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Thursday, June 14, 2007
Indianapolis, Ind. - Governor Mitch Daniels has declared June 2007 as Indiana Wine Grape Month.
"We are honored that Governor Daniels recognizes the importance of the Indiana wine industry and its affect on the state's economy," said Jeanette Merritt, Marketing Director for the Indiana Wine Grape Council.
There are currently 34 wineries throughout the state of Indiana , with at least two new wineries scheduled to open later this year. Indiana wine production reached a record level for 2006, with over 711,000 gallons sold to consumers, an increase from 555,000 gallons in 2006. That equals roughly 3.55 million bottles of Indiana wine sold to the public! Hoosier wineries are also boosting Indiana 's tourism industry, attracting approximately 900,000 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 . In 2006 the competition drew over 3,700 entries from 17 countries, becoming the largest wine competition in the entire United State !
Enjoy the summer with your family and friends. When planning your next trip or social event, check out a local winery near you. For a free brochure of Indiana 's wineries, log on to our web site at www.indianawines.org or call (800) 832-WINE. Taste the Experience of Indiana Wine!
For more information contact:
Jeanette Merritt, Marketing Director, Indiana Wine Grape Council, (765) 496-3842