Indiana Tour: Getting to know Indiana Wines
Monday, May 23, 2011
I bet you didn’t know that Indiana is known for its wineries? I didn’t know until moving here, but now that I’m here, it makes total sense. With its rich soil and strong growing season, Indiana provides the ideal conditions for grape growing. Now, I’m not going to lie…I really don’t know much about wine. I know that I like it and that I’ve got a lot to learn, but that’s about it. So, now that I’m here in Indiana, I’ll start my learning process and see what I can come up with. If you’re game, come along and we’ll learn together.
Here’s what I’ve learned so far.
• Southeast Indiana is known as the birthplace of the American wine industry because it was the site of the first successful winery established in America. (who knew?!)
• Indiana (along with West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky) is part of the largest designated wine area in the United States. The region encompasses 16 million acres!
• Indiana is one of the top 10 states for wine production.
• Indiana has more than 60 wineries scattered across the state from northern tip to the southern border and everywhere in between.
• Indiana wineries vary in size and purpose offering local hot spots, family-friendly destinations and romantic weekend getaways.
• Award-winning wines range from dry to sweet and white to red…so, there is something for everyone’s palate.
• Indiana’s small, family-owned wineries offer the novice wine drinker ample opportunity to taste new wines, ask questions and learn about the art of wine.
• Several Indiana wineries offer banquet facilities and/or catering services, making them the ideal location for a family reunion, wedding or other celebration. (hint, hint, I have a birthday coming up!!!)
Here’s what I have on my agenda for the summer:
Now that I know all these interesting facts about Indiana’s wine industry, I’ve got to get started on my touring and tasting.
• The Vintage Indiana wine festival will kick off my summer of wine. As the state’s largest wine festival, the June 4 event will give me an opportunity to sample more than 200 Indiana wines…while experiencing a day full of entertainment, learning opportunities and samplings of delicious food from some of Indiana’s top culinary experts. I can’t wait! (Care to join me? Click here to see how you can win tickets.)
• Easley Winery will be my first stop. Located in downtown Indianapolis, it’s the ideal destination. They offer free weekend tours and for $2 (plus tax), you can sample 7 different wines. Plus, I’ve recently learned that the owners have young children and can totally relate to those of us who like to (or have to) bring our children along. Sure, I’d love to go without them, but paying for a sitter isn’t always the most ideal. I’m told that Easley provides crayons and other kid friendly fare to keep the littlest patrons happy.
• Mallow Run Winery will be added to my list of date night destinations for the summer. Named the 2008 winery of the year, Mallow Run offers 18 different wines. Plus, with the summer upon us, the winery offers live music every Saturday night from 5-8 p.m., along with Bazbeaux Pizza by the slice. (yum!)
• J&J Winery is part of the Richmond/Wayne County Indiana Chocolate Trail that I have on my agenda for the summer. I have no idea what to expect from this winery, so it should be fun.
• Shady Creek Winery’s location along the shore of Lake Michigan will make it an ideal stop on our trip to the Indiana Dunes this summer. Not sure what to expect, other than panoramic views and a relaxing evening with my husband. I’ll let you know how it goes.
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