We start our tour of Michigan by stopping in with Ashley Nitz at Chill Hill Winery.  Ashley tells all about her experiences in Baroda growing up.  She also tells us how her family ended up living and farming in Baroda for 7 generations.  She takes us down memory lane telling us about her trips with her dad and how he planted the seeds of owning a winery when she was only young girl.   We even get to meet and drink with some Chill Billies.

https://chillhill.net/

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We talk with Jill Blume and Katie Benner from the Purdue Wine Grape Team.  They tell us about the Indiana Wine industry as a whole and explain their function and what they offer to wineries of Indiana.  Jill talks about the lab work provided and test vineyards of Purdue.  While Katie tells about the direction of wine drinkers in the state and how the Purdue Wine Grape Team supports getting the word out to the those potential consumers.  We also talk about the offerings provided for consumers and amateur winemakers to refine the knowledge and skills.  Finally we discover that their funding has been cut and it could mean the end of the largest wine celebration in the state of Indiana and the largest Midwest wine competition.  So reach out to your state representatives and urge them restore the funding because we still have room to become better and that the wine industry in the state of Indiana is only starting to blossom.  

https://ag.purdue.edu/department/foodsci/extension/winegrapeteam/

http://iga.in.gov/legislative/find-legislators/

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TTWGP talks with Mark Spencer of Spencer Farm Winery.  He tells us the family history of the farm and how it became agro-tourism.  We discuss how he grew up on the farm, left for corporate America, and ended up coming back.  He tells us about his father’s thoughts on opening a winery on the farm and the challenge he gave Mark before he could do so.  He also tells us about how he spends his winters and why.  Then we get a bit personal and talk a little dog.

Spencerfarmwinery.com

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We get back on track finally after a break that seemed entirely too long.  And although you are enjoying the summer heat, this episode was recorded in the bitter cold of winter.  On this frosty day we visited with Ron and Janet Hopwood along with their favorite employee Dina Roush-Risser.  We had a lot fun but was able to get a great episode recorded to kick off our 2nd season.  We find out where the entrepreneurship came from and discover the drive that sets Hopwood cellars apart from the crowd.  We even discuss the legacy of what the Hopwoods are creating and where they hope to take it.  But this episode is not without fun and laughter.  We were friends with the Hopwoods long before this episode and hope to be friends long after.

www.hopwoodcellars.com

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Join us in southern Indiana as we talk to Blake and Christian Huber and James Wood at Huber's Orchard, Winery and Vineyard. The Huber brother's talk to us about all things wine. If you haven't visited Huber's yet it is definitely worth the drive.

https://www.huberwinery.com/

https://vinoshipper.com/catalog/Indiana-Wines/huber_s_orchard_winery_vineyards

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In this episode we sit down at Daniel’s Family Vineyard and Winery with General Manager Ignacio “Nacho” Ortega. We discuss some origin stories, events, food and of course wine. Nacho gives us a little insight into everything Daniel’s has to offer and we were not disappointed. 

www.danielsvineyard.com

CAWineClub.com and enter TTWGP at checkout for an additional 10% off at checkout.

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In this episode we hit the road again. This time we visit Carmel Indiana and meet David Phillips, owner of Sugar Creek Vineyard and Winery. We discuss the “historic” meal that started it all, and David’s love for the outdoors and how that translates into his wines. We also talk about how they were able to navigate COVID and the special way David has found to help Non-profit organizations. 

https://sugarcreekwinery.com/
https://sugarcreekwinery.com/wine-club/
https://vinoshipper.com/catalog/Indiana-Wines/sugar_creek_winery

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In this episode we hit the road and go to Sheridan Indiana. There we meet John and Deb Miller the owners of Blackhawk Winery and Vineyard. While sipping on a Norton and a Lemon wine we discuss what it takes to grow grapes in the Midwest, why you won’t see typical varietals and the future of Indiana viticulture. We also talk about the changes to Indiana’s policies allowing kids at the vineyards and the family friendly events that happen on the farm. We found John and Deb wonderful, constantly giving back to the community in whatever creative ways they can come up with. We were grateful to be able to spend this time with them and learn what is possible with wines here in the Midwest.  

https://www.blackhawkwinery.com/
https://vinoshipper.com/catalog/Indiana-Wines/blackhawk_winery_vineyard

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Tonight we speak with my brother, Dave and his wife Vanessa about their son Austin.  Austin was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in Sept 2018. We talk about how it presented in Austin and the absolute scare and realization they had, the education they received, the support systems they created for Austin and themselves, and the organizations that they support because of the way they give back to the diabetic community.

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