Growing Generations and Grapes

Kimberly and John Doty felt the only way their small family farm could survive was to grow specialty crops and to directly market their product to the consumer, so they did just that.

The farm originally purchased 4 generations ago in 1888 has a diverse past. Being passed down on the maternal side, the name has changed several times, as well as the commodities grown. Historically, the land has produced corn, soybeans, and hay to feed cattle and hogs.

With the farm being passed down on the maternal side for generations, Kim found it only natural that she carry on the farming tradition, “I am connected to the farm and am proud of the heritage.”

The farm is located in an American Viticultural Area, which is described as a unique grape growing region because of the topography, climate and soil. The Doty’s grow these grape varieties; Chambourcin, Traminette (Indiana’s Signature Grape), Norton, Vidal Blanc, Catawba, Steuben, Cayuga White, Vignoles, Noiret and Cabernet Franc. All of the grapes grown here are used exclusively at their French Lick Winery.

Today, the farm is still changing. With 8 acres of grapes and new additions of wheat, and soon corn, the winery is good at adapting and changing. The Spirits of French Lick Distillery will be open later this summer, a new distillery, part of French Link Winery that will feature locally grown and milled grain in their products.

The Doty’s are very diverse in their operations, growing 10 varieties of grapes, wheat, and raising Katahdin hair sheep. They use technology on the vineyard for pruning and automated bottling in the winery. The distillery has a computerized control panel to “increase productivity and safety,” Kim said.

Owning their own winery has given Kim and John an independent lifestyle, where they can make their own hours and perform many different tasks. Although their job duties are always changing, the beautiful view of the White River from the vineyard is constant.

According to Kim, “The customer’s reactions to the products we make is the most satisfying part of the job.”

Kim and John will pass down the farm and vineyard to their 2 sons, Aaron and Nicholas. In the future, they hope it will carry on to the next generations.

I am Indiana Agriculture: Satek Winery

By Sarah Mahan of This Farm Family's Life

Satek Winery, located near the intersection of I-80/90 and I-69, sees great volume of traffic passing by; most drivers are unaware the winery exists before seeing the road signage, Jason Satek explains.  “Satek Winery is, in a sense, a cautionary tale; what may happen if you follow your passion and let a hobby take over your life.  If that sounds appealing, or even not unappealing, our story may even be inspirational.”

Jason’s father, Larry, began as an amateur winemaker around 1975 in Chesterton, Maryland.  He was a college professor teaching chemistry, and the house that he and his wife rented happened to have a few grape vines in the backyard.  “He had the knowledge, the raw materials, and the curiosity, and he had the time.  He also had a 3-year-old, but I must not have been too time-consuming!  He began with small batches and began the process of gaining experience.  He found that he enjoyed it.”

Larry left academia in 1979 and took a job with Amoco Research in Illinois.  “Amoco was acquired by British Petroleum and there had begun to be a great number of layoffs,” Jason explains.  With three kids in college, Larry and Jason’s step-mother, Pam, decided to look to agriculture as a backup plan. 

“My step-mother was raised in Fremont, in the 101 Lakes region of NE Indiana.  Her great-grandfather had purchased 28 acres of lakeshore property on the third basin of Lake James in 1915—the land that they still reside on today.”

The Sateks cleared two acres of what was an apple orchard in the 1930’s and 40’s.  They planted the original six varieties of grapes, which they tended, sprayed, pruned and harvested to sell to other wineries in Michigan and Indiana.

“In June of 2001, they opened Satek Winery and haven’t looked back.”

Satek Winery offers free wine tasting in the tasting room overlooking the production area.  They usually carry around 20 different wines ranging from dry to sweet, red, white and rose, local and more remote.  “We maintain quality across the board and have won medals for almost every wine ever made.  Our better sellers are sweeter wines, but their success allows us to produce drier, more niche, wines that might appeal to a smaller, select audience.”

