:
748 Shenango Rd.
Beaver Falls, PA 15010
(724) 732-9360
Visit their website at nectarvalleywinery.com.
If you can’t make it out to the winery, you can order online! They can ship anywhere in PA.
Follow them on Facebook to keep up to date on upcoming events, new flavors, and more.
Choosing the right wine can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! Instead of playing Russian Roulette with the bottles at the state store, visit Nectar Valley Winery for a one-of-a-kind experience.
