Beating Cabin Fever: Yoga and Wine at Chaddsford Winery

Arts & Entertainment, Chadds-Ford, Health

fireside_yoga_eventimage — Rachel Doucette, founder of The Yoga Space, will lead a cozy Yoga and Wine experience inside the Vintner House at Chaddsford Winery on January 24. Photo credit: Photo courtesy of The Yoga Space and Chaddsford Winery.

Escape Cabin Fever with Yoga and Wine at Chaddsford Winery

As winter settles in across the Brandywine Valley and fresh snow lingers on the landscape, many are finding themselves craving moments that feel restorative and refreshing without requiring a full escape from the season. On January 24, 2026, Yoga and Wine at Chaddsford Winery offers just that, inviting participants to step out of their usual routines and into a cozy yet distinctive winter setting designed to help shake off the sluggishness of midwinter.

Hosted by The Yoga Space in partnership with Chaddsford Winery, the event begins at 11:00 a.m. inside the winery’s Vintner House. While winter weather has transformed the surrounding grounds, the experience places guests in a new and inviting environment that feels removed from everyday spaces. The morning begins with a yoga class and flows naturally into a relaxed social hour, offering a sense of movement and connection that feels especially welcome this time of year.

After class, attendees are invited to unwind with a glass of wine, a warm cocktail, or a mocktail of their choice. The post-class gathering encourages participants to linger, connect, and enjoy the slower pace of a winter morning, creating a social experience that feels both intentional and indulgent. It is a simple but effective way to break up the season and enjoy time out of the house without the pressure of a packed schedule.

The class is led by Rachel Doucette, founder and instructor of The Yoga Space, a Chadds Ford yoga studio centered on movement, wellness, and community. Doucette created the studio as a place where people can step away from daily distractions and reconnect with themselves and with others, a philosophy that resonates strongly during the colder months when routines can feel repetitive.

Her yoga journey began in college and deepened in her twenties as she searched for balance alongside an active lifestyle. What drew her to yoga, and continues to shape her teaching, is its wholeness. Each class incorporates bending, twisting, stretching, strengthening, balancing, and breathing, and always ends with shavasana. Certified through One Yoga in 2012, Doucette began teaching from a small home studio before expanding her vision into The Yoga Space, where she now offers regular classes and seasonal events throughout the year.

With more than 12 years of teaching experience, Doucette brings warmth, accessibility, and intention to her classes. Events like Yoga and Wine reflect her belief that wellness does not need to feel rigid or routine, but can be woven into experiences that feel meaningful, inviting, and enjoyable. By pairing movement with a change of scenery, the event offers a gentle way to step out of everyday patterns and reconnect in a fresh environment.

As part of a winter season that often keeps people close to home, Yoga and Wine encourages participants to get out, gather, and experience something different without needing to travel far or brave the elements for long. Set within the historic Vintner House at Chaddsford Winery, the event offers the feeling of a winter escape close to home, proving that even during the coldest months, new settings and shared experiences can be a powerful antidote to cabin fever.

For event details and registration, visit https://www.chaddsford.com/pages/yoga-wine.
For class schedules and upcoming events at The Yoga Space, visit https://www.theyogaspacechaddsford.com.

About Jamie Kleman

Jamie Kleman is a children’s author, playwright, TEDx speaker, and the Executive Producer of It’s Not Mean to be Green, an award-winning book and musical that toured for two years and launched a national Make a Monster Difference movement. She is the creator of the It’s Not Mean to be Green Camp and Licensing Program, a turnkey theatre and sustainability curriculum adopted by schools, libraries, museums, homeschool networks, and youth organizations.

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“Raise a Glass to the Cursed Carnival: Chaddsford Winery’s Adult Trick or Treat Returns for a Spirited 12th Year”

Arts & Entertainment

CFW_ATOT3 (002) — “Raise a Glass to the Cursed Carnival: Chaddsford Winery’s Adult Trick or Treat Returns for a Spirited 12th Year”

CHADDS FORD, Pa. — Chaddsford Winery is once again turning Halloween into a grown-up celebration, as its beloved Adult Trick or Treat event returns for a 12th year with a brand-new twist: The Cursed Carnival.

The sell-out tradition runs Saturdays and Sundays from October 4 through November 2, 2025, with hourly tour times from 12 to 5 p.m. (winery grounds remain open until 7 p.m.). What started as a playful way to bring adults into the Halloween spirit has grown into one of the Brandywine Valley’s most anticipated seasonal experiences, drawing thousands of visitors each fall.

A Wine Lover’s Halloween

Guests embark on a one-of-a-kind, outdoor walking tour featuring five Halloween-themed wine-and-snack pairings guided by a knowledgeable Wine Guide who offers tasting tips and pairing notes. The 45-minute journey includes a keepsake Halloween wine glass and the freedom to linger afterward for food trucks, additional wine or beer by the glass, and lawn seating. Costumes are encouraged, and hourly tours accommodate groups of up to 30 guests.