“My father and step-mother have long preached, ‘Good wine, good fun’ as a mantra, and we have developed a handful of yearly events: art shows, a holiday open house, a 5K run/walk and 10K run, and a celebration of Steuben County’s namesake Baron von Steuben, to name a few. But we have largely chosen to grow through distribution.  Satek wine can now be found throughout Indiana, and that is a growth pattern any farmer could be pleased with.”

We Are Indiana Agriculture: Fermenting a Family Business

By Sarah Mahan of This Farm Family's Life

Country Heritage Winery in LaOtto was started by Jeremy and Jennifer Lutter.  It is set on a family farm that has been in Jeremy’s family for over 100 years.  Jeremy and Jennifer began farming approximately 1600 acres of corn and soybeans.  They purchased a 26 acre blueberry farm in 2001 and have since then expanded it to 30 acres.  Jennifer explains that the onset of their winery came from the suggestion of fellow winemakers that they met while selling fruit.  “After much research and hard work we opened Country Heritage Winery on April 29, 2011.  We continue to raise 30 acres of blueberries and have since added 26 acres of grapes, 50 acres of sweet corn, 10 acres of melons and 10 acres of pumpkins.  All of the produce is sold in our winery.”

The winery has been thriving since opening day.   Jennifer said that, “We now employ four full-time employees and approximately 20 seasonal and part time help.  Jeremy and I are both involved with all aspects of the day-to-day decisions and processes."

Country Heritage Winery bottles approximately 20,000 gallons per year which they turn into 40 different styles and types of wine. “We produce everything from a nice dry red or white to a sweet fruit wine and everything in between.  Our wines are produced from 100 percent fruit.  White groups are brought in pressed and the wine is produced from the juice they provide,” Jennifer explains of the wine making process.  “They are fermented in stainless steel tanks.  Red grapes and all fruits are fermented on the skin to provide color and a full flavor and body.  When color and body is achieved, they are pressed and moved to stainless steel tanks to finish fermenting and to be clarified.  The whole process can take anywhere from six months to one year.  Dry red wines are then moved to oak barrels for aging that can take approximately one to three years.  Everything is then bottled and labeled for future sales.  Most of our wines are sold through the front doors of our winery.  We are moving in to the wholesale market on a small scale.”

Did you know that Traminette is Indiana’s signature grape and wine?  “Country Heritage Winery and Vineyard grows Traminette in our vineyard and produce both a sweet and dry style white wine from the grapes,” says Jennifer.  In 2013, Country Heritage Winery and Vineyard’s Traminette was named Indiana’s Traminette of the year at the Indy International Wine Competition.

If you are looking for something to do this summer, plan a trip to northeastern Indiana and visit Country Heritage Winery.  You can peruse the gift shop which carries local products and wine accessories, sample wine and fudge made in house, enjoy a glass or bottle of wine in their event room or under the gazebo overlooking the vineyard, or simply take a tour of the production facilities.  Enjoy music or special events on the weekends.  Visit their website for more details.

If You're Going to Wine About It

Indiana may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of wine, but it could be.  Our state is home to 69 wineries, including two that also offer craft breweries and one that operates a distillery that produces craft brandy.

  

Huber Winery in Starlight, Indiana produces wine and craft brandy.

Indiana’s oldest winery is Oliver Winery in Bloomington and its newest is Carpenter Creek Cellars in Remington.  William Oliver, a professor at IU, began making wine as a hobby in the 1960s.  His production grew (literally), the Indiana Small Winery Act passed in 1971, and the rest is Indiana wine history.  Oliver Winery is now one of the largest wineries in the eastern U.S. and the Indiana wine industry continues to expand.  In fact, Carpenter Creek Cellars was just added last Friday!

Malena Zook enjoys a glass of wine Oliver Downtown.

Have you tried on Traminette?  Indiana’s signature wine is made from a hybrid grape bred specifically to grow well in Indiana’s sometimes harsh climate (last Sunday anyone?).  

Traminette, Indiana’s signature wine

One of the largest wine competitions and a very popular wine festival both call Indiana home.  Indy International is held each July and August each year.  It is the largest scientifically organized and independently run wine competition in the world.  Nearly 3,000 entries were judged last year.

