September is always a busy time for Lanthier Winery not just because juice will soon be arriving from vineyards and last minute clean up from summer fun but because it marks the beginning of Lanthier Winery’s busy festival season. I always like this time of year, mostly because it’s for the most part fun and exciting.
The last weekend in September is our Harvest Celebration Festival. It marks our annual anniversary celebration. This year Lanthier Winery will be 25 years old. I will be more than twice that. We have 13 bottles of wine from that first year. None were meant or suitable for aging so they’re just for looking at. But this year’s Harvest Festival is a special one for me. Mulligan McCarthy, our Operations Manager will begin taking or at least attempt to take the reins and I’m told there will be some great wine specials.
Preparations for Harvest Festival began early September, when the garden was cleaned and fall mums prepped or planted. We purchase 75 or so pots of mums every year. Those new plants join those already growing in the garden. Along with all our freaky pumpkins and river valley fall color it’s a beautiful time of year to visit the winery and Madison Indiana. The remainder of the month is spent boxing and prepping wine for outdoor tasting venues, helping artists finalize last minute gallery set up and making sure we have tents, tables, walls, tasting sheets, cash registers, computers etc etc. ready for the 2 day event which brings around 35 thousand plus guests to the property.
It’s Three Festivals Weekend- so keep in mind it’s a busy time but the best place to park is right next door to Lanthier’s behind the Lumber Mill Antique Mall. Then stroll the 50 yards to Harvest and you’ll be on your way to some great festival fun and wine tasting. Remember Harvest weekend is the one and only time you can purchase our Harvest Sangria. It sells out so call 812-273-2409 to reserve your half or gallon. Otherwise you’re on your own. Best times to shop is always Saturday morning around 10am then hang out for some wild wieners or festival fun food afterwards. Remember we’ll hold all your purchases wine, festival or downtown boutiques at our hospitality tent where you can drive right up and we’ll load for you. While visiting the festival be sure to support the Humane Society. We donate cherry wine and soda for their annual cherry spritzer sale. They keep 100% of your donation to use towards spay neuter and emergency vet care.
Best shopping finds during Harvest Celebration Festival: 25th anniversary wine. Sangria by the gallon or jumbo 6 pack, Cindy Kittles gold jewelry, mammoth mums and Freaky Pumpkins grown here in Jefferson County, Tate’s handcrafted soaps and Groth’s cut glass creations. If you need more information check it out at Lanthierwinery.com