FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Story Inn to Host the Indiana Wine Fair on April 26, 2008

Sixth Annual Event will Showcase Hoosier Wines

     Few people know that Indiana now has 34 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 26. 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 fifteen bucks will get you in the gate with a Story Inn keepsake glass." The Story Inn is Indiana's oldest country inn, located 13 miles south of Nashville.

Indiana's wineries will set up under several tents near Story's Old Barn, doling out one-ounce pours of Riesling, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, as well as some exotics, to an appreciative audience.  "We expect nearly full participation from Indiana vintners this year" Rick Hofstetter predicts.  "This is the sixth consecutive year we've hosted the Indiana Wine Fair, and it has grown to become the largest wine event in Southern Indiana."  In response to the success of this event, the Story Inn has extended the hours of this event, and has expanded public parking and security.     

      "Last year, we were flabbergasted by the Wine Fair turnout" recalls Dr. Allen Dale ("Ole") Olson, who selects the Story Inn's wines. "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."

     Ole has assembled an august panel of impartial tasters, who will be judging submissions in six categories in a blind tasting to take place on Thursday, April 24, also at the Story Inn.  The Story Inn will be announcing the Gold, Silver and Bronze Medalists in each category in a press release posted on its website, www.storyinn.com, later that 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.  Last year, the judges had the delicious privilege of tasting more than two hundred submittals. 

     The eighteen Medalists will be showcased at "Wine and all that Jazz," a musical gala on Friday, April 25 at the Story Inn to benefit Brown County Citizens' Scholarships (the $50 admission includes a show featuring the Indiana University Music School's Pat Harbison, and a full buffet dinner).  The six Gold Medalists will be separately showcased at a black tie dinner on Sunday, April 27, also at the Story Inn.  The third so-called "Hoosier Cuisine Gone Wild" event will match each Gold Medal wine to an expertly prepared authentically Hoosier dish, the $100/plate admission also to benefit Brown County Citizens' Scholarships.  Finally, the six Gold Medalists will be added to the Story Inn's venerable WINE LIST.      

     Gates for the April 26 Wine Fair will be open from 1:00-8:00 p.m.  The Story Inn's restaurant and snack bar will be open all day.  Parking is free, and the event will go on, rain or shine.  Shuttle service will be provided from Nashville and surrounding hotel/motels.  

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

The Story Inn