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| Background Sheet |
Vintage Indiana Wine & Food Festival
Background / History
The Vintage Indiana Wine & Food Festival was created in June of 2000 to showcase the successes and growth of the Indiana wine industry. The first year, 3,500 people turned out to taste the experience of Indiana wine. The sixth annual event, in 2005, drew a crowd of more than 8,000.
Fifteen Indiana wineries poured their award winning wines at the 2005 event. Each year, adult tasters sample from a selection of over 100 Indiana wines ranging from dry to sweet and white to red. Wine is poured in one-ounce samples (included in ticket price) and also sold by the glass and by the bottle. A wine pick-up tent was developed in 2001; the festival will hold wine purchases at the exit until guests are ready to leave. No need to try and juggle bottles of wine while enjoying the fest.
Multiple restaurants serving delicious “wine friendly” food join the wineries each year. There is something for everyone, ranging from cheese and fruit platters to roasted duckling. Live music floats from the WTTS stage as Indiana’s top bands (past performances by Jennie Devoe, Governor Davis and Dog Talk) entertain the crowd with blues, reggae and rock. Wine-related artists are scattered through the park for those that want to take something home to remember the Vintage Indiana experience.
For those thirsting for a bit of wine education ~ the Wine & Food Experience tent offers seminars throughout the day with winemakers and chefs. Led by Jill Ditmire, host of “The Good Life with Jill Ditmire” on WFYI-TV 20, the 2005 seminars were made possible by Marsh Supermarkets and the Indiana Turkey Market Development Council. Topics included seasonal eats, regional drinks and think fresh. Thanks to our kitchen sponsor, the chefs and winemakers have a state-of-the-art kitchen to use throughout the day.
Kids have fun too at Vintage Indiana. Each year the KidZone offers interactive activities for the younger crowd including face painting, miniature golf and various games. Even though children are welcome, the festival takes extreme caution to eliminate any possibility of underage drinking and driving under the influence. Special wristband colors are used to identify designated drivers, children and young adults (under 21), and adults (over 21). Additionally, there is a designated driver program at the event offering free non-alcoholic beverages to designated drivers. Identification is required for entry, no exceptions.
The Vintage Indiana Wine & Food Festival was developed under the direction of the Indiana Wine Grape Council with help from Jill Ditmire. The Council was created in 1989 to enhance the economic development of the Indiana wine and grape industry. The festival provides the perfect opportunity to introduce Indiana residents to a historical, yet booming, hometown industry. As a result, more people are becoming aware of the 31 wineries in the state of Indiana and the industry’s history dating back to the early 1800’s.
Yes, Indiana has wine and yes, it is good (in fact, it is internationally award-winning good!). Vintage Indiana was created to let other people in on the great secret of Indiana wineries and food. Hope you can join us next year and taste the experience of Vintage Indiana.
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Photos Available
High-Resolution photos available. For details, please contact Jeanette Merritt at:
jkmerritt@purdue.edu
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(765) 496-3842 / (800) 832-9463 |
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