Arts & Culture

Indiana Author Chronicles Winery Growth in the Heartland

89.1 WBOI | By Julia Meek

Published March 10, 2017 at 4:19 PM EST

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A glimpse of Heartland vineyards in early spring prime at Galena Cellars, in Galena, Illinois

Courtesy/Jim Pennell

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Musical afternoon from the Picnic Concert Series at Mallow Run Winery in Bargersville, Indiana

Courtesy/Jim Pennell

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Wine in the works at Buck Creek Winery, in Indianapolis

Courtesy/Jim Pennell

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Inviting interior at Cedar Creek Winery

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Vineyards at Cedar Creek Winery in Martinsville, Indiana

Courtesy/Jim Pennell

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Author taking notes during one of his on-site interviews.

Since 2003, the number of wineries in Indiana has more than quadrupled, and other Midwestern states boast even higher increases.

Jim Pennell, a sociology professor at the University of Indianapolis, has tracked the success of that industry from the ground up, in his new book, Local Wino: The Winery Boom in the Heartland.

Pennell's book gives a ground-up view of the business, and its success here in the Midwest.

Research for the project included visits to 64 wineries across Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Iowa, and interviews with more than 40 winery owners and industry specialists, as well as extensive labor in the vineyards of Mallow Run Winery in Bargersville, Indiana.

Earlier this week, WBOI's Julia Meek spoke with Pennell by phone, to learn what this boom has meant to consumer and producer alike.

You can find more information on Jim Pennell's book, Local Vino: The Winery Boom in the Heartland and other titles in the "Heartland Foodways" series at the University of Illinois website.