Three ticket options are available:

Regular Adult Event Ticket
Dietary Restrictions Ticket (all pairings gluten-free and vegan)
Non-Alcoholic Ticket (includes one mocktail)

Pairings this year include Fall Sangria Spritz with Old Bay kettle corn, Dry Rosé with spicy cheese curds, Harbinger with churro cinnamon chocolate cookies, Good Vibes Only with hazelnut chocolate, and Spiced Apple with a pumpkin spice cake pop. The menu is subject to change, but the seasonal flavors remain the star.

For the faint of heart, organizers assure that the Cursed Carnival will feature no live clowns—a nod to those with coulrophobia who can “raise a glass and rest easy.”

Community Spirit and Competition

Costumes take center stage with the daily costume contest, now in its second year. Each day’s best individual and best group will win prizes, and at the end of the season followers will vote online to crown an overall Best Costume Champion. Chaddsford gift cards are on the line.

Food trucks will rotate throughout the month, with vendors such as Federal Donuts, Sabatino’s, Ranya’s Thai Kitchen, Calaveras Street Tacos, Sweet Amelia’s and others providing savory and sweet bites to complement the wine.

An Iconic Destination

Founded in 1982, Chaddsford Winery has grown into an icon of the Brandywine Valley, blending artistry, agriculture, and hospitality. Its historic barns and rolling vineyard views have helped put Pennsylvania wine on the regional map, making it a must-visit stop for locals and out-of-state travelers alike.

“What makes Adult Trick or Treat so special is the loyalty and excitement of our guests,” said Michael O’Halloran, Chaddsford Winery’s Managing Director of Hospitality and Operations. “We have people traveling in from out of state, others who haven’t missed a single year, and groups that go all out with elaborate costumes. It’s clear they love celebrating the fun of Halloween here, and we’re thrilled to elevate that tradition with our award-winning wines.”

Event Details

Dates: Saturdays & Sundays, October 4 – November 2, 2025
Times: Hourly tours from 12–5 p.m.; grounds open until 7 p.m.
Location: Chaddsford Winery, Chadds Ford, Pa.
Tickets: Advance purchase required; this program sells out every year.

This is a rain-or-shine event held outdoors on the lawn and gravel, and all guests must be 21 or older with a valid ID. No refunds or time changes are permitted.

Tickets and full details are available at chaddsford.com/pages/adult-trick-or-treat-2025.

About George Rotsch

George is the publisher of Chadds Ford LIVE along with DelawareLIVE, MilfordLIVE, and TownSquareLIVE. He is a professional communicator and marketing consultant. He has worked national brand and local non-profits and contribute to editorial strategy and as a reporter from time to time. He can be reached at george@delawarelive.com.

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From Vine to Glass: Discover the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail

Arts & Entertainment

From Vine to Glass: Discover the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail

Brandywine Valley Wine Trail Showcases Region’s Vineyards and Cideries

CHADDS FORD, Pa. — The Brandywine Valley Wine Trail is raising a glass to southeastern Pennsylvania’s winemaking tradition, offering visitors a scenic and flavorful journey through the region’s rolling hills and historic countryside.

Located just minutes from Philadelphia, the trail is a collaboration of wineries and cideries dedicated to promoting the Brandywine Valley as a premier wine-producing destination. Organizers say the trail not only celebrates craftsmanship but also highlights the area’s agricultural roots and community spirit.

“The Brandywine Valley is more than a place to taste wine—it’s a place to experience the culture, sustainability, and hospitality that define this region,” the trail’s organizers said in a statement.

Among the highlights are:

Chaddsford Winery, known for bold reds, seasonal events and live music.
Penns Woods Winery, which offers estate-grown wines and scenic tastings.
Paradocx Vineyard in Landenberg, with innovative blends and outdoor seating.
Old Stone Cider in Lewisville, where heritage apples are pressed into dry ciders.
Stargazers Vineyard in Coatesville, focused on sustainable practices and panoramic views.
Casa Carmen Wines in West Grove, with Spanish-style varietals.
Acadian Wine Co. in West Grove, featuring small-batch wines and rustic ambiance.
Grace Winery in Glen Mills, set on a historic inn property.
Dressler Cider in Downingtown, offering craft cider with a modern twist.

Visitors can expect warm hospitality, award-winning wines, artisanal ciders, and year-round events including tastings, food pairings, and live music. The backdrop of scenic vineyards, historic barns, and open countryside adds to the experience.

Whether for a weekend getaway, a group outing, or a quiet afternoon, the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail invites guests to discover a unique blend of history, agriculture, and winemaking.

More information, including maps and event schedules, is available on the trail’s official website.

