| Wine making and wine tasting has long been a | | | | hosts various public activities, such as Sunday Jazz |
| favorite American pastime, particularly in western | | | | and comedy shows, along with monthly specials |
| states such as California - a subject humorously | | | | and wine appreciation classes. Clearly, Gaia Wines |
| portrayed in the hit 2004 film, Sideways.Yet, this | | | | fits in well with Indianapolis' growing wine tasting |
| pursuit seems to have traveled across the United | | | | scene, which has been emerging since the 1990s. |
| States, with wineries appearing in the most | | | | Among Indiana's other wineries worth visiting are |
| unlikely of locations. Indianapolis, for instance, is | | | | the Chateau Thomas Winery, and the Easley |
| highly valued for being a dedicated centre of | | | | Winery, both of which offer free tasting sessions |
| sport; yet in 1996, Indianapolis saw the opening of | | | | and regular tours, in addition to meeting space, |
| Gaia Wines Contemporary Winery, the 19th | | | | events and activities.The success of Gaia Wines |
| winery in the area.Named after the Greek | | | | Contemporary Winery since it opened ten years |
| Goddess of the Earth, Gaia Wines is owned and | | | | ago is not altogether surprising, as soil conditions |
| run by Cellar Master Angee Wallberry, and is the | | | | and 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 into | | | | acknowledged outside the state. In particular, |
| its surroundings, but has also endeavored to | | | | Indiana'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 gallery | | | | variety. 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 Conrad | | | | acknowledged in the wider vintner community |
| Hotel, it has had to quickly establish a high | | | | across America and the globe. Though it may still |
| reputation for itself - and to no little success: since | | | | not be regarded on a scale to California's Napa |
| its opening, Gaia Wines has managed to pull off | | | | Valley, Indiana is certainly gaining regard as one of |
| the amazing feat of creating 14 new award | | | | America's up-and-coming wine growing regions; |
| winning wines, introducing tours and wine tasting | | | | and if wineries continue to be as successful as |
| events to the winery, as well as providing | | | | Gaia Wines Contemporary Winery, the future |
| meeting rooms and playing host to public | | | | looks rosy.Michael is a keen writer living in |
| functions.Gaia Wines Contemporary Winery also | | | | Edinburgh. |