If you hear the story about the beginning of the well-known Mallow Run Winery, you may think it sounds a lot like fate.
John Richardson grew up on the farm where the winery is now. He went to college and moved to the southern part of the state where he taught school for years. Once he retired, he moved back to his family’s farm home with the intention of growing grapes as a hobby.  He had read articles about Indiana wineries wanting more people to grow grapes. This would be a great way to keep the family farm alive.
Shortly after starting his grape project, he attended a seminar on barn restoration. This seminar was given by a renowned Amish man named Amos Schwartz.  John invited Amos to take a look at the family barn which was likely built in the 1870’s. Amos was so impressed with the shape of the barn. Only one beam needed to be replaced during the restoration.  This beautifully restored barn is what became the current wine tasting room and main offices for Mallow Run Winery.
John’s son, Bill, who studied Agriculture at Purdue University, brought his new bride, Laura, home to the farm in 2003. They often talked of the possibilities of the winery and creating a wonderful space to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Many friends and acquaintances offered up ideas on how they should expand their operation and make it open to the public. In 2005 the Winery did open to the public featuring the beautiful rustic barn as their tasting room.
Twelve acres of grapes are now grown at Mallow Run. There are many hybrid varieties of grapes that can handle the Indiana climate and many varieties of wine produced. In the recent years, Monarch Beverage has contracted to distribute Mallow Run labeled wine and you can find them in a variety of local stores.
The winery continued to grow with the intent of maintaining a family friendly atmosphere.  Concerts evolved into their ‘Summer Picnic Concert Series’ where local bands and nationally known musicians
come to entertain families on the lawn. Food trucks are on-site during the events to provide a variety of food choices and families are welcome to bring their own food, blankets and chairs to get comfortable and enjoy the music.
In 2011, Laura turned her love for running into another Mallow Run signature event called ‘Wine at The Line’. This event draws thousands of participants who walk or run the course along the beautiful countryside surrounding the winery. Each participant receives post-race snacks, a glass of wine and is invited to stay for wine tasting, music, food trucks and relaxation on the lawn.  The proceeds from this event benefit a different charity each year.
As popularity of the winery exploded, requests for events became overwhelming. The family began to research the viability of an event venue on their property.  Upon gathering information and pitching their solid findings to a few banks, they received the funding to build their rustic, yet elegant, premier event venue, The Sycamore.
Simons Bitzer & Associates is delighted to have the opportunity provide our services to Mallow Run Winery and The Sycamore. The firm looks forward to working with the Richardson’s and helping them grow their family legacy here in Johnson County.