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The origins of Indiana wine can be traced back to one man, John James Dufour, who arrived in America in 1796.

Dufour eventually settled in Vevay on the banks of the Ohio River where his team of Swiss winegrowers eventually produced America's first commercial wines.

Dufour's pioneering work kicked-off a burgeoning industry in Indiana that experienced the vagaries of the 19th century wine market which, in the 1870's, nearly collapsed.

With a handful of struggling wineries left, Prohibition all but destroyed Indiana's long winemaking tradition, which was only resurrected in the 1970's with the passage of the Small Winery law. Today, Indiana boasts over 70 wineries throughout the state (like Madison Vineyards in Madison, Indiana, above) and is officially part of the Ohio Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area.)

The state is now even home to the Indy International wine competition, the largest wine competition outside of California, with nearly 3,000 entries from 15 countries and 40 US states being judged every year.

Another annual event, Vintage Indiana, is held in Indianapolis each summer in June.bringing together wineries throughout the state to show off their best vintages -- to a ever growing crowd of appreciative wine lovers.

Discover the complete Indiana wine story with our tour of the state's wineries and vineyards, tour information, wine events and festivals that celebrate the wines of Indiana ...

More information about Indiana wines around the Web:

Indiana Wines - The hub of Indiana wine online, featuring story articles, media kits and fact sheets, event calendar, photos, wine touring tips, wine terms glossary, and a complete directory to Indiana vineyards and wineries throughout the state.

Indiana Uplands Wine Trail - Check out select wineries and tasting tours of Central and Southern Indiana including info on featured wines, an interactive trail map, photo gallery and related links.

Indiana Wineries - Complete directory of wineries throughout the state, from VisitIndiana.net.