Above, Dave and Michele Muir stand inside their winery (photo from BBN archives) which is also pictured at top right. (Photo by Amber Raeder)

Now in its second full year of operation, the Fruit Hills Winery and Orchard will harvest grapes from its own vineyard for the first time in 2012. In addition, it will continue to offer wines from apples and peaches picked in its mature orchard.

Located at 55503 SR 15, about two miles south of Bristol, the winery is becoming an increasingly popular destination for out-of-state tourists visiting Elkhart County. Owners David and Michele Muir also continue to welcome local groups to wine tasting parties and tours of the winemaking facilities. Interested persons can call 848-9463 for more information.

Winter hours are 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Starting on April 3 the hours will be 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. The winery is closed on Mondays, except for Memorial Day and Labor Day.

In their ongoing quest for new products to sell, the Muirs are now offering a new wine called “Bella’s Trio,” a blend of Seyval Blanc, Riesling, and Traminette. They are in the final stages of preparation for “Make Me Blush,” a sweet red table wine that includes Concord grapes in its tasty blend.

Other varieties sold at the winery include Merlot, Cabernet Blanc, Noiret, White Delight, Pinot Noir, and Red Sensation. Traminette is the winery’s bestselling variety, and has been named the state’s “Signature Wine” by the Indiana Wine Grape Council. A full description of their wines is available on the Muirs’ website at www.fruithillswinery.com.

Since Dave Muir works full time at another job, he and Michele have their hands full with the varied demands of an orchard, a vineyard, a wine-making facility, and a retail shop. They are assisted on a part-time basis by their son, Nate, his wife, Brittany, and their daughter Stephanie.