We were honored to interview Jeanette Merritt, Marketing Director for Indiana Wines and the Purdue Wine Grape Team and Purdue University. For the past eleven years Jeanette has been a leader in the Hoosier wine community and in that same time has seen the number of Indiana wineries increase from twenty-eight to the current eighty-one. History? Expertise? Jeanette has all of this and more and has been a big part of the Purdue Vinticulture and Enology studies at Purdue--programs that have now turned out hundreds of wine makers and vineyard farmers across the Midwest and have also impacted the in-state wineries through these home-grown experts who are producing some award-winning Indiana wines.
As Jeanette points out, Indiana is doing quite well in the wine industry. Although Indiana is a small state, with only 650 acres of grape/vineyard, wineries here are producing upwards of 1.4 million gallons of wine a year. How? By bringing in grapes from other regions, including California, Oregon, Washington state, Michigan, and even countries like Argentina. These national and international expressions help to make Indiana wines as fully competitive and internationally known as wineries in other parts of the country. And when one considers the delicious Traminette, Chardonelle, Vignoles, Cayuga White, Foch, Catawba and Cab Franc that we produce in-state (grapes that grow well in our soil and climate) . . . it is fair to say that Indiana wines will continue to gain in popularity and honor over time.
One of the big changes that Jeanette has seen in her eleven years at the helm is the proliferation of wineries across the state. These wineries are now the Number One agro destinations in state, due in large part to the wines--but these Hoosier businesses are also doing a great job promoting their labels through special events, live music, as wedding venues, and so much more. The wine makers of Indiana know what they are doing and many of the larger wineries in-state are truly destination spots for both locals and excursionists. With a growing number of wine trails, many of the wineries are set to see increasing numbers of visitors in the years ahead.
Jeanette's parting advice for Hoosier wine lovers was spot on. She pointed out that Indiana craft beers have a strong following (and craft beers are growing, too) and that many people ask for Indiana beer labels in restaurants. So, one way that we can all help the Indiana wine industry is by asking for Indiana wines in our restaurants. It just makes sense that restaurant owners are going to stock wines that are requested often . . . and now that Indiana has many award-winning wines, we can take that next step and begin enjoying them with award-winning cuisine.
As Jeanette assumes a new role with Purdue University in 2016, we bid her adieu, but also thank her for her many years of expertise and influence among the Indiana wineries--a role she will not relinquish all-together, however. The Purdue Vinticulture and Enology programs at Purdue, by the admission of many wineries across the state, may be the single most important factor in the growth of the wine industry in Indiana. No matter where one goes in-state, wineries sing the praises of the Purdue staff. So, there is much gratitude and acknowledgment of the Purdue staff and their influence.
Until next time . . . make a winter visit to a winery near you. YOU are a big part of the success of Indiana wineries.
~Todd & Becky Outcalt
