Photograph from Philly Mag by Michael Persico
Wayvine Wine Bar is more than just a place to sip wine; it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of two brothers, James and Zachary Wilson.
More than just brothers, James and Zach are winemakers, vineyard managers, and entrepreneurs. They have spent years cultivating grapes and a love for their craft, which today thrives at their winery in Nottingham, pasta bar in Philadelphia, and the newly opened tasting room in Kennett Square, PA.
The Wilson family once operated a 260-acre dairy farm, but the family stepped away from farming 30+ years ago and leased the land to farmers. In 2007, the family sold the farm to a housing developer, The Wilson’s immediately regretted the decision but fortunately the 2008 housing market crash was a blessing in disguise as the real estate deal fell through. The family quickly decided to put the land into an agricultural conservation easement (ACE) to protect the land and prevent future development or use of the land for any purpose other than agricultural production.
In 2009 at just 19 years old, Zachary was a student at Penn State when his curiosity for grape growing took root. Zach and his Dad, Dave attended a Penn State Extension program for Grape & Wine Production. After the class, Zach ordered a few grape vines, and it has consumed his life ever since. At the time, younger brother, James was still in high school and was a dedicated athlete. James went on to be a successful college athlete at Penn State and even participated in the Olympic trials, the US Open, and the Canadian Olympic Trials. James has recently been inducted into the Oxford Sports Wall of Fame.
The Wilson boys are entirely self taught in the vineyard. In 2010, they planted 3,000 vines and for 9 years, the Wayvine tasting room and production operated out of a 3 car garage with a few barrels and tanks. James jokes that he’s pretty sure they had the biggest winery operation out of a home garage. 
In 2018, they relocated production to a spacious barn, and by 2021, they opened the space to the public. In 2023, the boys added a pizza oven and began serving wood-fired pizza on Friday nights, which quickly became a crowd favorite.
They currently have 20 acres of grapes, which produces 60,000 bottles of wine per year. They expect this to increase to 80,000 bottles in about two years.
What brought Wayvine to Kennett Square? In the last several years, the Wilson brothers have become increasingly more involved in Kennett Square events, including Third Thursdays and Summerfest. The Wilson brothers donated wine for the grand opening of the Kennett Library and realized how special the town is – the brother’s loved the energy of Kennett Square. James explains that he loves the passion and underlying community driven efforts in town. After he saw the space at 217 E State Street, he immediately saw the potential. In just nine days, the brothers transformed the space in Kennett Square and opened the doors on State Street for the Mushroom Festival weekend. What a weekend to open a business in Kennett Square! The brothers were surprised by the support they received. James said that people showed up and gifted over a dozen plants and flowers and explained, “it was just so special to us!” We weren’t expecting so much support.
The Bar: James proudly shares that all the wood in the tasting room, including the white oak tables and the red oak and black walnut bar, was salvaged from their Nottingham farm. After a blight took down 80 Ash trees, they invested in a mill to clean up fallen trees. They don’t harvest, only salvage. James explained that the bar top was a group effort, they glued every bit together and just played around until they figured out a way to make the corner connection work.
The Growers Collection: The new “Growers Collection” celebrates the wildlife on the farm—from snapping turtles to black snakes their Uncle used to catch, to bullfrogs and herons. The Wilson brother’s want their customers to feel the connection they have to the farm and the land that the grapes are coming from. The Growers Collection is a nice reminder that the winery and tasting room are there because of the hard work they do in the field.
The Team: You may see James and Zach pouring a glass of wine and enjoying the live music, but it hasn’t been an easy journey. For the past 10 years, the brothers have been working nonstop, often logging 100+ hour weeks. As they’ve grown, they’ve built a team that they are proud of. Nancy (Mom) is both the ‘office girl’ and a bartender, while Dave (Dad) is the go-to utility guy normally on a tractor, or fixing it. Matt, a talented woodworker, lends his skills to both the winery and vineyard. Brooke has taken over Wayvine’s social media with her unique style that resonates with James’ eye for photography. Eryn started by hosting summer yoga classes in the vineyard and now can be found behind the bar. Spencer, their cousin, also bartends. Long time friend, Gabriel Evans-Siegel previously worked at Sovana Bistro has handcrafted Wayvine’s cocktail list. James also credits Gabe for creating their Vermouth. Their team which also includes several aunts and uncles, is a close-knit group that shares their vision and dedication.
Other Ventures: The Wilson boys are also partners in a restaurant in Fishtown, Philadelphia, Tulip Pasta & Wine Bar which opened in September 2022 and was recently named one of the top 50 restaurants in Philadelphia by Philadelphia Magazine. James describes the pasta bar as an intimate 35 seat restaurant. Their chef sources from all local farms. Wine, beer and spirits are all Pennsylvania made. “Fine dining with a casual setting, with an emphasis on quality over anything else!”
Time Off: Sundays have become sacred days for both brothers to rest and spend time with loved ones. Although, they aren’t really resting as they spend much of their free time working on home projects. Zach now has two young kids—Theodore and Charlotte (Charley). James said, “Zach’s a dad, and he just can’t work seven days a week anymore. He needs a day at home with his family.'”
James’ eyes light up as he talks about Ethereal Farms, the enchanting property he and his fiancée, Laura recently purchased. After a year of negotiation, James and Laura were able to finance and buy 70+ acres that adjoins the family farm. James took a month off work to rehab the property, transforming the old grist mill and loft into carefully curated Airbnbs. They are grateful to have the short term rentals to supplement their mortgage on the homestead. James describes the land as magical, with a creek and a big old hunk of fog every morning. James and Laura plan to get married in May of this year on their property at Ethereal Farms. James smiled as he talked about their “zoo” they have going on with donkeys, horses, goats, chickens, ducks, and turkeys. Airbnb guests can enjoy the property with free-roaming animals or take a 2-mile walk through the fields to the winery.
By purchasing the land referred to as Ethereal Farms, the Wilsons now own 330 acres of continuous land that backs up to 300 acres of the Glen Roy Preserve.
What’s next for Wayvine? James was excited to share that they recently got a license for distilling and plan to focus on brandy in the future. James explained that the Kennett location just opened their eyes, and they are now in search of where to expand to next. If something feels right, the boys will just roll with it and they are ready for whatever comes next. It’s clear that the Wilson brothers have created something truly special. They’ve built a legacy, not just for themselves but for their community, their family, and the land they hold dear. And with plans for expansion, a growing team, and a commitment to crafting quality wine and spirits, the future of Wayvine looks brighter than ever!
