WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Purdue University Wine Grape team used social media and a virtual platform to promote Indiana Wine Grape Month in June.
“Indiana Wine Grape Month looked different because it was all virtual,” said Katie Barnett, the wine grape marketing specialist at Purdue.
In accordance with Gov. Eric Holcomb’s Back on Track Indiana plan, most of the state’s wineries have begun to reopen, but with limited seating and signage telling guest to maintain social distancing practices.
“Many have added extra outdoor seating,” said Barnett, adding that the weather has been great for outdoor seating.
She said that although wineries are opening back up, a lot of wineries are not opening their wine-tasting areas to help ensure the health and safety of consumers and employees.
Barnett said that in lieu of a tasting area, a lot of wineries have started offering a tasting flight, with three to five preselected wines for consumers to sample.
Although many wineries continue to offer curbside service, just as they did during the pandemic, Barnett said Hoosier wineries are implementing necessary sanitation measures, including all employees wearing masks, in accordance with Centers for Disease Control guidelines.
“Indiana wineries are a safe and comforting place to be,” Barnett said, adding that Hoosier hospitality is still very much alive.