Hartland Winery
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: Hartland Winery opened its doors to the public in May 2016. Visitors will discover an array of wines to taste from dry to sweet. The emphasis at Hartland Winery is on “small batch and handcrafted.”
Alan and Brenda (pictured) Lockhart are the owners of this small family winery in Ashley, Indiana. Alan and Brenda liked wine. As a result, over a decade ago, Alan bought a kit for making a Riesling wine. The wine turned out well. Alan went further and then bought Concord grapes and made wine. Alan is now producing wine on a commercial scale.
Alan began making wine in the kitchen at home. After winning some gold and double gold medals, he started making more wine. Brenda smiled and commented that Alan built a pole barn for his winemaking equipment because she kicked him out of her kitchen. Eventually, friends suggested that he produce wine commercially. The couple broke ground for the winery and tasting room and opened it in 2016. They chose the name Hartland as it uses a part of their last name.
The farm property has been in Alan’s family since his grandfather bought the land at the turn of the twentieth century. Through the years the farm has seen corn, soybeans and cattle. During World War II the farm was growing tomatoes. Alan grew up on the farm.
Tasting Room
The tasting counter is black cement that reminds one of thick slate. Decor throughout the tasting room reflects a heritage theme. An artistic wall piece offers a quote by Ernest Hemingway, “Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing.” Visitors can enjoy a glass of Hartland wine on the adjacent patio pondering Hemingway’s quote while they sit at tables in comfortable chairs.
Vineyards
Today the property has four acres of vineyards. Varieties include Le Cressant, Vignoles, Norton, Ives, Seyval Blanc and Vidal Blanc. Since the vineyard is young, the owners are sourcing grapes and juice. During our May visit, the vines had pushed out new foliage and berries were at the flowering stage.
Brenda said they want people to know that they “take pride in making wine for all wine drinkers.” They also have a friendly, well-trained staff.
Hartland Wines
The Vignoles was a light yellow color. It offered yellow stone fruit on the aroma, The sweet taste had peach flavors. The finish was crisp and drying with fruit yielding to mineral. The Hillside White was crafted with the Diamond grape. It had a pale yellow color and was reminiscent of the Niagara grape. It had apple and citrus on the taste and finish. Edelweiss with 11.5% alcohol was a light yellow color. This sweet wine had a finish that lingered. Pair this wine with a rocking chair. Brenda suggested pairing Edelweiss with panfried fish. Catawba was a pale orange color with a hint of pink. This may remind one of a rosé. The wine was similar to a light Niagara. The taste lingered on the finish.
Cabernet Sauvignon was produced with juice sourced from Chile. Alan used 1/2 Russian and 1/2 American oak in new oak for six months. The wine was a translucent dark ruby color. The aroma was of black fruits. The taste offered notes of blackberries. There were bold tannins on this full-bodied wine. The fruity finish yielded to baking spices. Carmenere was also produced with juice from Chile. This also was barreled in 1/2 Russian and 1/2 American oak. The wine was a dark ruby color. It offered an aroma of violets and black fruits. The taste offered notes of black cherries and blackberries. The wine had medium tannins and was medium/full-bodied. The finish had fruit yielding to baking spices.
Enjoy a relaxing visit to Hartland Winery located outside the town of Ashley, “Home of the Smiley Face.” On your way to Hartland Winery, visitors are likely to pass near the Smiley Face water tower.
Hartland Winery
425 County Road 23
Ashley, Indiana
GPS: N41º 30.8335’ W85º 04.7932’
Article written June 2017.