Editor’s Fact Box: Yappy Hour at Penns Woods Winery

When: Friday, Aug. 29, 2025; live music 5–7:30 p.m.; outdoor service until 8 p.m.
Where: Penns Woods Winery, 124 Beaver Valley Rd., Chadds Ford, PA 19317
What to Expect: Free dog treat on arrival (while supplies last), chances at a free toy for early pups, special dog-themed wine offers (e.g., White Dog Red; “Pawty Pack” bundle available that day only), and live music on the lawn.
Seating & Policies: Outdoor seating is first-come, first-served; dogs must be leashed and remain outdoors (no pets in the Tasting Room). Families welcome on the lawn.
Good to Know: Friday tastings and indoor seating end at 4 p.m.; glasses and bottles available outdoors through 8 p.m. Arrive early for the best lawn spots.
More Info: See Penns Woods’ event listings and details online.

About George Rotsch

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Battle of Brandywine Weekend Returns with New ‘Tavern Night’ Experience

Along the Ford

Screenshot-2025-08-12-135309 — Battle of Brandywine Weekend Returns with New ‘Tavern Night’ Experience

CHADDS FORD, Pa. — The Chadds Ford Historical Society’s signature living history event — the annual Battle of Brandywine reenactment — is returning Sept. 13-14 with new energy, a richer program, and a brand-new highlight: Tavern Night in the Grove.

This evening gathering, debuting Saturday at 6 p.m., promises to immerse guests in the lively atmosphere of an 18th-century tavern. The night will kick off with the roar of cannons echoing across the historic grounds, signaling the start of an evening of music, craft brewing, and camaraderie. Oak Grove Farm will showcase traditional beer brewing techniques, while guests enjoy libations from Braeloch Brewery, Chadds Ford Winery, Penn Distillery, and Liberty Company. Fletcher’s Kitchen will serve hearty fare, and the popular nautical folk group The Sea Dogs will lead rousing singalongs that evoke the spirit of Revolutionary taverns.

Visitors are encouraged to come in period attire and mingle with reenactors, blurring the line between history and celebration. Organizers say the addition of Tavern Night reflects a revitalized vision for the event — one that offers both serious historical interpretation and festive community engagement.

“Tavern Night isn’t just an add-on — it’s a way for people to feel the culture, the music, and the fellowship that were such an important part of Colonial life,” said a Historical Society spokesperson. “It gives visitors a reason to stay, socialize, and come back year after year.”

Stepping Back into 1777

During the day, the event will continue its tradition of vividly recreating the largest single-day battle of the American Revolution. On Sept. 11, 1777, an estimated 30,000 soldiers clashed near Chadds Ford as General George Washington’s Continental Army faced Crown Forces led by Sir William Howe.

Wilhelm von Knyphausen led a diversionary advance along what is now Route 1, engaging Washington’s troops at Chadds Ford. Meanwhile, Lord Cornwallis marched a larger British force north along the Brandywine Creek, outflanking the American position at Birmingham Hill. The maneuver forced Washington’s forces to retreat eastward, leaving the region vulnerable to British plundering as they replenished their supplies.

Twice-daily battle reenactments will bring these tactics and maneuvers to life, complete with musket fire, cavalry charges, and cannon blasts. Military drills, both by seasoned reenactors and youth participants, will show how soldiers were trained for combat in the 18th century.

Life Off the Battlefield

Beyond the smoke and strategy, the festival offers a close-up view of Colonial life. Authentic encampments will feature “camp followers,” women who traveled with and supported the army by cooking, mending, and nursing. Visitors can watch demonstrations of blacksmithing, wood carving, wool dyeing, and other historic trades, while modern artisans showcase and sell handmade goods.

Local authors will be on hand to discuss their work, and nonprofit organizations will share information about their causes. Food vendors, live music, and drink stations will keep the atmosphere lively.

Children can dive into hands-on activities such as candle making, tin punching, marble crafting, and Colonial dress-up, taking home keepsakes they create themselves. Adults are welcome to join in the workshops as well.

Event Details

When: Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Tavern Night in the Grove — Saturday, 6–9 p.m.
Where: Chadds Ford Historical Society, 1736 Creek Road, Chadds Ford, PA
Admission: $10 adults; $5 youth ages 7–17; free for members and children 6 and under. Parking is free.
More Info: www.chaddsfordhistory.org | 610-388-7376

Dogs are welcome, but owners should be mindful of loud noises during battle reenactments.

This year’s expanded programming — especially the debut of Tavern Night in the Grove — marks a fresh chapter for the Battle of Brandywine weekend, aiming to both honor history and create new traditions for the Chadds Ford community.

About George Rotsch

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Concord OKs winery expansion

Local News Concord, Local News

Concord OKs winery expansion

Despite objections from some residents, Concord Township Council approved an expansion plan for Penns Woods Winery last week. The expansion would be for the barn and parking areas at 124 Beaver Valley Road.

