Believe it or not, Indiana was once the "California" of the wine world in the US. This was until Prohibition was passed. Below is a great take on the law that changed the face of wine consumption in the US. Its from Jim Trezise who is Executive Director of the New York Wine Grape Foundation.

Prohibition is dead. At least in theory. December 5th marked the 75th anniversary of the Repeal of Prohibition, ironically pushed over by ratification from the most anti-alcohol State, Utah. Alas (and with apologies, though I wasn't born then), New York State was the hotbed of the Prohibition movement, that "noble experiment" to legislate human behavior which created bathtub gin, speakeasies, and organized crime. The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which created Prohibition in 1919 was repealed by the 21st Amendment in 1933-the only time a truly stupid law has ever been overturned in this way, requiring two Constitutional Amendments (whoops!). But the problem was, and still is, that wine was included in the definition of "intoxicating liquors" (objected to by the President, but overruled by Congress). In addition, the federal government punted, leaving it to each state to determine how to deal with "intoxicating liquors". Like wine? That's why the "United States" is, in effect, 50 different countries (states) in terms of where wine is sold (at the winery and/or through direct shipment to consumers and/or direct distribution to retailers [which may be liquor stores, grocery stores, drug stores, convenience stores, etc., depending on the state] and restaurants and/or through wholesalers). Each state is different-with different laws and regulations, bureaucracies, and tax structures-so the bureaucratic nightmare is overwhelming for most New York and other American wineries, which are primarily small farm family businesses. It is truly amazing that so many people of passion have elected to get into this business and stay in it, given all the obstacles our various levels of government have thrown at them. And while I don't want to spoil the anniversary celebration, it is important to realize that there are many people-on state, national, and international governmental levels-who essentially want to revive Prohibition (without actually saying the word) through taxes, trade barriers, sampling regulations, and other means. There's one country, for example, which doesn't allow wine advertising and is considering a ban on sampling in tasting rooms. Where? France! And if it can happen there, it can happen anywhere. That's why organizations like Farm Bureau (state level), WineAmerica (national) and FIVS (international) are so vital to the health of our industry. Anyway, Happy Anniversary-and may the next 75 years bring true Repeal. Cheers!

Toast with a glass of Cristalino Brut or Cristalino Brut Rose; sparkling wine or cava from Spain.

Creamy fresh crisp bubbles in both. The Rose offers a gorgeous ruby red color and inviting aroma of cherries and wild strawberries. Both dry bubblies sell for $9.99 or less.

How about creating your own pottery masterpiece at Broad Ripple's own Kiln Creations? Fun festive holiday ceramic pieces to decorate your house still in time for the Holidays, or as a last minute gift idea.

Looking for something different to do for a Holiday Party this season? How about a night of wine, food and painting at a local gallery. You and your guests can have a fun, unique evening in an inspiring gallery while enjoying some Holiday wines and food, and painting on a canvas of your own to keep. The Dean Johnson Gallery (on Mass Ave) and Indy Fringe are just a couple of inspiring places that offer Holiday parties that let you and your guests become artists for an evening.

Want more time to create? How about art lessons at the Indianapolis Art Center as a gift for the holidays. They offer sample classes or gift certificates if you are not sure on the best class to start with.

Don't forget to support our local art scene this holiday and visit the many galleries in Broad Ripple and surrounding areas. For a list of local galleries check out www.beindypendent.org.