The Indiana State Fair held its first "Toast of the Fair" Wine and Spirits competition this year. I judged the wine part. 24 of us spent the day sniffing, sipping and spitting dozens of hybrid, native American and fruit wines made in Indiana. One of the two reds pictured won Best of Class: Country Heritage Petite Syrah. The delicious dry red offers black fruit flavors and an earthy, spicy finish. Country Heritage Winery is located near Fort Wayne and just opened a new tasting/events space in the former Chateau Thomas facility in Plainfield.

Winners are listed on the State Fair website and many are available to drink at this year's fair. The newest place to do so is the outdoor Wine Garden next to the Ag/Hort Building. I stopped by during opening weekend and talked with Monica Urick of Urick Concessions, whose company manages the adult beverage concessions at the fairgrounds. The Wine Garden beverage menu includes 10 Indiana wines by the glass, including three styles of the state's grape-Traminette. Other wine drinks available: Huber Winery Blackberry Sangria and Easley Reggae Red and Margarita Wine Slushees. The menu also includes Bear Wallow Gnaw Bone Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The Nashville, Indiana distillery took top honors in the Spirits Competition. Wines are $9 a glass, whiskey $10. Hours: 10 am to 9 pm.

Indiana wines and craft beers are available once again inside of the Grand Hall and at the new Bow Tie Barn Tent, located near the Free Stage. Saddle up to the horse shoe-shaped bar for a beer or whiskey slushee.

NEW this year, you don't have to sit and sip your adult beverage where you buy it, you can take it with you. Please drink responsibly as you toast Indiana agriculture on your State Fair wine walkabout.