As previously reported, the barn would be expanded from 1,400 square feet to 4,500 square feet with a deck.

Objections from neighbors, expressed both during the June 3 Council meeting and the April Planning Commission meeting, centered around concerns about noise and traffic.

During the public comment period, before the winery application came up for discussion, attorney Michael Di Fiorentino, representing seven of the winery’s neighbors, asked the council to vote down the resolution “because the expansion proposed is going to be very detrimental to the public interest. The roadways, traffic, the overflow issues, public safety issues with people walking on the roads, and, of course, with the quiet use and enjoyment of the property of my clients and other residents.”

He went on to say his clients have had no objection to the winery as a vineyard and a small tasting room, but only recently, when the winery began hosting larger events that they began having concerns because of noise and traffic.

While not a hearing or any formal judicial proceeding, Fiorentino called Charlene Emlet, one of his clients, to respond to his questioning.

Emlet had previously spoken against the potential increase in noise at the Planning Commission meeting and readdressed those concerns at the council meeting, sharing an audio recording of an event at the winery in November of 2023. She said she made the recording from her backyard, at 88 Reid Street, facing the winery.

Fiorentino also provided photos Emlet had taken showing traffic and excess overflow parking. Some of the images, Emlet said, came from a drone operated by her uncle.

“You can see the full extent across two photographs. One aerial image was not enough to capture all the cars on this property,” he said, though the photos were shared only with the council members.

Emlet said there were 316 vehicles parked on or adjacent to the winery on Mother’s Day of this year. She also said she checked the winery’s website and that there are 65 music events planned at the winery through October this year.

On his own, Fiorentino said that elements of the application — parking areas and seepage bed placement — do not conform to township code, and for that reason, the application should be denied. Additionally, he said, there was no traffic study done.

RuthAnn Purchase James, who referred to herself as a cottager at the Brandywine Camp Summit Meeting on Beaver Valley Road, said, “I have to say we are on Lenape land. This is the land of the ancient people, the Lenape.”

She then made a statement in the Lenape language, adding, “We have an obligation to honor the beauty of our region as they would have it honored because they are real people that still live among us,” she said.

James questioned whether the winery, after the expansion, could be a good neighbor.

“If you look at their website, it says every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, loud music blaring. We have over 150 years of silent retreat [at the summit meeting] to hear the glory of God, to hear the birds singing…This is where we go to restore ourselves, to heal from all the divisions in our world. And we do it without addictions. We try to create a space where people can come and not be plagued by addictive behavior.”

She said there are people who come to the meeting trying to heal from addiction, but that becomes difficult when people start coming up from the vineyard. James added that there will be music nights at the winery that will conflict with ceremonies at the camp meeting. And, she said, there is a question of safety, because people who live at the meeting may not feel safe with strangers showing up.

Resident Ken Hemphill, who is not a neighbor of the winery, said he is concerned about possible litigation from other businesses who are not allowed to have outdoor entertainment, even though they exist farther from residential areas, while the winery is in a residential district and would be allowed to have music more than 60 time through October.

Eventually, a motion to approve was made and seconded. More conversation followed after 32 conditions in the resolution were read. Most involved required compliance with all comments made by the various professionals and code requirements.

After a discussion with Don Petrosa, the attorney representing the winery, some modifications to the original conditions were made, specifically involving hours of operation.

Those hours of operation in the barn building became limited to 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Outdoor operations are limited to 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Additionally, outdoor music is limited to Fridays and Saturdays only, and the music shall end at 7 p.m.

There are also multiple conditions related to parking. In addition to no parking on Beaver Valley Road or any of the other streets, five paved handicapped parking spaces must be provided, and no parking shall be permitted between the expanded parking lots and Beaver Valley Road. The entire parking lot east of the entrance drive, referred to as the eastern lot, needs to be of crushed stone.

The western lot is required to be resized, limiting the eastern and western lots to 100 vehicles, while individually, neither lot can have more than 60 spaces. There may be overflow parking on grassy area in the southwest grassy area but even with overflow parking, no more than 240 vehicles are permitted.

Other conditions include spotlights on the east side shall be removed, and parking lots shall be screened from Beaver Valley Road.

The full list of conditions can be found in Resolution NO. 29-2025

About Rich Schwartzman

Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.

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2024 in review part 2

Chadds-Ford

_1JF8453-Med-Garden copy — A Mediterranean inspired garden is part of the new West Conservatory built as part of Longwood Reimagined. (File photo)

The second half of 2024 saw a convicted murderer back in court, a reimagined Longwood Gardens, a Unionville High. School grad helped the U.S. win Olympic gold, the sale of The Chaddsford Winery, a revamped courtyard at the Brandywine Museum of Art, and an end of the Chadds Ford Business Association.

