2008 Indiana Wine Events

April 19 & 20
April is the perfect time to enjoy a “Toast to Spring” weekend on the Indiana Uplands Wine Trail! Now in its sixth year, this ever popular event will be held April 19-20, 2008 and best of all – its absolutely free. Each winery on the trail will offer suggested pairings of the finest Uplands wines with savory cheeses. “What better way to spend a Spring weekend than traveling the Uplands trail with friends and family while enjoying Indiana's finest wines and cheeses.” said Indiana Uplands Wine Trail President, Kim Doty of French Lick Winery. While enjoying Toast to Spring, participants may also complete the Indiana Uplands Wine Trail passport program and receive a collectible artist print as well as entry into the grand prize drawing to be held at the 2008 Vintage Indiana Wine Festival in downtown Indianapolis on June 7. Comprised of eight wineries – Brown County, Butler, Carousel, French Lick, Huber, Oliver, Turtle Run, and Winzerwald – Indiana Uplands Wine Trail (IUWT) was the first wine trail formed in Indiana in 2003. All of the wineries offer complimentary tasting, and many offer a delicious assortment of gourmet picnic foods, wine related gifts, bakery items, and cellar tours. Visit www.indianauplands.com for winery hours and information.

April 26
Nearly every Indiana winery will be doling out one-ounce pours to an appreciative public at the 2008 Indiana Wine Fair. April 26, 2008 - 1:00-8:00 pm under three tents at the Old Barn, Story Inn, 6404 S. SR 135, 13 miles south of Nashville, IN. Admission is only $15.00, which also buys a Story Inn wine glass keepsake. Parking is free, dress is casual, and the event will go on, rain or shine! WEATHER IS NOT A FACTOR.  All tasting will be under shelter. For more information call (800) 881-1183.

May 16 through September 6

Music on the Veranda at Chateau Thomas Winery. Come join us every Friday starting May 16th to September 6th for live entertainment, food, and relaxation. www.chateauthoams.com/events/

May 20 through September 30

EASLEY WINERY, downtown Indianapolis - Groovin' In The Garden: 2008. Join us in the wine garden Tuesdays and Saturdays, May through September for free live music, enjoyed with wine and great food. Order carry-out from several local restaurants for delivery right to your wine garden table, including Bazbeaux, Santorini's greek food, Circle City Pizza, and a new addition this year: Fair Oaks Dairy offering fresh baked breads and artisan cheeses. Sit back, relax and enjoy your summer with us. May 20th thru Sept. 30th, Tuesdays from 5-7pm and Saturdays 2-5pm. Every week Easley Winery will offer a different wine special, such as Sangria, Reggae Jam, or other fun wine concoctions and discounts. Also new in '08 are Easley Kid Cups with sparkling grape juice, nuts, dried fruit, coloring book and crayons. Groovin' is a blast for the whole family! Link: www.easleywinery.com/groovin/

June 7
Vintage Indiana. Held on June 7, 2008 11:00 a.m to 7:00 p.m at Military Park in Indianapolis.. Tickets are $20 in advance or $ 23 at the gate. For more information click on www.vintageindiana.com

June 21
A Taste of Wines & Blues. Chateau de Pique. Start: 11:00 am - End: 7:00 pm. A new festival held at the Seymour Outlet Center showcasing participating Indiana Wineries. Food, Wine and Blues music will be part of the days events. Location: Shoppes at Seymour. Contact: Wilma Wesse, 57 Tanger Blvd., Seymour, IN 47274. Phone 812-522-3888. Email: jcarced@htonline.net Website: www.jacksonredcross.org

August 21-24

SWISS WINE FESTIVAL. http://www.swisswinefestival.org/. From area wines, twirling batons to culinary delights sizzling on grills, the Swiss Wine Festival each year celebrates, as well as salutes, the cultural heritage of Switzerland County, Indiana. Now in its 36th year, the four-day event, held on Vevay's riverfront, uniquely blends tradition and fun. From opening day on Thursday to closing time Sunday evening, the Swiss Wine Festival caters to all ages and interests. Arousing polka music to toe-tapping country emanate from the three entertainment stages. Several of the youth-oriented contests sport colorful Swiss dress, ranging from intricate embroidered aprons to tied kneeknockers for lads. Riverboat cruises allow passengers to enjoy the county's pastoral landscape nestled alongside the towering Hoosier and Kentucky hillsides. The Beer Garden and Wine Pavilion afford spots of tranquility where visitors can converse with old acquaintances and newly met travelers. Rigorous canoe racing, hefty stone tosses and splashing grape stomps beckon those who favor adventure. And all birthday records diminish to single numbers during the Grand Parade Saturday morning and the fireworks extravaganza hours later. To reach the host destination, the Paul W. Ogle Riverfront Park, travelers just need to head south at the town's only stoplight on Indiana State Road 56. The river and crowd, just two blocks ahead, always extend a hearty welcome!