Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v15n16)
The Wine Scene: by Jill A. Ditmire
posted: Aug. 03, 2018
Beach Bottles
Many friends and neighbors have been spending days and weeks this summer vacationing in Michigan. It only takes a few hours to find a beach, as Michigan borders four of the Great Lakes, which have more of an ocean-like feel. That sandy soil creates unique places to grow fruit trees and wine grapes. Michigan has over 100 wineries that use that estate-grown fruit to perfection. I'm judging the Michigan Wine competition this year which showcases the diversity of the wine being produced with categories for still, fruit, sparkling and ice wines.
More Michigan wines are hitting the Indiana market including those of the Moersch Hospitality Group which produces the Round Barn brand.
I met Rick Moersch many years ago when I was producing my PBS TV show, The Good Life. He had moved a round barn from Fulton County, Indiana to Baroda, Michigan where he turned it into a winery, tasting room and later added a distillery. His kids grew up and added a craft brewery and expanded the portfolio.
Look for Round Barn Winery's Farm Market Series of fruit wines, the Weekend Series of easy going blends, and the Tabor Hill Classic which includes sparkling wines, on local store shelves soon.
The wines are tasty fresh ways to enjoy a day at the beach year round.
Jill A. Ditmire is an Omnimedia wine specialist, AWS certified wine judge, freelance broadcast journalist and 20+ year home owner in the Warfleigh neighborhood of Broad Ripple. Send your questions and comments to Jill at
jill@broadripplegazette.com
Also on INSTAGRAM @jaditmire
jill@broadripplegazette.com