May 15, 2019
Vintage Indiana Festival to showcase Hoosier wines
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Vintage Indiana Festival on June 1 will uncork its 20th annual celebration of the state's wines, wineries and vineyards.
The event, a chance to sample and purchase more than 300 wines from nearly 30 Hoosier wineries, will take place from noon to 6 p.m. at Military Park, located in downtown Indianapolis at 601 W. New York St.
In addition to wine, attendees can enjoy music from the Flying Toasters, as well as other live acts. There will also be food trucks and vendors, artisans, interactive exhibits, a photo booth, and displays by wine tourism and industry retailers.
“The festival is a unique experience for anyone who loves wine to see the best Indiana has to offer in a casual and fun-filled environment," said Katie Barnett, marketing Extension specialist for Purdue's Wine Grape Team, which coordinates the event. “In a single day, attendees can try new wines, find out more about Hoosier wineries and winemakers, and enjoy great food and entertainment."
The number of Indiana wineries has grown from nine to about 100 since 1989, and those wineries grow grapes on more than 600 acres. The wine industry benefits the state's economy to the tune of more than $2.4 billion annually.
Winzerwald Winery, a southern Indiana winery in Bristow owned by Donna and Dan Adams, has been attending the Vintage Indiana Festival for more than 15 years. Winzerwald specializes in German-inspired wines that include fruit, herb and spiced varieties. It even produces a semi-sweet Heirloom wine made with "mystery grapes" grown from a variety originally brought to America by Dan's German ancestors.
"We started attending the festival because I wanted to support Purdue for all of the work they do for the state's wine industry," Donna Adams said. "This is also the largest one-day festival in the state, so it would be crazy for us to not be a part of it. And Military Park is a beautiful place, so we have a lot of fun just being there and enjoying the day."
Vintage Indiana is open to anyone 21 and older. Tickets are currently on sale and are $30 if purchased in advance and $40 at the gate. VIP tickets are also available, which grant access to the park an hour before general admission, a larger etched Vintage Indiana wine glass and a lanyard. The first 10,000 guests will receive an etched wine glass. There also are designated driver and overnight ticket packages available.
The price of admission allows festivalgoers to sample wine from all participating wineries. Food, artisan crafts and wine by the bottle or glass will be available for purchase. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.vintageindiana.com.
Media contact: Maureen Manier, Purdue Agricultural Communication, mmanier@purdue.edu
Source: Katie Barnett, 765-496-3842, vino@purdue.edu
Agricultural Communications: 765-494-8415;
Maureen Manier, Department Head, mmanier@purdue.edu
