FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Story Inn to Host the Indiana Wine Fair on April 28, 2007

Annual Event will Showcase Hoosier Wines

     Few people know that Indiana now has 35 wineries producing wines of exceptional quality. "It's a well-kept secret that we produce world class wines here in the Hoosier State" laments Rick Hofstetter, the owner of the Story Inn. "We stand up to the best of the Californians, but nobody knows it."

     If Rick Hofstetter has his way, a few more people will be better informed on Saturday, April 28. That's the day of the Indiana Wine Fair at the Story Inn. "It’s a chance to sample the wines from Indiana vines, and a paltry ten bucks will get you in the gate." The Story Inn is Indiana's oldest country inn, located 13 miles south of Nashville.

     Indiana's wineries will set up under three tents near Story's Old Barn, doling out one-ounce pours of Riesling, Cabernet, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay, as well as some exotics, to an appreciative audience.  "We'll be close to full participation from Indiana vintners this year" Rick Hofstetter predicts.  "The Wine Fair at Story is in its fifth year, and has grown to become the largest wine event in Southern Indiana."     

     "Last year, we were flabbergasted by the Wine Fair turnout" recalls Dr. Allen Dale ("Ole") Olson, who maintains the Story Inn's venerable wine cellar. "There's clearly penned up demand for great local wines. The wineries now look at this event as a kind of debutante party, a chance to parade their best and introduce their new."  Ole hosts the whimsical wine tutorials each month at the Story Inn. "Nothing makes our list without Ole's seal of approval" reports Rick Hofstetter. "He's like the Hanes underwear lady."

     This year's Wine Fair participants will include Terre Vin Winery from Rockville, Brown County Winery from Nashville, Oliver Winery from Bloomington, Chateau Pomije from Guilford, Ferrins Fruit Winery from Carmel, Madison Vineyards from Madison, Windy Knoll Winery from Vincennes, French Lick Winery from French Lick, Chateau Thomas Winery from Plainfield, Butler Winery from Bloomington, Carousel Winery from Bedford,  Thomas Family Winery, Vinetree Farm Winery from Hardinsburg, Simmons Winery from Columbus, Easley Winery from Indianapolis, Grape Inspirations Winery from Carmel, Kauffman Winery from Mt. Vernon, Huber Orchard & Winery of Starlight, Turtle Run Winery from Corydon, and Mallow Run Winery from Bargersville, Buck Creek Winery from Indianapolis and Whyte Horse Winery from Monticello.   

     Ole has assembled five impartial tasters, who will be judging submissions in six categories in a private blind tasting to take place on Thursday, April 26, also at the Story Inn.  The Story Inn will be announcing the winners in a press release posted on its website Thursday evening.  "The highest cumulative point total, regardless of category, will be crowned "Best of Show," a title which will probably give the winner bragging rights to being the best wine in Indiana" says Ole.   It will be easy to tell the winners of the competition: at the Wine Fair on Saturday, simply look for the gold, silver and bronze balloons at the various winery booths.

     Gates will be open from 1:00-6:00 p.m. Columbus native Derek Howard and his band Samesoul will perform from 1-3:15 p.m.; thereafter, there will be a short awards ceremony, followed by live home-grown Bluegrass from the Brothers in Law. 

     On Sunday, April 29, the winning wineries will once again be featured at a black tie optional fundraiser dinner known as "Hoosier Cuisine Gone Wild", where each of the Gold Medal wines will be matched to five authentically Hoosier courses.  The $100 per plate dinner, which will start at 5:00 p.m., will benefit the Brown County Citizen's Scholarships.  "We were able to help a local student with college tuition last year, and we thank the Story Inn for supporting this community" says Dave Hennessy, the event's organizer.  The menu, as well as the reservations, can be viewed online at www.storyinn.com.        

     The Story Inn's restaurant will be open all day.  Parking is free, and the event will go on, rain or shine. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Rick and Angela Hofstetter
(812) 988-2273