Beer and Wine Tour: Two EEs Winery

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Welcome to the first stop in the Living Fort Wayne Beer and Wine Tour. Every month we will be featuring a different local brewery or winery from our region. I will be making stops at several nearby wineries while Jake Pickett will be covering our local breweries. This series stems from our love of local, our love of craft, and our love of beer and wine.

Our first stop on the Beer and Wine Tour is at Two EE's Winery in Roanoke, Indiana. Just off of Highway 24, a visit to Two EE's is more than worth the short drive.

The outside of the building makes a great first impression. The attention to design is evident in the building's facade and it continues through to the interior. Clean lines and modern design gives the tasting room a sort of clinical feel of cleanliness, but it's the attention to the details that welcomes you inside. The design is all part of a vision crafted by Emily and Eric, the winery's two very talented owners.

At the tasting bar you are presented with a wine list offering red, white, fruit, and dessert wines. Each wine is accompanied by a short list of notes that can be found in each taste. After selecting six of the options, the fun begins. The staff behind the bar (in this case one of the owner's father) was knowledgeable and very friendly. He made conversation while he poured, talking about the wines, the process, and asking us about ourselves. As I tasted I scribbled notes on each, whether it was too dry, too sweet, or if the taste just didn't agree with my palate. I had all intentions to leave with a bottle in hand and I wanted the right one. My favorite by far was the Tannat, described as dry, blackberry jam, cigar box, and quince. I am a sucker for dry red wine, and this one hit all the right spots.

After our tastings we each ordered a glass to enjoy, and as we did, we took a look around.  The walls are lined with wine racks stocked full with Two EEs bottles. On various shelves a variety of wine accessories can be found, from gift bags to wineglass charms. They even had wine wipes to clean the red wine stain from your teeth or lips. Out the side door we saw the patio overlooking their vineyard. We were told that they had plans for expanding the patio, including a stage for bands to play during their Fridays Uncorked event series. Since it was a rainy spring day on our visit we didn't get to enjoy the patio, however I've enjoyed it before and it's a great spot to have a glass of white wine or one of their featured wine slushies.

Established in 2011, Two EEs is a young winery, however their taste for both design and wine is obviously mature. I will be returning, whether it's to taste new selections, purchase a bottle for home, or just hang out with glass in hand. Come see what they have to offer, I hope to see you there!

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