Ashley’s Acres Away Winery didn’t just show up to a world-class wine showdown — they swept it, earning a medal for every single bottle they submitted.

In a field often dominated by names from Napa, France, or New Zealand, a boutique winery tucked away in northeast Indiana just made a huge statement on the global stage.

Ashley’s Acres Away Winery brought 11 wines to the prestigious Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition — and they didn’t leave empty-handed. Each one of those bottles walked away with a medal.

For a winery based in rural Ashley, Indiana, that’s no small feat.

Every Wine Medaled — That’s No Coincidence

Owner Shane Christ still sounds surprised, even proud in that humble Midwestern way, when talking about it.

“We entered 11 wines, and took home 11 awards,” he said. “It’s always pretty cool when your peers appreciate what you do. Our focus has always been on growing and making unique, well-made wine here in Indiana.”

The medal haul includes:

• Silver medals for Brambleberry, Local Knowledge, Norton, Peach, and Traminette

• Bronze medals for Acres Away White, Brazenberry, First Light, Golden Hour, Petite Pearl Rosé, and Vanilla Dreams

Vanilla Dreams holds particular significance. It was crafted in collaboration with the Community Harvest Food Bank of Fort Wayne, blending flavor with a cause.

A Global Stage, A Local Voice

The Finger Lakes competition, held in upstate New York, isn’t some cozy regional wine fair. It draws over 2,500 entries from more than 15 countries every year — from industry legends to hidden gems.

Getting one wine on the board is impressive. Medaling with eleven? That’s elite.

“We’re not just putting Indiana wine on the map,” said winemaker Kirk Etheridge. “We’re proving that great wine doesn’t need to come from California or Italy. It can come from right here — if you take care, pay attention, and love what you’re doing.”

His voice cracked slightly with emotion, then he smiled. “This is our craft. This is our story.”

What Makes Indiana Wine Stand Out?

Midwest wine often lives in the shadow of its coastal counterparts, but it brings its own strengths to the table.

Unlike the classic cabernet-heavy palettes of California, Indiana’s climate lends itself to hybrid grapes, cold-hardy varietals, and fruit-forward blends. And that’s exactly what Acres Away leaned into.

Here’s a breakdown of what they submitted:

• Brambleberry: Rich with local blackberries, naturally tart and semi-sweet

• Norton: A classic American grape with bold tannins and deep ruby hues

• Traminette: A floral white that handles Indiana’s unpredictable climate with grace

• First Light: A bright morning-style blush wine with hints of citrus

• Golden Hour: Named for the glow that hits their vineyards each evening

Just one line here — breathing space.

The Community Connection

Beyond the awards, one wine carried a purpose bigger than the bottle.

Vanilla Dreams, created in partnership with Fort Wayne’s Community Harvest Food Bank, was more than a flavor experiment. Proceeds from its sales go toward supporting food-insecure families in northeast Indiana.

“We wanted to do something meaningful,” Christ said. “This wasn’t just about winning medals. It was about bringing people together.”

The wine itself? A soft, dessert-style blend with notes of vanilla bean, pear, and just a hint of honey.

It won bronze, but for the team and their community — it was gold.

Small Team, Big Passion

Ashley’s Acres Away isn’t a massive operation. There’s no sprawling château or corporate office.

It’s a team of a few — driven by passion, stubborn perfectionism, and plenty of late nights tinkering with fermentation times.

“It’s hands-on. From vine to glass, we’re there,” said Etheridge. “You don’t just wake up with 11 award-winning wines. You make mistakes, you try again. Sometimes, you fail. But then you get it right.”

And when you get it right — people notice.

Ashley’s Acres By the Numbers

A Toast to the Heartland

In an industry where marketing often overshadows the grapes, Ashley’s Acres Away is staying grounded — literally.

The team isn’t looking to expand nationally overnight or flood the shelves of every grocery chain. They’re looking to keep refining, keep learning, and — above all — keep making wine they’re proud of.

“You’ll see the next vintage soon,” said Christ. “And who knows — maybe next year we go 12 for 12.”

No glitz. No gimmicks. Just good wine — and a belief that even small-town soil can grow something worth sharing with the world.