The Cooke Family own and operate Daniels Vineyard.

Wine Down at Geist: Daniel’s Vineyard

Writer  /  Chalene Braun
Photography  /  Natalie Weber & Chalene Braun

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The long, hot days of summer around Geist seem to end too soon for avid boaters and outdoor enthusiasts, yet for some this year, it has seemed to be all too long. Why’s that? Because there’s a soft aroma of wine in the air as local enthusiasts await the opening of the brand-new production and wine tasting facility at Daniel’s Vineyard!

The Cook Family own and operate Daniel's Vineyard.
The Cook Family own and operate Daniel’s Vineyard.

Six years ago, the Cook family of seven planted their first grapes with the hopes of growing a vineyard to sell the grapes. They quickly learned that the surrounding communities loved their setting and location and were asking for more … a place to unwind and drink local wine in a beautiful 80-acre setting!

The Cooks, along with many friends and family and that very same community base, came together and will soon see their newest dream become a reality with the opening of Daniel’s Family Vineyard and Winery this fall!

At the vineyard’s third Cellar Club release party in May, the introduction of four new wines afforded eager members a glimpse into the new production and wine tasting facility that will be the face of Daniel’s Family Vineyard and Winery. Friends, family and Cellar Club members were able to taste all four of the new wines released with magical small-bite pairings while touring the new facility.

Glass walls will provide a dramatic backdrop of the high-tech production facility behind the 50′ wine tasting bar where, once opened, visitors will be able to sample wines and enjoy a pizza or small bite from the fully-equipped wood-burning kitchen.

1476474535___dvmay2016releaseThe Cooks’ eclectic design is a self-admitted work-in-progress that is intended to provide a barn warehouse feel with flexible usage space. The two-story facility will house the corporate offices upstairs, a tremendous 325-plus capacity banquet hall and a fully-furnished chic and unique bridal suite for weddings and family gatherings. The large 15′ deep covered balconies will wrap both levels, providing a majestic view overlooking the entire vineyard. Painstakingly planted in perfectly straight rows of eight different varieties of grapes, the vineyards are producing 15 high quality varieties of wine.

Kim Cook, the matriarch of the family, leads the entirely female Cook workforce, along with her daughter, Stephanie, Daniel’s head winemaker. The entire family works together with relatively no set positions, building a dream that is sure to impress the most persnickety of Napa-goers.

Set to open soon, the Geist, Lawrence and Fishers’ communities will all get to enjoy an entirely new family-friendly venue, hosting outdoor concerts, company outings, weddings and reunions, community fall grape harvesting and grape stomping. (Yes, that’ll resume as well!) Future plans for glamping on the lush grounds and even the addition of a craft brewery are also already underway!

The Cooks’ family story and dream of a family-focused business and winery will surely be a most welcomed and beautiful addition to our communities! CHEERS!

Follow Daniel, Kim, Stephanie, Jenna, Carlee, Calvin and Christian Cook and their families on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @DanielsVineyard for the latest on the Daniel’s Family Vineyard and Winery opening and community events.

For more information on the Cellar Club, offering exclusive releases twice yearly and tastings throughout the year, contact Jen Cook at jrcook@danielsvineyard.com or visit the website at DanielsVineyard.com.

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