Publisher’s Note: Fremont, Indiana, is just a short drive west on the Ohio Turnpike from the Toledo area. Fremont is the home of the well-known Satek Winery. Today we welcome another winery, Briali Vineyards, 102 W. State Rd. 120, Fremont, (260) 316-5156, to the area wine community.
Historically, eco-friendly grape-growing yielded expensive wines for the consumer-- or wines that lacked quality. Brian and Alicia Moeller, owners of the soon-to-be-open Briali Vineyards and Winery in Fremont, IN, believe you can have both economically viable and ecologically sound wines without sacrificing quality.
Built on the value of respect for the environment, the Moellers found fulfillment in planting and nurturing 11 varieties of grapevines, using biodynamic techniques, over the past 7 years. Their success in cultivating quality fruit inspired them to take it full circle, and embrace the challenge of utilizing eco-friendly practices in turning their grapes into wine. Though more labor-intensive, they endorse the philosophy that “wine is made on the vine”, and therefore their efforts result in better quality wine. The culmination of their experiences has led to the opening of Briali Vineyards and Winery, located adjacent to their vineyards on the gently rolling hills of Country Meadows Golf Course in Fremont, Indiana.
Part of the Moeller’s beliefs is inspired from their experiences living in northern California for 5 years, where they both attended College of the Redwoods. Alicia’s focus was environmental studies, but noticed the population there as a whole was more environmentally aware, and that people followed the organic mindset in their choices for food, personal care, and lifestyle. California vineyards in particular impressed them—the lack of synthetic sprays, companion planting with wildflowers, biodynamic practices—“it just made more sense” says Alicia.
Briali Winery will open November 1st, and will continue to be open for wine tasting and tours Thursdays—Sundays from 10 a.m.—6 p.m. Briali’s wine portfolio will offer a diverse selection, reflecting the diverse palates of the wine drinkers they expect to draw. Traditional dry reds will lead their list, and will include Tempranillo, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, and an estate-grown Noiret. White wine offerings will include a sweet Niagara, an Indiana-grown apple wine called “Forbidden”, and an estate-grown Traminette and Golden Muscat blend called “Golden Tram.” On the fun side, Briali will have “Dragon’s Red”, a sweet, jammy red table wine, and “Bada Bing,” a sweet cherry wine aged in bourbon barrels. In the near future, they will also release Delaware and two varieties of Nouveau wines. Wines will be reasonably priced, ranging from $10-$22
Visitors can expect a fun and unpretentious tasting room experience, highlighted by a unique tasting bar built of several varieties of exotic woods, natural cork wallpaper, and an open portal into the production room, where they can see winemaker Brian Moeller at work among the stainless steel tanks and oak barrels. Spring of 2013 will herald an outdoor seating area and numerous wine-themed events.
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