Once upon a time.

The Story of Walnut Ridge Vineyards & Farm

Walnut Ridge Vineyards and Farm started as a dream of Lisa Salandra and George Zimmermann for a home in the country upon their marriage in the year 2000. In 2001 with the purchase of 465 acres in Hopewell Township and the birth of their son, Nicholas, the dream was realized. The name inspired by the many beautiful groves of black walnut trees found on the property, was shaped over the following years by George and Lisa’s father, Nick Salandra, who lives in nearby Peters Township. George an entrepreneur from New York and CEO/owner of Sertec Corp., who started the “How’s My Driving” business could not stay retired for long. He added to the hundreds of existing heirloom apple trees by planting 5000 popular varieties. When McClelland’s Farm was dissolved, George hired their foreman, Luciano Linares who brought with him 20 years of experience. A vineyard was also started, inspired by the Salandra’s Italian relatives, which now consists of over 20,000 grape vines and has been bottling for 3 years. The first commercial production will be available sometime in 2008.

Still with a surplus of land and a personal love of good old fashioned tomatoes the Zimmermanns initially planted 1500 heirloom tomato plants. This year they have expanded their operation with the addition of a partner in the family, Karen Lippman and Ben Ligeri. Karen and Ben bring with them an extensive background in food preparation, construction management and together we have planted 60,000 tomatoes of 20 different varieties.  Karen and Ben have recently “bought the farm” a neighboring farm that is with over 100 acres and a lovely old house which they are enjoying renovating. Our new partnership name is The Heirloom Tomato Company.

A new nitch was discovered by using our surplus tomatoes to produce high quality heirloom sauces featuring Lisa’s “Nana” on the label which include: Vodka, Tomato Basil, Tomato Soup and Red Rooster Bloody Mary Mix. In spring 2008 The Zimmermann’s product list will increase under the label of their son with the addition of “Nicky’s Heirloom…” Apple Sauce, Cranapple Sauce, Apple Butter and Pear Butter. It’s a real family affair with the commercial art background of Lisa being utilized in the design of the labels and advertising.

Everyone really enjoy the country life hunting for morel mushrooms in May and picking wild black raspberries in July. Nicky loves being met from the school bus with his horse Molli for the mile long ride up the driveway to home. As they say, there’s nothing like summer in Pennsylvania…