 Villa Milan
7287 East CR 50 North
Milan, Indiana 47031
(812) 654-3419
www.seidata.com/villa-milan
e-mail: [email protected]
This vineyard, winery and restaurant "sits atop a sun-drenched crest of hills where the views are as intoxicating as the wines". A trip to Villa Milan's Italian restaurant will provide an excellent setting for a romantic Valentine's evening - or any other occassion for that matter. The restaurant has a pleasant European atmosphere and has a full menu of Italian specialties including "Dot's Homemade European Style Hard Rolls" which are said to rival John's wine as Villa Milan's favorite taste treat. I had one of these rolls and they are excellent.
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Dot's Homemade European Style Hard Rolls
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John and Dot Garrett are the owners of this establishment. In 1976 they moved from Indianapolis specifically to start a vineyard. A year later they planted their first grapes. Initially they sold their grapes to home winemakers, fresh fruit markets and to other wineries. In 1984 they built an earth-sheltered winery building and began producing their first vintage, Vino di John. Their Concord, Vidal and Catawaba wines were soon added and these four wines are still produced here along with a Plum Wine and Dago Red. The Dago Red is the only one made with grapes brought in from California. It is based on John's great-grandfather's recipe. The term "Dago Red" used to be a slang term for any red wine made by Italian immigrants. This particular version is made from the Muscat or Muscato grape and makes a nice red table wine.
From 1987 to 1990 they prmiarily sold their wines through outlets in southern Ripley and Dearborn Counties. Since then, when the winery's tasting room opened, Villa Milan wines have been available only from the winery.
They began serving food when they first opened their tasting room in 1990 — they served sausage, cheese and Dot's now-famous rolls. They offered more and more food selections until they finally developed a full menu in 1995. Dot and John do all the cooking and serve all homemade breads and sauces from family recipes.
If you go, you should know that Milan is pronounced My´• lan. I never knew why certain Indiana towns with European names were pronounced differently, but I found out that in Milan's case there was such a heavy German population that they simply pronounced it like the German name for the original Italian town which was "Mailand" which in German is pronounced My´• lan.
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| Stainless Steel Barrells |
If you get to southeastern Indiana you should check out Villa Milan and remember that their wines are only available here, but John told me that he can make arrangements to ship wines to you depending on the laws of the receiving state. Villa Milan will make a great destination for Valentines Day dinner or just a great place to eat any other time of the year. In warmer weather they also have a 32 foot gazebo which overlooks the vineyards. They are pretty busy on Friday and Saturday nights most of the year so you should call in advance. Try them out! You'll be glad you made the drive.
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| In warm weather patrons can eat in the gazebo overlooking the vineyards.
-photograph by Richard G. Biever |
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