Photo by Michael Persico.

“It is said, ‘In wine there is truth.’ At our family owned and operated vineyard, we believe our hard work and attention to detail is a testament to that truth. We grow exceptional grapes that we craft into extraordinary wine.” — Wayvine Winery

At 19 years old, Zach Wilson decided to purchase 4 acres of grapevines to start a vineyard on his family’s dairy farm. He started making wine when he was barely old enough to drink it! He worked hard to perfect his skills and establish a few grape varieties, learning a lot along the way and slowly creating a remarkable product and business. His younger brother James was eager to join him and the two are continually taking Wayvine to new heights. They now produce about 50,000 bottles per year.

With hard work and help from family and friends, they were able to expand over time. The vineyard now consists of 18 acres of grapevines and 18 varietals of grapes that yield an incredible selection of wines. Wayvine is still a very small team of people though. They rely on some volunteer help to harvest grapes every year in the fall. It’s a great opportunity to see how wine is produced and to support a local small business! They provide lunch and wine to whoever helps out.

 

Photos by Hilary Myers.

James Wilson is a talented photographer and savvy social media user, so his digital marketing skills have been a huge asset to their business reach and growth. His storytelling skills on Instagram are beautifully crafted and consistently yield engagement from their nearly 6,500 followers. He’s also extremely outgoing and has done an excellent job of networking in the local Philadelphia restaurant and wine circles. 

Photos by James Wilson.

The most recent business venture for the Wilson brothers is a restaurant collaboration with Chefs Jason Cichonski and Alexander Beninato: Tulip Pasta and Wine Bar in Fishtown. They just opened in September. 

“We offer wine by the glass, bottles to-go, local beers and cocktails, handmade pasta & Italian small plates 4 days a week. Menu changes regularly but we always feature delicious, Pennsylvania-made Wayvine wine – so come pop into your neighborhood, corner spot for a bite and a buzz.”

Photos by James Wilson.

The menu is small but the choices sound delicious. There are 6 small plates (think tuna crudo, Kennett Square mushroom arancini, fried cauliflower) and 6 pasta options (gnocchi sardi, charcoal roasted beet ravioli, lamb papardelle) as well as a couple desserts. Looks like a foodie’s dream. 

“Home.” Tulip Pasta, https://www.tulippasta.com/.

“Menus.” Tulip Pasta, https://www.tulippasta.com/menus.

Schott, Kristen. “Meet the Makers: Wayvine Winery & Vineyard.” Philadelphia Magazine, Philadelphia Magazine, 30 Sept. 2022, https://www.phillymag.com/foobooz/2022/10/01/wayvine-winery-vineyard/.

“Wayvine.” WAYVINE, https://wayvine.wine/.