Now that Finley Creek Vineyard is open for business and accepting bookings for Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering parties, we’re getting quite a few questions about when we plan to plant our grape vineyards, and when we will be producing our own wines.
The plan is to begin planting grapes early in Spring 2018. We are still doing research on what types of grapes do best in Indiana, and how long each varietal needs before it is mature enough to pick the first grapes for processing. (We are even considering devoting our vineyards to grapes that support making port wines!)
Obviously, we are still in the planning stages, but we can tell you that we plan to plant both white and red varietals. We will also import some types of grapes from other regions of the U.S. to mix with our varietals to provide a nice robust flavor to our forthcoming wines.
In general, however, it will take about three years minimum for any type of grape to be ready to produce enough to manufacture wine and/or ports. Until then, we will be researching Indiana-friendly grapes, climate, weather, topography, and soil composition in order to produce the best possible vines and for our future Finley vintages.
In the meantime, we are focusing on our lovely new venue and booking great indoor and outdoor events for 2018. Those visiting Finley Creek Vineyard are finding our building a lovely mix of rustic and contemporary – with plenty of space to host elegant wedding receptions as well as more business-y corporate events.
And – since Zionsville is a destination spot, and Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering is known for getting all the details (especially the yummy ones), done right, Finley Creek Vineyard has already begun to make it’s mark.
“I use locally sourced meats from Indiana farms as much as possible,” says Jacquie Bols, owner of Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering. “Not only does it have a superior taste, but I like supporting responsible farmers who choose to raise their animals sustainably rather than mass-produce them on a factory farm.”
Just think about the last time you bit into a luscious just-picked vine-ripened tomato. Juicy and delicious, right? Compare that to a store-bought tomato. There’s a dramatic difference in texture, taste and juice. The same is true for sustainably raised meats versus those purchased at a store. The meat is more flavorful, deeper colored, and definitely fresher. You can taste the difference.
“There are quite a few Indiana farms from which I purchase fresh chicken and pork on a regular basis; Gunthorp Farms in Springfield, Indiana; Trader’s Point; and This Old Farm in Colfax, Indiana, among them. I know the farmers and have seen their stock. I know what they feed their animals and how they treat them. They will not use growth hormones, feed additives or nontherapeutic antibiotics. So I’m confident I’m giving my customers safe, quality meat.”
Not only that, but sustainable meat from pasture-raised animals generally contains less fat, fewer calories and higher levels of important nutrients such as:
essential omega-3 fatty acids
vitamin E
and beta carotene.
There are environmental benefits to consider as well. Sustainable farms use responsible agricultural practices that protect the environment.
Says Jacquie, “When I buy meat from a sustainable Indiana farm, I am helping to support these efforts. That’s something that’s incredibly important to me, and I believe it’s something my client’s value as well.”
- Jacquie Bols, owner
What are Sustainable Foods (and why should you Care)?
Sustainable means “conserving an ecological balance by avoiding depletion of natural resources” (source: Google.com). In the catering business, this means promoting healthy farming and environmental practices such as the use of fewer resources. Many brides and corporate event planners are looking for sustainable options when planning their Indianapolis wedding or special event. Here at Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering and Finley Creek Vineyards, we have an eye on sustainability. We offer many options when it comes to planning our events, either at Finley Creek or another Indianapolis venue.
Our Outdoor Setting
One of the reasons we decided to open our own venue for catering at Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering was to become more sustainable. At Finley Creek Vineyards, we can host your event outdoors in our garden area to make it green, and the sun can provide all the natural lighting you’ll need. Even our indoor venue, a refurbished Zionsville barn space, boasts plenty of natural lighting. Another way to conserve would be to have your wedding and reception all at one location, to save on fuel emissions. Dining by candlelight and using farm-to-table flowers or potted plants instead of off-season varieties are other ways you can stay sustainable with the setting of your wedding or special event.
An outdoor wedding with covered, tented seating allows you to conserve energy and have a certain ambiance, while protecting guests from the elements.
Farm-to-Table Food Sources
You should care where your food comes from, especially when planning a special event. Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering has established partnerships with several local farms throughout the Indiana area, where we can source the freshest meats, eggs, cheeses, produce and other food for our clients’ catered meals. Using in-season and local food sources means you’ll be able to serve the freshest food that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. From pasture-raised to organic and non-GMO, we have just about any option you would consider, and we can help you select the best menu to accommodate your needs. Some of our local sustainability partners include Fischer Farms, Gunthrop Farms, This Old Farm, Traders Point Creamery and Goose the Market.
One of our Indianapolis catered appetizer tables with locally-sourced meats and cheeses
For more information about how to make your Indianapolis wedding, corporate event or fundraiser more sustainable, contact Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering at 317.283.2776.
