The efforts of the Indiana Winegrowers Guild and the Indiana Wine Grape Council have paid off. The Indiana Wine Grape Council was authorized in 1989 and began its programs in 1990. Prior to this time, Purdue University had paid little attention to the grape and wine industry in the state. Since the beginning of the Council programs, four new wineries have opened, three additional wineries are opening before the end of 1995, and five more are in the planning stages. Vineyard area has almost doubled and continues to expand as growers adopt modern production practices and plant French hybrid, American, and European cultivars that are in peak demand.
Cooperation is the key to the development of a non-traditional crop in unfamiliar territory.
Indiana wineries work together to promote their industry, and neighboring wine states' marketing programs share successes and failures. The Indiana grape and wine industry did not try to reinvent the wheel. We have worked with our neighbors and adopted their ideas. Regional collaboration in research and extension activities with adjoining states have strengthened the industry throughout the region. A strong trade association has promoted legislation that supports the industry.