July

PennDOT announced some updates for work on two area roads. Route 1 from the Kennett Bypass to Greenwood Road in Kennett and East Marlborough townships will get another lane in both directions. Preliminary work — moving utilities — began last year. “We are close to being done with utility relocations,” said PennDOT spokesman Brad Rudolph. “The contractor plans to start when the utility poles are pulled. Hopefully within the next month or two to start. Finish timeframe on the latest schedule shows fall 2025.” Work also resumed on the widening of Conchester Highway from Concord Township to that road’s connection to I-95.
Pocopson Elementary School got a new principal. Gabriel Savage was hired to replace Cliff Beaver who retired.
The ongoing controversy over COVID restrictions within the Unionville-Chadds Ford School district continued. Birmingham Township’s Chad Williams continued his fight with the school board, challenging the legality of the district’s masking policy and has filed a formal complaint with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Williams has filed complaints concerning the district’s actions over the last three years but said he’s not received any satisfactory response. The district’s attorney Mark Fitzgerald declined to comment because, he said, “the process involving [Superintendent of Schools] Dr. Sanville is extremely confidential.”

August

Unionville High School grad Justin Best was part of the four-man rowing team that won a gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. It was the first time the United States won gold in the men’s four class since 1960.
Chadds Ford Township residents packed Turner’s Mill meeting room to express concerns over the cost of maintaining Painter’s Folly, a large home adjacent to the Brandywine Battlefield Park that the township purchased in 2018. According to one resident, the township had spent $276,000 for maintenance and upkeep on top of the $625,000 used to buy the 3.9-acre property. Maintenance of the property had always been a concern, which is why the former owners, George and Helen Sipala sold.
Convicted murderer Danelo Cavalcante was back in the news a year after he escaped from Chester County Prison in August of 2023. He was recaptured two weeks later. He was back in court this time to be sentenced for. the escape.

September

Chadds Ford Township Supervisors’ Vice Chairman Timotha Trigg announced the hiring of Eric Brown of Siana Law for what she termed “a sensitive manner.” Supervisors did not say what that matter was, and Trigg did not respond to an email asking for clarification. It is believed that the issue concerns the allegations of ethics violations mentioned in. April, though there has been no confirmation.
The sale of the Chaddsford Winery became official. CFW was sold to the Vinton family who own the White Horse Winery in New Jersey. A few days later, BJ Vinton said some changes were planned but nothing major in the immediate future. “We definitely plan on expanding,” Vinton said. “There have not been any renovations to the winery in I believe well over a decade. We would like to expand both the indoor and outdoor event spaces.”

October

The Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board began the process of learning what district residents want to be done, if anything, with CF Patton Middle School. An information meeting was held on Oct. 9. Superintendent of Schools John Sanville said no decision has been made, but the options are to replace, renovate, or maintain. The school board is scheduled to vote in February.
The Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art held a party to celebrate a milestone. The Enchanted Courtyard by the Light of the Moon party came three years after the last bits of Hurricane Ida caused the Brandywine River to rise almost 20 feet in hours on Sept. 2, 2021. The celebration was held in the newly revamped museum courtyard. The multi-million-dollar courtyard renovation required about eight months of construction.

November

Longwood Reimagined became a reality in November. here are six new buildings, a renovation of others, and a rearranging of a few pathways. The bonsai and cascade gardens have been moved, and the lower level of the main conservatory was renovated to include a new restaurant and event space. But Longwood’s President and CEO Paul Redman said the biggest change and the centerpiece of the project is the construction of a new conservatory, the West Conservatory, a 32,000-square-foot glasshouse built where a parking lot had been.
It was announced that Kennett Township was able to get back about 82 percent of the open space and sewer funds that former township Manager Lisa Moore was convicted of embezzling from the township. The supervisors voted to “close out the financial liabilities” related to Moore’s embezzlement and transfer $642,435 to the open space fund and $446,069 to the sewer fund. The transfers will come from the general fund and represent money recovered by the township since the embezzlement was first discovered in May 2019.
While no action has been taken yet, The Henderson Group, owner of Painters Crossing Shopping Center, wants to erect a new building that would cover three pads at the southeast corner of the center. Henderson President and CEO Brian Coyle took the concept to the Chadd s Ford Township Planning Commission. Those pads had been occupied by Farmers’ Road, Arby’s, and the first location for El Gran Rodeo. Those pads were demolished two years ago. Plans are to replace them with one structure of 15,000-plus square feet. The new building could house up to five new businesses, with one being a restaurant with a drive-thru.

