Our Story
Our Story
Country Heritage Winery & Vineyard, founded by Jeremy and Jennifer Lutter, has deep roots in Northeast Indiana, where their family farm has thrived for over a century. The winery and vineyard, established in 2011, has grown into the largest vineyard in Indiana, achieving remarkable success and numerous accolades for its commitment to quality. In 2024, building on their winemaking expertise, they expanded into distilling with the creation of Backroads Distilling Company, which reflects the same care and dedication found in their vineyard. Each bottle from both Country Heritage Winery and Backroads Distilling celebrates their heritage and promises exceptional quality. As a family-owned business led by fourth and fifth-generation farmers, Jeremy and Jennifer’s passion for the land invites all who visit to raise a glass to tradition and innovation.
The Blueberry Beginning
In 2001, Jeremy and Jennifer took a leap of faith when they purchased a well-established you-pick blueberry farm in LaOtto, Indiana. This was not just any farm; it was a cherished piece of their childhood, where summers were spent picking blueberries under the sun. With their son Brian adopted that same year, the couple decided to run the u-pick operation, allowing Jennifer to stay home with him while still replacing her income.
The original 12-acre patch, dotted with blueberry bushes over 40 years old, required careful management, especially when it came to pollination. Initially, they rented hives from a local beekeeper, who would bring the bees to their farm each spring. As Jeremy developed a friendship with the beekeeper, he began assisting with transporting hives across Indiana and Michigan, discovering the challenges of wintering bees in the Midwest.
However, opportunity knocked when they learned about shipping bees to California for the almond pollination season. Jeremy seized this chance, traveling to California during winter to care for the bees, all while exploring wineries in the region. Inspired by the idea of merging agriculture with winemaking, he envisioned a small winery alongside their farm market—a perfect blend of fresh produce and crafted beverages.
Upon returning home, Jeremy was bursting with ideas. They expanded the blueberry farm to an impressive 40 acres, planting newer, more resilient varieties. With dreams of mechanizing their harvest, they installed drip irrigation and overhead systems to nurture the burgeoning plants. Their vision continued to evolve as they researched and networked with winery owners across the Midwest.
By the summer of 2010, they were ready to make their dream a reality. Breaking ground for Country Heritage Winery, they opened their doors in May 2011 with their first wine: blueberry. Critics were skeptical about a winery emerging from the heart of Indiana’s cornfields, but Jeremy’s adventurous spirit prevailed.
Not content with just blueberries, the couple planted their first vineyard the same year. Their passion for farming blossomed into a thriving business, merging their rich agricultural heritage with innovative practices. Since opening, Country Heritage Winery has expanded to 101 acres of vineyards, enhanced its production facilities, and developed outdoor spaces for concerts and gatherings. They added two kitchens to serve delectable food, an event center for celebrations, and most recently, a distillery and cocktail lounge for those who appreciate fine spirits.
Through it all, Jeremy and Jennifer have remained committed to their roots, crafting products that reflect their love for the land and the community. With every bottle, they tell a story of resilience, creativity, and the joy of transforming their farm into a destination where guests can savor the fruits of their labor. Country Heritage Winery is not just a place to enjoy wine; it’s a celebration of family, heritage, and the adventurous spirit of farming.