I thought this was pretty cool, even though the month of June is pretty much on the way out and we'll be sucking down wine coolers and burgers next week, at least here in the states, as we celebrate the 4th of July next week. But, better late than never, and for Idianians, it's something to mark your calendar for next year just in case you missed it like I did.

From June is Indiana Wine and Grape Month:

Governor Mitch Daniels has declared June 2007 as Indiana Wine and Grape Month. "We are honored that Governor Daniels recognizes the importance of the Indiana wine industry and its affect on the state's economy," said Jeanette Merritt, Marketing Director for the Indiana Wine Grape Council.

There are currently 34 wineries throughout the state of Indiana, with at least two new wineries scheduled to open later this year. Indiana wine production reached a record level for 2006, with over 711,000 gallons sold to consumers, an increase from 555,000 gallons in 2006. That equals roughly 3.55 million bottles of Indiana wine sold to the public! Hoosier wineries are also boosting Indiana's agritourism industry, attracting approximately 900,000 visitors every year.

Wine production is not new to Indiana. The industry dates back to the early 1800s, when Swiss vine dressers settled in the southeast part of the state. Indiana continued to be one of the leading producers of wine until Prohibition.