Event planner known for upscale Philly weddings is set to open a local winery.
The Philadelphia region is set to welcome a new vineyard, Blind Fox Vineyard, bringing a unique addition to the local wine scene. The vineyard is the brainchild of Joe Volpe, CEO of the esteemed event company Cescaphe, which has established itself as a key player in the city’s high-end wedding industry. Located in the picturesque Upper Bucks County community of Erwinna, the vineyard occupies a sprawling property previously home to Sand Castle Winery, which Volpe acquired for .35 million last year, as reported in local property records.
Blind Fox Vineyard is anticipated to open its doors this fall and will focus primarily on creating private-label wines intended for use at Cescaphe’s extensive network of nine venues throughout Philadelphia. These include well-known locations such as Water Works, situated near Boathouse Row, as well as Tendenza in Northern Liberties and the Bellevue Hotel’s recent acquisitions—two grand ballrooms. However, it is noteworthy that the vineyard will not be integrated into Cescaphe’s current event offerings, and there are no plans to host weddings or larger events at its facilities.
In a statement concerning the venture, Volpe expressed a commitment to enhancing the wedding experience for couples and their guests, signifying that the opportunity to curate premium wines felt like a natural progression for him and his wife, Andrea. When fully operational, the vineyard is slated to feature two tasting rooms, vineyard tours, and outdoor spaces designed for seasonal tastings, aligning with the increasing popularity of vineyard experiences among wine enthusiasts and visitors.
Andrew Misialek, a Philadelphia native with considerable experience in Napa Valley, has been appointed as the head winemaker. Misialek is tasked with cultivating a diverse selection of European varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Noir, aimed at providing a robust offering for guests and local wine lovers.
The vineyard’s name, Blind Fox, serves as a tribute to Volpe’s late mother, Lucille, who faced the challenges of legal blindness. In Italian, “Volpe” translates to “fox,” thereby adding a personal touch to the vineyard’s identity. As renovations progress, Volpe has opted not to disclose details regarding the financial investment for the property’s transformation. This new venture reflects a growing trend in the wedding industry where personalization and experiential offerings continue to be key drivers of business strategy.
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