Vintage Indiana Showcases the State's Wines

Wine making in the Midwest isn't what it used to be and Indiana is a prime example. The state has over 50 wineries, producing hundreds of different wines from Cabernet to Catawba. Once each spring, nearly all of these wineries get together in downtown Indianapolis for the Vintage Indiana Wine Festival. It's a great way to learn (and taste) a bit from each so you can make plans to visit the vineyards.

Vintage Indiana began in 1999 and has continued to grow in participants and visitors each year. This popular event takes place for one day each June and is held in Indianapolis' Military Park. In addition to wine, there is local food and music. Vintage Indiana also includes seminars on cooking and winemaking and, of course, plenty of samples to eat and drink. There's live music throughout the day, exhibits by artists and even an interactive KidsZone to keep the non-drinkers occupied.

Among the participants in Vintage Indiana is the state's largest winery, Oliver Winery. Plenty of information is available so you can plan future trips to all the wineries. Representatives are there from the Indy Wine Trail and the Indiana Uplands Wine Trail to answer questions and advise on future vacations through the wine regions. There are also a few Indiana wineries attending that offer their own accommodations, including Scout Mountain Winery and Madison Vineyards Estate Bed & Breakfast, if you are looking to plan a complete wine weekend.

Admission to Vintage Indiana is very reasonable ($25 in 2010) and includes a free wine glass for the first 10,000 people each year. Free tastings are available in each winery's tent and bottles are available for sale during the festival. Designated drivers are encouraged with admission less than half price and unlimited soda pop. Children five and under are free. For more information on Vintage Indiana, visit their website.