I poured wine at the annual Carmel on Canvas event this past weekend. For two days, plein air artists find interesting landscapes in the downtown Carmel area, and paint pictures of them. The event culminates Saturday afternoon with a reception for the artists, their families and Carmel VIPS. Michigan Artist Shawn Krueger judged the nearly 100 entries and handed out awards. It's a wonderful collection of talented work and the cash prizes are generous and well earned by the painters. Several Broad Ripple artists garnered awards including Michael Sinon and Mary Ann Davis who took 3rd place in what was a very tough competition. Artists quenched their thirsts with Lola prosecco, Villa Pozzi Moscato, Patron of Saints Chardonnay and Crush red. The Lola is an off dry bubbly best served well chilled. Villa Pozzi Moscato is semi sweet with more of a fresh white grape flavor than sweetness. Patron of Saints from Washington has a screw cap for ease of serving and you will want to keep pouring as the fresh apple, pear, creamy flavors are a delight. Crush red is a bold, dry blend of Napa county grapes - yum. All available locally.

New information from WINE AMERICA shows that the US Wine Tourism industry employs nearly 400 thousand people. Wine is produced in all 50 states and adds about 220 billion dollars to the nations economy. WINE AMERICA shares the numbers for Indiana which are quite remarkable.