Indiana Wine Industry Spotlight at Ag Engage Pre Conference

By Andi Anderson

A special pre conference session connected to the Ag Engage Conference focused on Indiana’s growing wine industry and was held at Owen Valley Winery.

The event highlighted the heritage, challenges, and future opportunities of viticulture across the state while offering a mix of education, networking, and wine tasting.

The session took place on February 18 and welcomed participants from late morning through early afternoon. Attendees gathered in the scenic setting of the winery to learn more about how Indiana vineyards and wineries operated within a changing agricultural and economic landscape.

The program was designed to support farmers, winery owners, industry partners, and others interested in specialty crop production.

Participants explored key topics related to vineyard management, regional growing conditions, and business development.

Discussions focused on both the opportunities and the challenges facing Indiana’s wine industry, including climate considerations, marketing, and consumer engagement. The relaxed setting encouraged open conversation and knowledge sharing among attendees.

Networking was an important part of the experience. The event allowed participants to connect with peers, industry leaders, and agricultural professionals while building relationships that supported long-term growth within the wine sector.

A guided tasting experience added a hands-on element that helped showcase the quality and diversity of Indiana produced wines.

Registration for the pre-conference event was limited, and early sign up was encouraged. The session required participants to be 21 years or older. Conference pricing differed for registered Ag Engage attendees and non-conference participants.

The preconference event complemented the main Ag Engage Conference, which was scheduled for February 19 at the Monroe Convention Center. Together, these events supported agricultural education and engagement across Indiana by highlighting both traditional and emerging agricultural sectors.

Overall, the Indiana Vineyards and Wineries Ag Engage pre conference session provided an informative and enjoyable opportunity to learn about viticulture while promoting collaboration and appreciation for the state’s wine industry.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-willhowecreative