ChaddsFord Winery is seeking a buyer for 42-year-old business

The ChaddsFord Winery and its 5 acres on Route 1 there are up for sale. Photo by Rich Schwartzman

It’s been 12 years since Eric and Lee Miller retired from the ChaddsFord Winery.

Now, the Petrillo family of New York, the remaining founders and owners, are looking to sell.

The asking price for the 5-acre property on Route 1 in Pennsylvania is $4.5 million. The property is just over the state line from New Castle County.

If — when — it’s bought, the winery will be the second Chadds Ford area winery sale in a year.

Longwood Gardens bought the Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery in September.

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Chaddsford Winery’s General Manager Corey Krejcik said in a brief telephone interview the doors of the winery are not closing.

It will stay open through the sale process and, hopefully, beyond.

“We have a legacy to preserve,” Krejcik said, and the owners’ hope is that whoever buys will keep it as a winery.

He also said there have been some “great discussions” from possible buyers and that the Petrillos, brothers
Gregory and Matthew, are selling simply to consolidate their portfolio.

ChaddsFord ‘destination’

He called the winery “a destination to experience wine in a fun environment,” and said he appreciates the loyal following the winery developed in its
42 years.

On the company’s website, Krejcik wrote, “The winery is poised for a new generation of energized ownership, whether it be a small collective of high-net-worth local and loyal oenophiles, individual investors and partners, or a hospitality-focused private equity group looking for a strong, established brand with a powerful regional presence situated on five acres of prime real estate.

“Under new ownership, we believe the future is ripe and poised for growth.”

During its 42 years, Krejcik wrote, the winery has “become a highly respected and award-winning winery, earning prestigious accolades including the Keystone Cup for Best White Wine in Pennsylvania, Best in Show—Sparkling Semillon at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, and Pennsylvania Sommelier Judgement.”