Fall in the Vines

Enjoy the breezy coastal vibes of the nearby bay as you settle back for a taste of Salted Vines’ limited-run seasonal slushie, “Tipsy Pumpkin Spice.” Or, try their crisp Pinot Grigio, a dry white that has just the right autumn notes of fresh-picked apples. Splurge on a Chocolate Sampler featuring handmade Peanut Butter Truffles and Milk Chocolate Raspberry Rosettes ($12), or grab a tray of locally sourced cheeses (the Crabby Cheddar is a must-try). On weekend evenings, live acoustic music sets the scene, and a food truck satisfies everyone’s cravings (feel free to pack your own food, if you prefer).

Soothing farm fields and winding roads lead to this laid-back country winery, filled with pretty views and a family-run charm. Check out the “Punkin Jack,” a pumpkin-meets-apple wine blend, or go for a pure Delaware experience with a rich, fruity glass of the Blue Hen Blue, a blend of concord grape and blueberry. Try a Wine Flight (4 glasses for $10) and order a plate of goodies from the Fields of Dreams food truck, now open every weekend. On most weekend nights, live music, trivia battles and even yoga sessions supplement the sipping, and glasses of cider and sangria bolster the popular wine selections.

It’s easy to get to this Dover treasure, but much harder to pull yourself away once you see the soothing fountain, blossoming from the center of a peaceful pond. Pretty plantings help lend a sophisticated air to the setting, but an honest, rustic charm adds a laid-back feel. Italian winemaking roots run deep here, and the wines reflect deep commitment to tradition: Twelve grape varieties grown on site bolster the tasting options, ranging from the best-selling “Delaware” sweet wine to an apple table wine that is rich with the season’s flavors. Be sure to consider the $20 tasting that includes a complimentary glass and your choice of two treats: a cheese & cracker tray, vegetable tray or dessert tray.

Take a quick jaunt from the Delaware beaches and check out this tucked-away winery that is Delaware’s first and biggest. Winner of more than 200 awards, Nassau Valley offers an engaging art gallery, and features a unique self-guided museum that explores the 8,000-year history of wine. The tasting room doubles as a wine shop, offering bottles of Nassau’s award-winning wine and other treasures, from cork screws to fruit jam to t-shirts.

Make sure to check-in on the DE on Tap app to be one step closer to your free prize!