DATE:  April 3, 2006
CONTACT:          Sally McWilliams, Down the Lazy River Coordinator
                            20 N. Indian Cave Road, Madison, IN  47250
                             Phone: 812-265-6999
                            Fax: 812-265-6384
                            E-mail: sally@downthelazyriver.org


Tourism Group Plans Launch of New Regional Wine Trail

Southeast Indiana, April 3, 2006 – A new wine trail linking six Southeast Indiana wineries will celebrate its grand opening this spring with a variety of special events for the public and press, the Down the Lazy River tourism cooperative announced recently.  The group plans to launch the wine trail during a weeklong celebration of National Tourism Week in May:
 

WHAT:                   Down the Lazy River Indiana Wine Trail Kick-Off
WHERE:               Southeast Indiana (Dearborn, Ohio, Ripley, Switzerland and
                              Jefferson Counties)
WHEN:                  National Tourism Week, May 13-21, 2006
DESCRIPTION:     Featured activities include:
•     Winery Tours
•     Tastings
•     Special Events
•     Press Tours

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.IndianaWineTrail.com

Located along the picturesque Ohio River corridor, the Southeast Indiana Wine Trail will tie together wineries of all types, from large estate vineyards set amongst the region's rolling hills to intimate tasting rooms offering historic architecture, handcrafted wine and river town charm.  Participating wineries include the Thomas Family Winery, Madison Vineyards Estate Winery and Lanthier Winery in Madison; Ertel Cellars Winery near Batesville; Chateau Pomije Winery in New Alsace; and the Ridge Winery Tasting Room in Vevay.  

“A regional wine trail is a natural fit for this area,” says Sally McWilliams, coordinator of the five-county tourism group that markets itself as Down the Lazy River.  “In fact, not only was America’s first successful commercial winery operated in Switzerland County, Indiana, but the entire Ohio River Valley is the largest designated wine region in America.  It’s essentially the Midwest’s wine country.”

McWilliams notes that a variety of special events and tours will be offered to the public and travel media throughout the weeklong kick-off.  Customized tours are also available for members of the press.  “Media kits will be forthcoming as the launch approaches,” she adds.  “In the meantime, mark your calendars and save the date!”

Click here for the Press Tour FAX-Back Reservation Form and a Contact List for the Indiana Wine Trail partners.
 
For more information on the Indiana Wine Trail, including details on Southeast Indiana attractions, dining, lodging and more, log on to www.downthelazyriver.org.  Or, call the Rising Sun/Ohio County Visitors Bureau at 888-776-4786.

Click here for a Ready to Run Story on The Indiana Wine Trail!