Did you know that, nestled in West Lafayette, Indiana - a delightful small town in the Hoosier State - is what is arguably the wine capital of the state? Perhaps most interestingly, were not talking about vineyards in Indiana or a winery - rather, it's a university. Turns out, West Lafayette's Purdue University is a forerunner in terms of the wine industry, from start to finish. And to my delight, the town it's located in just so happens to be a good one - you know college towns are a blast. So come out to West Lafayette for the wine capital of Indiana, but stay a while to see everything else, too!
West Lafayette is a town of just under 45,000 people.
I'd argue that it's not too tiny, but it's not overly large, either. It's in that 'Goldilocks zone' of being just right. You get all the friendliness of a tiny town with all the things to do of a city. Win-win!
You might be wondering, then, how it is that Purdue is an authority on Indiana wine.
In fact, it's got a whole team dedicated to both viticulture (growing grapes) and enology (the art of making wine from those grapes). Said team engages in an array of activities, all related in some way to the study of - and assistance with - the local wineries of Indiana.
Not only does the University provide these professional services to wineries - it also teaches students to appreciate it and appreciate it correctly.
There's a Wine Appreciation Class offered here, and no, it's not as easy as it sounds. It is, however, incredibly valuable for any students interested in wine for any reasons, from personal to business purposes.
Perhaps best of all, the grapes grown to service Purdue (and much of Indiana)'s wine makers are grown here, in-state.
Purdue also hosts two major wine events each and every year - the Indy International Wine Competition and Vintage Indiana (which is the largest wine festival in Indiana).
Of course, Purdue is far from the only wine-related business 'round these parts (obviously).
You'll find plenty of Indiana vineyards and wineries in and near West Lafayette, like the Wildcat Creek Winery, which offers tastings and tours.
Find yourself all wined out? No worries - there's more to do and see!
You can enjoy a plethora of activities like Prophetstown State Park, and, oh yeah, the best pizza in Indiana.
Oh, and by the way, while you're at Purdue (they offer tours!), remember that they also have a hidden nuclear reactor somewhere on campus. Cool, huh? At least I think so. Interested in that Wine Appreciation Course I mentioned? Check out the official Purdue University website for more information. Need somewhere to stay while you're here? Check out all the awesome listings on Booking.com and find the perfect place here in the wine capital of Indiana!
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