by Washington Washington
In a perfect world, professions would always reflect and incorporate one’s passions and interests. Fortunately for Valerie Castle, Proprietor & CFO of Black Walnut Winery, that’s what eventually transpired after she, her husband Lance, and partners Jack and Karen Kuhn decided to first try winemaking back in 2001.
“We started making wine in our garage, approximately 350 bottles the first year,” says Castle. “Now we make around 27,000 bottles a year.”
In the winery’s formative years, the Castles and Kuhns worked with friends to help process 500 pounds of grapes for their ‘unofficial’ first crush under a canopy of Black Walnut trees at the Castle’s home. This grew to be an annual event and several years later, in April of 2006, they began the process of renovating a 198 year old bank barn in Sadsburyville, PA to house Black Walnut Winery (3000 Lincoln Highway).
Now, the four owners plan to open a Black Walnut Winery tasting room at the corner of Gay and Bridge sometime during the second half of August (exact date TBD). Their tentative hours will be Wednesdays and Thursdays 4pm – 9pm, Fridays 4pm – 10pm, Saturdays 11am – 10pm, and Sundays 1pm – 8pm.
“We chose to open a Phoenixville location for a number of reasons,” claims Castle. “My husband (our winemaker) and I live in Kimberton and have been watching the rejuvenation of downtown Phoenixville with a great deal of excitement. We’ve been discussing potential locations for additional retail sites with our business partners, Jack and Karen Kuhn, for some time, and Phoenixville has always been at the top of that list. The availability of a beautifully renovated retail space in close proximity to a number of successful BYO restaurants in a thriving business area made the decision to move forward an easy one.”
As for special events, The Black Walnut Winery will feature live music on select weekend evenings, wine and artisan goat cheese pairings (with Amazing Acres Goat Dairy) several times a year, and wine & chocolate pairings (incorporating Prestige Chocolates) for special occasions such as Valentine’s weekend. They will also host special events such as private wine, cheese and chocolate pairings at the Phoenixville site as requested by customers.
“Making your own product and bringing it out to the public is very fulfilling,” said Castle. “We have a strong commitment to providing our visitors with good wine through an interactive experience and welcoming atmosphere. We want people to enjoy themselves and not feel that they have to rush through what we have to offer.”
For more information, please visit http://www.blackwalnutwinery.com
