Well, that night, with three families around that table, it was filled in with, “grow some grapes and start a winery”.  In most instances, these ideas fade a fast as (TBD) {or it could be said “are quickly forgotten in the next morning’s bright sunshine”.}

But this time is was different. There was land and equipment available. There was marketing and sales experience. And there was a desire. So what was lacking? Someone to actually make the wine. No problem. It’s only chemistry, right? And there was chemistry major at the table, too. We’re good to go!

The land, aka the Cain Family Farm, was actually founded in  Northwest Montgomery County, Indiana as a dairy farm. Over many years the dairy evolved into a successful corn and soybean enterprise. The family farm is managed today by Terry Cain along with Brother Kenny. But Terry’s three sons, Jess, Zach and Seth are now taking over the day-to-day operations.  

In August 2009, Zach married Marie Phillips. At the table that historic night was Marie and Zach, Marie’s folks, Sherry and David, along with Terry and his wife Amy.

Now it’s Zach and David who have taken the idea and begun the due diligence to determine feasibility of the venture and to put the enterprise in motion.

Why Sugar Creek?

Sugar Creek is a small tributary of the Wabash River located in North Central Indiana running through Montgomery County and actually borders portions of the Cain Family Farm, thus the name Sugar Creek Winery.

The current plan is to select/locate a 5-7 acre vineyard somewhere within the existing 4000+ acre farm by mid 2011 and plant vines in the spring of 2012. Varietals are still being evaluated for both winter hardiness and consumer demand and the preliminary choices are Traminette, Chardonelle and Chamborcin.