December

Townships passed their budgets for 2025. Birmingham saw a township property tax increase from 1.6 to 1.9 mills. It was the first increase in Birmingham taxes since 2010. Kennett Township saw a 0.1 mill increase. Property taxes in Concord, Chadds Ford, and Pennsbury remained steady, but fire taxes went up in Concord and Chadds Ford went from a $100 per year Business Privilege Tax to a $225 per year Business Registration Fee. The entire BRF will go to the Concordville Fire Co.
Supervisors to Residents of The Ridings development in Chadds Ford Townships again asked the township Board of Supervisors to intercede on their behalf regarding a proposed shopping center in the field at the intersection of Route 202 and Ridge Road. The property is in Concord Township but abuts Chadds Ford. Residents are concerned about increased traffic congestion and the possibility of stormwater runoff negatively affecting their well water.
Westtown Township closed on Crebilly Farm. The township, residents, and others fought a proposed development by Toll Bros. and finally succeeded in getting most of the 300-plus acre property conserved. Westtown Supervisor Tom Foster said, “The Westtown Board of Supervisors, our dedicated staff, and scores of enthusiastic volunteers have worked tirelessly to fulfill the mandate to preserve Crebilly Farm as a natural open space.
Joe Lafferty, president of the Chadds Ford Business Association, announced at the December luncheon that the CFBA was disbanding. He cited challenges that the CFBA couldn’t overcome. Those challenges include a decline in attendance at meetings and too few volunteers for board positions. The CFBA officially launched in 1995.

About Rich Schwartzman

2024 in review part 2 Read More »

2024 in review part 1

Along the Ford

_1JF6816-1080 — Fishing came back to Newlin Grist Mill.

As with all years, some events and news were better than others. For Chadds Ford Township, the year began with a new township manager, a new supervisor, and the death of a supervisor.

January

Lacey Faber became the new full-time manager for the township. She replaced Matt Baumann. “What attracted me to coming to Chadds Ford is how entrenched it is with history and open space. These are things I absolutely love,” she said in an interview shortly after her hiring

Faber was not an unknown commodity. She had worked with Supervisors’ Chairman Samantha Reiner when Reiner was Edgmont Township’s manager. According to Reiner, “…Lacey brings her calmness, confidence, knowledge, experience and resources to Chadds Ford. We are confident she will ‘hit the ground running’ and not stop giving to our great community.”

Timotha Trigg was sworn in as a township supervisor, replacing Noelle Barbone who had decided not to seek reelection.
Chadds Ford Township Supervisors’ Vice Chairman Frank Murphy died from cancer. He had been battling the disease for several years. Murphy served as supervisor since January 2014. He was eventually replaced on the board by Kathleen Goodier.
Auctioneer William H. Bunch, of William Bunch Auctions & Appraisals, located in Chadds Ford also died
Kennett Township also saw some changes. Pay Muller became that township’s newest board member replacing Scudder Stevens. She joined supervisors Geoff Gamble and Richard Leff on the three-person board.
Also in Kennett Township, Eden Ratliff resigned as township manager. He was hired in 2019c to replace former Manager Lisa Moore who was fired and convicted of embezzling more than $3 million from the township.

February

Kennett Township supervisors approved a conditional land development plan to build a new 105,000-square-foot building for Greenwood Elementary School.

March

Concord Township won a Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society award for Excellence in Recreation and Parks for its Race for the Watershed event held in 2023. Steve Jacobs, Concord’s Parks and Recreation director, said the event, which included a rubber duck race, raised $10,000 for the Newlin Grist Mill for water monitoring equipment.
It was announced in March that the Chaddsford Winery was up for sale. The winery stayed open, and the sale became a reality in September.
The restaurant Taste & Sea opened in Keystone Plaza where Pescatore’s had been located. Owners John and Chrissy Talbot described the cuisine as “fine dining with white tablecloths. A lot of seafood and a lot of steaks.”

April

After a five-year hiatus, fishing returned to Newlin Grist Mill Park in Concord Township. The return coincided with the opening day of trout season. Fishing at the park’s ponds was curtailed when the widening of Conchester Highway led to silt buildup in the ponds fed by Chester Creek. The silting even shut down the millrace that powers the mill. Work to remove the silt was completed in the fall and the ponds were refilled in March.
Long-time restaurateur Peter Skiadas died on April 17. Skiadas and his wife Voula owned Hank’s Place from 1991 to 2017.
Kennett Township hired a new full-time manager. Alison Dobbins began the job on April 22 after supervisors approved the hiring five days earlier.
The Chadds Ford Township Republican Party sent a message Monday saying an “official ethics inquiry” has been launched into conduct by Board of Supervisors Chairman Samantha Reiner. The message came from GOP leader Mary Kot, who declined to comment when Chadds Ford Live contacted her. Resident Mark Stookey also discussed the matter during a Chadds Ford Township supervisors’ work session. However, Pennsylvania Ethics Commission Executive Director Mary Fox said she could neither confirm nor deny the matter because of privacy issues.
State police said five people were killed in a one-car crash on the Conchester Highway after what might have been an attempted shoplifting in the Shoppes at Brinton Lake. According to the police, the car fled the shopping center, drove to Conchester, and sped down the road, eventually using the right shoulder to pass another car when the driver lost control, ran off the road, and caught on fire.
Twin Bridges, the span over the Brandywine between Chadds Ford and Pennsbury Townships was closed for a rebuild after years of discussion. Work is scheduled to conclude sometime during the latter part of 2025.

