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