Acres Away Rebrand

ASHLEY, Ind.—Acres Away Winery, formerly known as Hartland Winery, recently unveiled its new name and brand, further renewing its commitment to providing a unique and immersive wine experience for guests. The winery is hosting an Open House to celebrate the new branding and guests are invited for a free tour and free wine tasting during the event on Friday, Jan. 5 and Saturday, Jan. 6 from noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 7 from 1-5 p.m.

Located at 425 County Road 23, just off the I-69 Ashley/Hudson exit, Acres Away Winery aims to establish itself as the top destination for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

At Acres Away Winery, guests have the opportunity to indulge in the serene beauty of the estate vineyard, charming pergola and wildflower meadow, offering a much-needed digital detox.

With an emphasis on sourcing local products, the winery prides itself on exceptional hospitality, thoughtfully curated vineyard experience and attention to detail. Visitors can expect a wide array of creative, locally-grown wines and a kitchen menu that showcases an Italian wood-fired pizza oven.

Acres Away Winery owner Shane Christ, who purchased the winery in 2022 from Alan and Brenda Lockhart, has over 22 years of experience in grape cultivation and winemaking in Indiana. His expertise and leadership have been instrumental in supporting new winemakers and grape growers across the Midwest.

Christ’s contributions to the industry extend beyond his winery, as he has served as the former President of the Indiana Winery and Vineyard Association and the Steuben County Tourism Bureau.

“Being located in Ashley makes our winery a stop for visitors and residents year-round. Steuben County’s snowmobile trails, Pokagon State Park’s Tobaggon Run and the overall increase in all-season tourism keep us welcoming customers regularly. We’re thankful to be able to serve the lake crowd no matter the season,” he said.

Joining Christ is winemaker Kirk Etheridge, who brings a unique touch to the winemaking process.

With a combined experience of 30 years in crafting exceptional wines in Indiana, Christ and Etheridge are dedicated to producing truly one-of-a-kind wines.

Christ said Acres Away Winery is committed to expanding its reach and sharing its exceptional wines with a wider audience.

“In the transformation from Hartland Winery to Acres Away Winery, we’ve not only changed our name but embarked on a journey to redefine excellence in winemaking. Like the sprawling acres of grapes that surround us, our commitment to crafting high-quality wine extends beyond the vineyards. Our rebranding is more than a name change; it’s an invitation to savor the fruits of our labor, rooted in the belief that every bottle tells a story of perseverance, artistry, and the timeless connection between the land and the glass,” said Christ.

In addition to the continued growth of its Wine Club, the winery plans to introduce limited distribution to local restaurants and retail establishments. Furthermore, Acres Away Winery will offer vineyard and winery tours, weather permitting, and will be available for small, private events upon request.

“Winemaking is hard, gritty work. At Acres Away, we recognize that winemaking is a blend of farming, manufacturing and production that requires dedication, passion and craftsmanship. That’s what we commit to our guests,” said Etheridge.

As Acres Away Winery rebrands from Hartland Winery, it invites wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike to experience the beauty and tranquility of its vineyard. With a renewed focus on providing an unforgettable guest experience, Acres Away Winery is poised to become a premier destination for wine lovers seeking a taste of Indiana’s finest.

Located at 425 County Road 23, just off the I-69 Ashley/Hudson exit, Acres Away Winery is a destination for visitors and wine lovers. Guests expect a wide array of creative, locally-grown wines and a kitchen menu that showcases an Italian wood-fired pizza oven. Acres Away Winery offers vineyard and winery tours and hosts small, private events upon request. With over 22 years of experience in grape cultivation and winemaking in Indiana, owner Shane Christ works with head winemaker Kirk Etheridge to create one-of-a-kind wines with local grapes.