May

The Chadds Ford Township Residents Association’s 2024 Scholarship Award winner is Melissa Griswold, a senior at Unionville High School. She received a certificate and a $1,500 award on May 2 at an event held at the Chadds Ford Township Pavilion.
Pennsbury Township supervisors reversed their approval of a Bed & Breakfast for The Gables restaurant. The board had approved the B&B request in April but, according to township solicitor Tom Oeste, the approval granted on April 17 was reversed because the applicants filed an appeal of the 30 conditions initially agreed to at the conditional use hearing.
Birmingham Township’s Chad Williams filed a complaint with the Pennsylvania Department of Education against Unionville-Chadds Ford District Superintendent John Sanville. He said Sanville has refused to address his concerns about what Williams calls an illegal survey conducted at the high school. At issue was a survey given to ninth-grade students about their sexual activity without first getting parental consent for the survey. The survey itself was part of a health class on safe dating given by the Crime Victim Center of Chester County.

June

Concord Township held its second annual Race for the Watershed in June. As said earlier, the 2023 event raised$10,000 for water monitoring equipment, and Brenda Orso, said the monitoring equipment is important to the park because water is essential for everything they do. The newer monitoring equipment uses digital readouts instead of testing the water chemically. Orso said the newer digital gives results in minutes instead of hours.
It was announced in June that the place where N.C. Wyeth worked on the illustrations for “Treasure Island” is being preserved. NALT President Steven Carter said the nonprofit conservation organization plans to preserve the historic property forever and open it to visitors as a public preserve.
Concord Township buried a time capsule at the old Spring Valley African Methodist Episcopal Church on Spring Valley Road. This was a follow-up to the ribbon cutting at the church in February and coincided with the Juneteenth celebration, the day in 1865 when the former slaves in Galveston, Texas learned that they were now free and that slavery had ended. “It’s a profound honor to recognize the importance of the Spring Valley AME Church in our community,” said Concord Council Co-Vice President John Gillespie. “Today, as we celebrate Juneteenth, we also commemorate the remarkable history embodied by this community gem through the burial of a time capsule.”
Kathy Howley, the longtime manager of Pennsbury Township announced her retirement in June. She had been a township employee for 46 years, beginning in 1978. She became manager in 1994.

Part 2 next week.

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Future changes for CF Winery

Business

The Chaddsford Winery is now under the ownership of the Vinton family of Delaware. The Vintons already own the White Horse Winery in New Jersey but the winery on Route 1 in Pennsbury Township will remain the Chaddsford Winery.

Even though the other winery is in New Jersey, the Chadds Ford area is nothing new for the Vinton family. BJ Vinton lives in Greenville, Del.

“I live about 15 minutes from there, my father lives about 10 minutes from there, and my sister lives just on the other side of the Chaddsford Winery,” Vinton said.

He’s canoed and tubed along the Brandywine and hiked and camped by the winery. Vinton’s father knew the former owners, Eric and Lee Miller, and Vinton said he remembers going to the Chaddsford Winery with his father to buy grapes that his farther would turn into wine in the basement.

“We are excited,” said BJ Vinton of the new acquisition.

Some changes are planned, but nothing major in the immediate future.

“We definitely plan on expanding,” Vinton said. “There have not been any renovations to the winery in I believe well over a decade. We would like to expand both the indoor and outdoor event spaces.”

But those changes will have to wait until after the harvest season which runs into Thanksgiving.

“At this point, every decision made for what’s going to be done for this season were made months ago,” he said. “We’re going to take some time to make a plan and mindfully implement that plan.”

There are some other renovations already planned. Vinton said they plan to bolster the kitchen and food offerings, as well as make any repairs that are necessary.

Will there be any changes or additions to the wines made and sold? Perhaps, but that remains to be determined.

“At White Horse, we have two very talented winemakers who have already met with the Chadds Ford team. We’ll be collaborating and sharing our knowledge and experience, and some of our methodologies to help [Chaddsford Winery] develop their dry wine portfolio.

Current management thinks the move is a good one.

“We wanted to find someone local who recognized the history and legacy,” said winery General Manager Corey Krejcik. The plan was always to try to find someone willing to continue it as a winery.”

He said the Petrillo family, the sellers, met with multiple interesting groups with different synergies, but the Vinton family stayed engaged until about the middle of August when it got serious.

“The deeper we dug in, both parties, we realized this an incredible fit because of their history and the proximity to the winery, and their knowledge of the winery beforehand and, obviously, their other business venture, The White Horse Winery,” he said.

Krejcik was clear that it was the family, not the White Horse Winery, that bought the Chadds Ford Winery.

