| Wine making and wine tasting has long been a | | | | activities, such as Sunday Jazz and comedy shows, |
| favorite American pastime, particularly in western | | | | along with monthly specials and wine appreciation |
| states such as California - a subject humorously | | | | classes. Clearly, Gaia Wines fits in well with |
| portrayed in the hit 2004 film, Sideways.Yet, this | | | | Indianapolis' growing wine tasting scene, which has |
| pursuit seems to have traveled across the United | | | | been emerging since the 1990s. Among Indiana's |
| States, with wineries appearing in the most unlikely of | | | | other wineries worth visiting are the Chateau |
| locations. Indianapolis, for instance, is highly valued for | | | | Thomas Winery, and the Easley Winery, both of |
| being a dedicated centre of sport; yet in 1996, | | | | which offer free tasting sessions and regular tours, in |
| Indianapolis saw the opening of Gaia Wines | | | | addition to meeting space, events and activities.The |
| Contemporary Winery, the 19th winery in the | | | | success of Gaia Wines Contemporary Winery since it |
| area.Named after the Greek Goddess of the Earth, | | | | opened ten years ago is not altogether surprising, as |
| Gaia Wines is owned and run by Cellar Master Angee | | | | soil conditions and climate in Indiana are optimal for |
| Wallberry, and is the only winery in the US owned | | | | wine production - although this is not often |
| solely by a woman. Since its opening, Gaia Wines has | | | | acknowledged outside the state. In particular, |
| tried to fit into its surroundings, but has also | | | | Indiana's conditions are great for cultivating the |
| endeavored to create its own unique niche in the | | | | increasingly popular Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety. |
| marketplace. Located in the central, up-market | | | | The impressive quality of Indiana wines has led to its |
| historic gallery and theater district on Massachusetts | | | | vintners being more generally acknowledged in the |
| Avenue, only a few minutes away from the luxury | | | | wider vintner community across America and the |
| Conrad Hotel, it has had to quickly establish a high | | | | globe. Though it may still not be regarded on a scale |
| reputation for itself - and to no little success: since its | | | | to California's Napa Valley, Indiana is certainly gaining |
| opening, Gaia Wines has managed to pull off the | | | | regard as one of America's up-and-coming wine |
| amazing feat of creating 14 new award winning | | | | growing regions; and if wineries continue to be as |
| wines, introducing tours and wine tasting events to | | | | successful as Gaia Wines Contemporary Winery, the |
| the winery, as well as providing meeting rooms and | | | | future looks rosy.Michael is a keen writer living in |
| playing host to public functions.Gaia Wines | | | | Edinburgh. |
| Contemporary Winery also hosts various public | | | | |