May 6, 2000 If you missed the Spring Wine Tour on May 6th, you may want to start thinking ahead to the Fall tour, which is already in the planning stages. Saturday, May 6th brought beautiful weather throughout Southern Indiana, and a bus-load of Hoosiers enjoyed touring Indiana wine country. The tour was sponsored by VisitIndiana.net, with Dr. Art Keiffer sharing his knowledge of the geography of the area, as well as viticulture (grape growing) and viniculture (wine production). We found that Indiana's wines can hold their own against even the famous French and California wines. If you enjoy wine tasting, good food, and good company, stay tuned for details on the fall tour! The guided tour started in Indianapolis and traveled to Chateau Pomije in southeastern Indiana’s Dearborn County, then along the Ohio River to beautiful Madison, with visits to the Thomas Family Winery and the Lanthier Winery, as well as dinner at T.J.’s on Main. It was a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery, the food and wine, and be chauffeured aboard a chartered bus. Click here for more information CHATEAU POMIJE, DEARBORN COUNTY. Chateau Pomije's 50-acre vineyard cascades over Southeastern Indiana's rolling hills. The winery and restaurant occupy a renovated 1891barn featuring a 7,000 stone fireplace located in the main dining room. Diners can overlook the vineyards or a three-acre lake through expansive windows. THOMAS FAMILY WINERY, MADISON INDIANA. Thomas Family Winery's pub-style decor evokes a feel of the past in this rehabilitated stable and carriage house (circa 1855) just two blocks from the Ohio River. This family-owned winery is the largest we visited on this trip. They also offer a wide selection of gourmet cheeses and breads. Our stop included a tasting and tour. LANTHIER WINERY, MADISON, INDIANA. Owners Chris Lanthier and Tami Hagemier have uncovered arrowheads and artifacts at their winery, which is in a small, 18th century fort. Chris produces 13 fruit and grape wines, which bear such creative names as Rifleport Red. Specialty batches like dandelion or rose petal wine will be offered throughout the year. En route Dr. Keiffer compared the different operations that were toured as well as the differences in the regional landscape. Special thanks to our friends at VISITINDIANA.NET, who sponsored the tour in conjunction with IUPUI Department of Tourism, SouthernIN.com, the above wineries, and John’s Spirits.

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