Walt · Katie · Austin · McKenna · Reed · Owen
A garage experiment. A family dream. A destination twelve years in the making.
Walter "Walt" and Katie Novosel, born and raised in Mercer County and now living in Lawrence County, are the co-owners of Nova Destinations. The idea for Nova began when Walt traveled to Presque Isle, PA with his Uncle Dave to pick up grapes. Uncle Dave had made homemade wine for years and wanted to share his passion with Walt.
Around the same time, Katie was completing an orthopedic medical school rotation in Riverside, California. During a weekend visit, Walt and Katie explored Temecula's wine region — known for its beautiful outdoor spaces where adults relax and kids can run free. Walt knew instantly he wanted to bring that atmosphere home to Western Pennsylvania.
Back in Pennsylvania, Walt began experimenting with winemaking, tapping into his Italian roots. What started as "a small experiment" quickly turned into 30 carboys, an old family wine press, the scent of fermentation, and a basement full of fruit flies. When Katie returned from California, she kindly relocated Walt's experiment into the unfinished garage.
Word traveled fast. Monthly gatherings became weekly hangouts, and soon guests were stopping by daily. As excitement grew, the Novosels leaned on their parents — Debbie and Jerry Novosel, Pie and Linda Porter — along with Walt's sister Amanda and many close friends.
The Novosels obtained their wine license and officially launched Nova Cellars Winery. Wanting to expand the "Crafted Experience," they soon opened a second winery: Fractured Grape, inspired by Katie's medical background and their shared passion for giving back. The name was created by Walt's mother, Debbie.
The Novosels discovered a beautiful property in Pulaski, PA — the former Spring Water Acres swimming hole. It became the new home for Nova Cellars and the foundation for a larger vision. Walt's sports background — high school, college, and professional baseball — combined with memories of his uncle's bar, inspired Brew 32 Craft Brewery: a sports-themed brewery with vintage 1900s black-and-white imagery.
Walt and Katie now have four children and continue to invest time into their family, coaching teams and building a life rooted in service. In June 2025, the Novosels chose a bold new direction: bringing all their concepts together into one unified destination — a multi-year project built around immersive spaces, family-friendly entertainment, and their signature Crafted Experience.
– Walt, Katie, Austin, McKenna, Reed, and Owen Novosel
