As our first festival of the season - and our blog - we felt both very excited about the festival and somewhat apprehensive since we had really no idea what to expect as this would be our first time attending the Vintage Indiana Festival. The festival was all that we had hoped for in many aspects and what we had not planned for was no cause for alarm. We have decided that we would like to make this an annual occasion for ourselves, with a few alterations to our plan.
The food selection was meager in comparison to the vast number of wineries present. Perhaps it was just our expectation that the food would be provided as a compliment to the wines of the day. The food options we came across were more inspired by a local fair for purchase than a dancing duo with the festival’s star, wine. We felt that a food style inspired by local dairies (cheeses), local bakers (breads), and Indiana delis (sandwiches), all sampling their products in conjunction with wines would have been more appropriate than pizza and BBQ.
There were dozens of wineries providing samples of the fruit of their vineyards as well as educating each aspiring sommelier. We would recommend picking up a copy of each winery’s wine list and taking notes on the wines sampled and your thoughts. As standard biology would have it, it is more difficult than one would expect to recall the entire experience.
Aside from the various tents for wine tasting, there were a handful of vendors peddling various arts and crafts. A grandstand was constructed and a few local ensembles performed. There was plenty of shade in which to rest and socialize. We attended the festival with a great friend of ours and feel that the experience was stronger for it. Vintage Indiana is definitely a must do for a group of friends that enjoy good wines and good company. In retrospect we should at least have brought a blanket to sit on, but much more preferable would have been some folding chairs.
We arrived at 11am, and as the day only got warmer, we feel earlier was a much better approach when compared to later arrivals. There was a station offering various classes on wine parings, food preparation, and other assorted demonstrations. While you are there be sure to taste Indiana’s signature wine: Traminette.
The festival was a great social and educational experience. We definitely learned a great deal about the wines that were present and also about other festivals and some local Indiana wine trails. Make sure to pick up pamphlets at the information booth to round out your experience.
The price to enter ($25 at the gate, $22 if purchased prior) was definitely worth its value. For the first ten-thousand entrants the admission price includes an etched wine glass to use during sampling. If you are arriving later in the day you may feel the need to bring a wine glass with you just in case.
A great option for those that choose to purchase bottles or cases of wine during the festival have the convenience of letting the festival hold your purchase at a localized tent were you can pick it up at the end of your day near where many people have parked their cars. Of course, you may also take it with you immediately if you and your party want to enjoy the wine at the festival rather than at home.
Given that the food selection was modest, we recommend that you eat a small base before arriving to help absorb the alcohol consumed during the tastings. And while you are not allowed to bring food or drink into the festival, we recommend that you scout out a vendor selling water and routinely hydrate yourself.
Overall the festival offers great wine, good music, a strong community energy, and an all-in-all wonderful experience.
