For Bill Richardson, Mallow Run Winery is part family history and part storybook romance.
John Richardson, Bill’s father, grew up on the Johnson County farm where Mallow Run Winery is located. The farm has been in the Richardson family since George Mallow purchased it in 1835. After moving away to teach, John retired on the farm with a plan to grow grapes and sell wine to Indiana wineries.
Bill’s dream when he went to Purdue to study agriculture was to live in the original Mallow/Richardson home on the farm. He and Laura Emerson met in 2003 while they were playing in the Carmel Symphony Orchestra, and their shared love for music, wine, the farm, and each other evolved into a marriage in 2005.
Opening the winery took years of hard work for Bill, John and Laura, beginning with planting the first grapes in 2000.
“We are growing our own grapes on the same soils our family has tilled since 1835,” Bill says.
They planted more grapes in succeeding years. Vineyards now cover eight of the family’s 600-acre farm.
“With expanding vineyards taking root, an aging barn with great potential, and the desire to share our love of fine wines, the decision was quickly made to open our own winery right here on the farm,” Bill says.
Winemaking inspires him, he says, because he enjoys “dealing with an agricultural product and turning it into an enjoyable, drinkable art form.”
Becoming part of Indiana Artisan appealed to him as a way to gain recognition for the Richardson family’s craft. Being an Indiana Artisan confirms his belief that “we are making an exceptional product as judged by wine professionals as well as customers.”
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