Bottles are lined up and judged by 50 judges in the Indy International Wine Competition.

The 14th annual Vintage Indiana wine festival will be held on June 1st in downtown Indianapolis this year.  Bring the family for a day filled with wine, food, live music, and activities for the kids!

Vintage Indiana

As you can see, Indiana has lots to wine about :) . So go check out this map of all of Indiana’s wineries, visit, and let us know what you think!

Indiana farmers will help celebrate at annual wine festival

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (May 24, 2012) — Indiana grape growers will not be the only farmers represented at this year’s Vintage Indiana Wine and Food Festival, on June 2.  Indiana’s Family of Farmers, including beef, corn, pork, poultry, dairy, and soybean farmers, will also be present at Military Park this year.  They’ll share information about today’s agriculture with the wide array of consumers who visit the annual wine festival.

“We as dairy farmers are proud to be represented at Vintage Indiana this year,” said Sarah Wagler, a dairy farmer from Morgantown, Ind. “We think this is a great opportunity to inform Hoosiers about the positive impact agriculture has on our state.  Not to mention that everyone loves cheese with their wine!”

Along with giving away free cheese and wine glass tags, Indiana’s Family of Farmers will have a booth space featuring the fun and educational Wheel of Agriculture.  Vintage attendees can spin the interactive wheel, answer a question about farming and win prizes that include grill brushes, cheese boards and other fun items.  Vintage attendees can also have their photos taken with farming mascots like Porkchop the Pig, Bennie the Bean, Buttercup the Dairy Cow and Hannah the Hen.

Speaking of mascots, don’t miss out on the social media contest with the mascots. Here’s how it works. While you are at Vintage Indiana, upload a picture of you with a mascot to Twitter with the hashtag #IFOFmascot.  One lucky winner will win a special prize. 

The 13th annual Vintage Indiana Wine & Food Festival will feature nearly 30 Indiana wineries, over a dozen food vendors, and more than 20 art vendors. For more information on Vintage Indiana, visit http://www.vintageindiana.com/.

For more information about Indiana’s Family of Farmers, visit www.indianafamilyoffarmers.com.

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Contact Michelle Plummer at plummer@winnersdrinkmilk.com or 317-842-3060.

About Indiana’s Family of Farmers
Indiana’s Family of Farmers works to raise awareness that Indiana’s farmers are among the top producers of the grains, produce and meats you eat every day.  We believe that quality farming means quality food that is good for you, your families and the environment. That’s our promise: Food for your family, from our family. Visit www.indianafamilyoffarmers.com for more information.

Try On Traminette - Indiana's Signature Wine

By Jeanette Merritt of Indiana Wine Grape Council

One of the most common comments I hear when travelling the state promoting Indiana wineries is that people don’t realize Indiana has over 60 wineries. Everyone knows the big one, Oliver Winery in Bloomington, or they know the ones in their backyards. But they don’t realize just how large the industry is.

It was with that idea in mind that the Purdue Wine Grape Team decided to explore the idea of a Signature Wine and Grape for Indiana. I got the idea from a counterpart in Missouri, who promote Norton as their state grape. And I have seen the success Missouri has had with name recognition, industry growth and wine quality. So I decided we needed to move forward with a grape identity!

We approached our industry and asked them what grape Indiana should be known for. After some deliberation, Traminette was chosen.  Traminette is a grape that grows well all over the state. It is the second most-planted grape in Indiana, and rapidly moving to first. Traminette is a combination of Gewurztraminer and J.S. 23-416.  Cornell University’s Grape Breeding Program is given credit for developing the varietal – one that is well adapted to the climate and soils of the Midwest, making it ideal for Indiana winemakers to grow.

Currently, more than 30 of the state’s 62 wineries are offering their own unique take on this new signature wine.  Nearly every new vineyard being planted in the state has Traminette in their acreage. And the same goes for every new winery! They all either have a Traminette or plan to have it soon!

