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Sunday, June 1, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June declared Indiana Wine and Grape Month
Indianapolis, Ind.–Governor Frank O'Bannon has proclaimed June 2003 as Indiana Wine and Grape Month.
"We are honored that Governor O'Bannon recognizes the importance of the Indiana wine industry and its affect on the state's economy," said Sally Linton, Marketing Director for the Indiana Wine Grape Council.
Currently, Indiana is home to 27 wineries, including two scheduled to open later this summer. Hoosier wineries offered nearly 400 different wines to consumers in 2002 and sold more than 1.5 million bottles, an increase of 15% from the year before. Wineries are also boosting Indiana's tourism industry, attracting approximately 800,000 visitors every year.
Wine production is not new to Indiana. The industry dates back to the early 1800s, when Swiss vine dressers settled in the southeast part of the state. Indiana continued to be one of the leading producers of wine until Prohibition. The industry was revived in 1971 with the passing of the Small Winery Act, which allowed wineries to sell directly to the public rather than through distributors. As wineries appeared throughout the state, the Indiana Wine Grape Council was developed in 1989 to provide research, education and marketing support to the growing industry. The Council took over the Indy International Wine Competition in 1992, developing it into the country's largest wine competition outside California. Last year's competition drew over 3,200 entries from 15 countries.
In recognition of Wine Grape Month, many wine events are taking place around the state in June. One place to experience many of the state's vintners is the Vintage Indiana Wine and Food Festival that celebrates wine production in Indiana. The festival takes place in Military Park, downtown Indianapolis on June 7 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fourteen wineries from around the state will be present, as well as local restaurants, artists and musicians.
Other wine events around the state in June:
All month:
Summer Artist Showcase at Lanthier Winery, Madison.
Friday nights, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.:
Music on the Veranda at Chateau Thomas Winery, Plainfield.
June 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.:
Bridgeton Art and Wine Fair at the 1822 Case Cabin, Bridgeton.
June 14, 21, and 28, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.:
Summer Concert Series at Oliver Winery, Bloomington.
June 18, 7 p.m.:
Chardonnay Grand Tasting at Chateau Thomas Winery, Plainfield.
June 22, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.:
Jazz, Art and Wine Celebration at Dune Ridge Winery, Porter.
June 28, 6 p.m.:
Summer Winemaker Dinner at Chateau Thomas Winery, Plainfield.
June 28, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.:
Day at the Beach followed by Jennie DeVoe concert at 8:30 p.m. at Wilson Wines, Modoc.
For more information on Indiana wine and wineries, visit www.indianawines.org or call (800) 832-WINE.
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Contact:
Sally Linton, Indiana Wine Grape Council, p: 765-496-3842, f: 765-494-7953, [email protected]
Writer:
Mindy Reef, Indiana Wine Grape Council, p: 765-494-1749, f: 765-494-7953, [email protected]