Gaia Wines Contemporary Winery: An Emblem of Indiana's Growing Wine Industry

Wine making and wine tasting has long been ahosts various public activities, such as Sunday Jazz
favorite American pastime, particularly in westernand comedy shows, along with monthly specials
states such as California - a subject humorouslyand wine appreciation classes. Clearly, Gaia Wines
portrayed in the hit 2004 film, Sideways.Yet, thisfits in well with Indianapolis' growing wine tasting
pursuit seems to have traveled across the Unitedscene, which has been emerging since the 1990s.
States, with wineries appearing in the mostAmong Indiana's other wineries worth visiting are
unlikely of locations. Indianapolis, for instance, isthe Chateau Thomas Winery, and the Easley
highly valued for being a dedicated centre ofWinery, both of which offer free tasting sessions
sport; yet in 1996, Indianapolis saw the opening ofand regular tours, in addition to meeting space,
Gaia Wines Contemporary Winery, the 19thevents and activities.The success of Gaia Wines
winery in the area.Named after the GreekContemporary Winery since it opened ten years
Goddess of the Earth, Gaia Wines is owned andago is not altogether surprising, as soil conditions
run by Cellar Master Angee Wallberry, and is theand climate in Indiana are optimal for wine
only winery in the US owned solely by a woman.production - although this is not often
Since its opening, Gaia Wines has tried to fit intoacknowledged outside the state. In particular,
its surroundings, but has also endeavored toIndiana's conditions are great for cultivating the
create its own unique niche in the marketplace.increasingly popular Cabernet Sauvignon grape
Located in the central, up-market historic galleryvariety. The impressive quality of Indiana wines
and theater district on Massachusetts Avenue,has led to its vintners being more generally
only a few minutes away from the luxury Conradacknowledged in the wider vintner community
Hotel, it has had to quickly establish a highacross America and the globe. Though it may still
reputation for itself - and to no little success: sincenot be regarded on a scale to California's Napa
its opening, Gaia Wines has managed to pull offValley, Indiana is certainly gaining regard as one of
the amazing feat of creating 14 new awardAmerica's up-and-coming wine growing regions;
winning wines, introducing tours and wine tastingand if wineries continue to be as successful as
events to the winery, as well as providingGaia Wines Contemporary Winery, the future
meeting rooms and playing host to publiclooks rosy.Michael is a keen writer living in
functions.Gaia Wines Contemporary Winery alsoEdinburgh.