Traminette is a wine that anyone can drink. I like it for those who say they don’t drink wine but want to start. The wine styles vary from semi-dry to sweet.  Although most fall in the semi-dry to semi-sweet category. It’s a fantastic summer wine. Enjoy it cold on the back porch on a warm evening.

Traminette has many different smells and tastes. But I often think of citrus fruit, spicy, floral, rose, and apricot when I drink it. And if you want to pair it with a meal, try turkey or other poultry, seafood, and Asian cuisine.

Since the launch of the Signature grape program in December 2009, accolades and awards have poured in.  At the 2010 Indy International Wine Competition, French Lick Winery’s Traminette won White Wine of the Year, beating out nearly 1000 white wines from all around the world for one the competitions highest honors.

So Try On Traminette with your next meal. Or simply enjoy it while sitting in your favorite chair on the patio!

Vintage Indiana

By Jeanette Merritt of Indiana Wine Grape Council

If you don't have your tickets already, run, don't walk, to your nearest Marsh Supermarket to purchase tickets for the 12th annual Vintage Indiana Wine & Food Festival! This is the best wine experience in the state! 

Held on June 4, 2011 in Military Park, downtown Indianapolis, from 11a-7pm, this is the event to enjoy with a group of friends!

25 of Indiana's finest wineries will join us on June 4th in Military Park, downtown Indianapolis, for an event like you've never experienced before. I promise this will be a great time!  Tickets can be purchased in advance at your local Marsh Supermarket for $22 or at the gate for $25.  We also have a great designated driver ticket for $10 and a kids ticket for $5.  Kids 5 and under are free!

Don't forgot food, art vendors, educational seminars, great sponsors and three wonderful concerts! Join local favorite Jennie DeVoe, Indiana's own Reverand Peyton’s Bid Damn Band and toe-tapping favorite Brigid’s Cross! Whew, I can't wait to sip and dine while listening to these folks!

Visit Vintage Indiana for information regarding the entire day!

Some Christmas Cheer for Your Holiday Table

By The Indiana Wine Grape Council's Jeanette Merritt 

It’s no secret that I have the best job in Indiana Agriculture. Or at least I think I do. Promoting Indiana’s 52 wineries and 600 acres of grapes is truly a joy. And there is no better time of year to spread that joy than at Christmas!

Sitting in my office right now are 44 bottles of Indiana wine featuring all sorts of Christmas cheer.  I’ll be travelling the state in the next few weeks using these wines on television and radio station appearances.  Here’s a peek at the wine I’ll be promoting for your holiday tables!

These fun wines are from Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyard, Starlight and Chateau Thomas, Plainfield. These would make great centerpieces on your table! 

So my car thermometer said zero degrees when I was driving to work. And all I could think about was a nice glass of mulled wine, even if it was 7 AM.  These two from Easley Winery, Indianapolis and Lanthier Winery, Madison are meant to be served warm for these cold days.

Many of our wineries enjoy making festive bottles for the season. French Lick Winery, Lanthier Winery and Buck Creek Winery all feature fun names and faces for their seasonal offerings.

Let’s not forget New Year’s celebrations! Oliver Winery, Bloomington and Huber’s Orchard, Winery and Vineyard make incredible sparkling wines! They are perfect paired with any holiday meal or as a treat when the clock strikes midnight.

If you are looking to visit a few wineries, consider travelling the Indy Wine Trail. The Charm of the Season event continues through Christmas Eve and features a different ornament at every winery! Every traveler will receive a tree to display those ornaments. More details at www.indywinetrail.com.

However you plan to celebrate, be sure to enjoy an Indiana wine this season! 

The Indiana Wine Grape Council is giving away two tickets to this summer's Vintage Indiana! 

To enter please leave a separate comment below for each of the following entries:

1. Follow the Indiana Family of Farmers blog through Google Friend Connect (see right column)

2. Follow @familyoffarmers on twitter

3. Become a fan of Family of Farmers on Facebook

4. Tell us your favorite Indiana wine 

Entries will be accepted until 9 pm EDT on Thursday. The winner will be chosen at random and announced on Friday morning.