Q: What does it take to make great wine? 
A: Great grapes and terrific communication between the grape grower and the wine maker.
There is only so much a winemaker can do when it comes to making wine from the grapes he acquires. So much of the success of the wine depends on the grapes' attributes. These attributes come from the soil, rain, frost, pruning activities, and natural predators such as birds, insects and disease. These and countless other challenges are what keep vineyard growers up at night. These are also the factors that determine the yield and quality of the grapes that the wine maker receives. Being able to depend on the vineyard grower to stay on top of the grapes' needs and also keep track of the brix (sugar level of the grapes) and potential yield of the grapes enable the wine maker to plan and then create a won
derful wine.Easley Winery is proud to have long term contracts and open relationships with several grape growers in Indiana and other states to ensure that we are receiving the highest quality fruit and are taking full advantage of the wonderfully diverse fruit available.
Easley Winery employees recently took a field trip to three vineyards throughout the state of Indiana. This trip was an educational experience to learn about where the grapes come from for the Easley wines that everyone enjoys. These vineyards are diverse in their approaches, experience levels, and kinds of grapes that they offer. What they all have in common are passionate vineyard growers who are committed to growing the best fruit possible in order to help Easley fulfill their mission of
making great wines.Please feel free to stop by the winery to see some more pictures of our trip and discuss the experience with our staff. It was great to learn about the many different varieties of grapes that make up our wines and also afforded the opportunity for the wine makers and the vineyard growers to communicate and plan for this upcoming harvest!