“They’ll stay two separate entities. There’s no merger, but we’ll benefit from each other’s expertise,” he said. The biggest thing for the CFW, is that the White Horse has 25 acres of vineyards while Chaddsford only has 5 acres.

This marks the second sale of a local winery in 12 months. Longwood Gardens bought the former Galer Estate Winery and Vineyard last September.

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Future changes for CF Winery Read More »

Chaddsford Winery sold

Business

It was announced in March that the Chaddsford Winery was up for sale and now the sale is a done deal. The winery announced on Sept. 30 that CFW was sold to the Vinton family who own the White Horse Winery in New Jersey.

In a press release, Chaddsford Winery’s General Manager Corey Krejcik said of the sale, “When we began this process, our goal was to find a new owner who was the best fit for our beloved winery. We’re confident that the Vinton’s and White Horse Winery are a perfect match. Both organizations are incredibly complementary in their strengths, strategies, and personnel. Our team feels fully rejuvenated and excited for the future.”

This is the second local winery sale in 12 months. Longwood Gardens bought the former Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery last September. As reported earlier this year, the Petrillo family, the most recent former owner, sold simply to consolidate its portfolio.

No one from the winery was available for comment, but Chadds Ford Live will update this with new information as it becomes available.

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Chaddsford Winery sold Read More »

Around Town May 30

Along the Ford

DelCo-Symphony — The Delaware County Symphony will perform a free concert at Rose Tree Park on Wednesday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m.

• The next performance of the Delaware County Symphony will be a free concert in Rose Tree Park on Wednesday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m. That night is the opening for the Rose Tree Summer Festival with a concert that includes orchestral favorites bursting with excitement. The symphony will be performing extracts from Carmen and Beethoven’s 6th Symphony, alongside popular marches, and some special surprises.

• On Flag Day, Friday, June 14, the Brinton 1704 House will be open and members of the Chadds Ford Township Residents Association will be present collecting old U.S. flags that need to be retired.

• This year’s Turk’s Head Music Festival in West Chester is Sunday, June 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The event is held at Everhart Park and will feature about 70 different artists and groups. The festival is free. The entertainment lineup can be found here.

Voices Underground will present Frederick Douglass Jazz Works at Longwood Gardens on Friday, June 21 in honor of Juneteenth.

• To commemorate Juneteenth across the region, Voices Underground will present Frederick Douglass Jazz Works — a discussion and jazz performance comprised of vocalist and composer Ruth Naomi Floyd’s original compositions paired with words from Douglass’s speeches and writings — at Longwood Gardens’ Open Air Theatre. The performance is Friday, June 21, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets, available here, are $32.

• Clover Market will be closing out its spring season in Kennett Square on Sunday, June 2. A selected group of 100 handmade and will be set up in the 600 S. Broad Street parking lot. The vendors will be joined by a large lineup of food trucks including Dos Hermanos Tacos, Philly Hots, Redstone Pizza, Surf and Turf Truck, Flour & Oats Artisan Cookies, Panna Gelateria, Many Hands Coffee, and Philly Lemonade plus wine and beer from Grace Winery & Braeloch Brewing respectively (21+). Live music will be provided by JB3/John Bickle Trio (12-3 p.m.) and we’ll have face painting from Southpaw Studio, crafts from DEAN Adventure Camps, and meet and greets with our partners at Finding Shelter Animal Rescue. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• The Chester County History Center is offering walking tours of the Underground Railroad for four days, Wednesday, June 19 through Saturday, June 22. The Underground Railroad was a network of people offering shelter and aid to enslaved men, women, and children on their journeys to freedom. This walking tour will visit eight locations around downtown West Chester that served as a backdrop for the people involved in this clandestine operation. The tour covers approximately 1.25 miles, lasts 90 minutes, and is entirely outdoors; sidewalks and terrain may be uneven. Tours are from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and from 1:30 to 3 p.m. that Saturday. The cost is $15. Purchase tickets here.

Paws for Reading is at 10:30 a.m. on June at the Rachel Kohl Library.

• The Rachel Kohl Library is having a Paws for Reading at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 8 in the library’s Children’s Room. PAWS for reading is a program where children can practice reading to therapy dogs. The therapy dogs provide a gentle, judgment-free zone for kids who are learning to read or just like to read to dogs. Registration is required. Register by phone at 610-358-3445, or register in person.

The Hook Experiment presents a posthumous retrospective of the works of David Eldreth on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 7-9.

• The Hook Experiment presents the works of David Eldreth in a posthumous retrospective show spanning over 50 years of creative work, giving back to the community. Eldreth’s career spanned over half a century and various mediums including painting and pottery. He was an art teacher and founder and overseer of the Outdoor Art Gallery in Oxford. The exhibit runs for three days, Friday, June 7 from 5-8 p.m., Saturday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday, June 9, from 1-5 p.m. Admission is free. The Hook is at 45 South 3rd Street in Oxford.