Small Fenwick winery grows into a new location, new name
For Adrian Mobilia, making wine has always been more than just a hobby.
"It's been my whole life," he said.
A fourth-generation farmer from Lake Erie, Mobilia grew up with an appreciation for wine, and the precious way in which it is produced. Some of his earliest memories are of working in the field, tending to long rows of grape vines on his family's 200-acre farm.
After moving to Delaware in 2008, Mobilia met his wife, Jess, another wine aficionado, and the two opened Fenwick Wine Cellars near Selbyville. They operated their small winery for six years, all the while searching for the right locale to expand.
When farmland became available in Frankford, they jumped on it.
Their new, larger location may sport a different name, but Salted Vines Vineyard and Winery still has the same award-winning wines and faces patrons have come to know and love.
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In addition to the expansive tasting room, Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery features a large covered patio, production room, catering kitchen, and multiple outdoor hosting areas, each separate from the front of the building. Soon, there will also be a 40-foot by 100-foot tent available to rent, which will accommodate up to 250 guests.
Mobilia plans to host several events of his own, including food truck competitions, fundraisers with live entertainment and activities for the kids, as well as team up with other Delaware wineries for special occasions.
There are five wineries located throughout the state, including Nassau Valley Vineyards in Lewes and Harvest Ridge in Marydel.
Mobilia worked with some of them to create the Delaware Wineries Association in 2013, a group comprising Delaware-based wine, mead, cider and distilled spirit producers, that works to promote and advocate their industries and products while educating consumers.
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Most recently, the group has been lobbying to change direct shipping laws for alcohol produced in Delaware.
The majority of states have statutory provisions that allow for out-of-state manufacturers to ship alcoholic beverages directly to consumers. However, Delaware requires orders to be processed and shipped through licensed wholesalers.
This law, included in the 2002 Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act, allows customers who purchase wine on the premise of a winery to have it directly shipped to their home. It does not, however, allow wine club shipments or any future purchases once the customer has left the winery.
Although the bill to amend the legislation failed to advance out of committee earlier this year, its not dead yet, Mobilia said.
He believes they have a solid shot at changing the law.
After all, it has been done before.
Peggy Raley-Ward, owner of Nassau Valley Vineyards, who opened Delaware's first winery in 1993, got state legislation amended regarding the production and resale of wine.
"I paved the way for Sam (Calagione) to change the beer laws two years later in order to open up Dogfish Head," she said about the owner and president of the craft brewery based in Milton.
In 2015, Delaware winery owners and craft distillers successfully worked toward changing state legislation regarding alcohol sales and consumption at farmers markets and other agricultural-themed events.
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"We’re still hopeful," he said, adding that it will again be on the table for discussion in early 2017.
When he's not out lobbying, or helping his wine makers produce a new batch, Mobilia can be found enjoying a glass of vino. Although, finding a moment to do so lately has been rare.
In addition to his dedicated winery lifestyle, Mobilia works full time as director of sales for Wire Weld Inc. in North East, Pennsylvania.
"The ultimate goal is to retire and wine full time — although my wife would probably tell you I already do that," he said, smiling.
Salted Vines Vineyard and Winery is located at 32512 Blackwater Rd., Frankford. For more information, tours or tasting hours, call 302-436-1500.
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If You Go:
Salted Vines Vineyard and Winery
Where: 32512 Blackwater Rd., Frankford.
When: 12-6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 12-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Call: 302-436-1500
Visit: fenwickwinecellars.com