Pie In The Sky wine is actually a reality right now at Mallow Run Winery, after being introduced last summer for the first time as a strawberry-rhubarb sweet yet tart blend. These types of American and French-hybrid varieties are creatively produced and offered from within the friendly ambiance of this 189-year-old family farm in Bargersville.
Three to six tons of grapes now are hand-harvested from the vineyard's 7 acres and carefully processed into each year’s vintage. All of these results have happened since 2000, bolstered by dreams of the family members to open a tasting room to the public.
When retired English schoolteacher John Richardson returned to the family farm before Y2K, he says his intention was to grow grapes to support other Indiana wineries. But, the operation took a different turn, one that made regional wine enthusiasts ecstatic. Mallow Run Winery became the product of years of hard work by John, his son, Bill, and Bill’s wife, Laura.
"I taught for 35 years, but as a side hobby, I made wine in my basement," says John.
The farm's namesake and John's great-great-grandfather, George Mallow, settled the property in 1835 and built a barn where the tasting room is now located at 6964 West Whiteland Road. Seven generations later, Bill says they officially opened the winery during Labor Day weekend of September 2005.
With an extensive list of 20 to 25 wines at any given time and complimentary wine tastings, Mallow Run is known for having a wide selection of vino for all different palettes and preferences. They even have wine-based ciders.
Hayley Storm, Mallow Run director of marketing, says Pie In The Sky is a small batch, limited offering that is likely to sell out quickly during July and early August.
She says many visitors are enjoying the combination of wine with their musical summer series as well. Bands, plus a yoga event, scheduled this month include:
- July 6: Red, White, & Blueberry Festival with The Indigos
- July 7: Red, White, & Blueberry Festival with Living Proof
- July 13: 2024 Picnic Concert Series with The Doo!
- July 17: Yoga and Wine Night at The Sycamore at Mallow Run
- July 20: 2024 Picnic Concert Series with Toy Factory
- July 27: 2024 Picnic Concert Series with The Woomblies
Hayley says visitors are really looking forward to two special concerts on the lawn at the winery. The first, to be held Aug. 24, is "Burning Red, A show by Swifties for Swifties." The second event will be on Sept. 7 with "Gone 2 Paradise, a Jimmy Buffet experience."
"We're more than happy to provide the music memories that the community is enjoying," Hayley adds.
To further embody the winery's creative flair, the staff offers the Artist Series Wine project. Every year, a special wine is released featuring label artwork from a local artist that's chosen from dozens of submissions.
Hayley says another way to engage with the winery is to participate in their 14th annual "Wine at the Line" 5-mile and 5K run/walk on Sept. 28. She says there will be food trucks, a commemorative wine glass and a post-race party with free wine tasting and live music by Mixtape. Registration is $40 each through Sept. 22; $50 on race day. Proceeds from the 2023 Wine at the Line benefited Courageous Hearts Adoptions in Greenwood.
317.422.1556
MallowRun.com
"We take pride in crafting delicious wines, as well as a warm and welcoming atmosphere that brings our community together, one glass at a time."