Satek winery
About Us
Satek Winery is more than just a place to enjoy great wine—it’s a destination that reflects the heart and soul of northeast Indiana. With its dedication to local partnerships, its inviting tasting room, and its wide variety of handcrafted wines, Satek Winery offers an experience that’s as memorable as it is delicious. Whether you’re planning a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a casual afternoon with friends, make sure to include a stop at Satek Winery in Fremont, Indiana.
Raise a glass and celebrate the flavors of the Midwest—one sip at a time.
Satek Winery Facts
Satek Winery started as a commercial vineyard, selling grapes to other Indiana wineries, in 1992. The intent was to eventually open a winery as a “retirement” business.
The vineyard was established on land owned by the family on the north end of Lake James. The land was purchased in 1915 by Pam Satek’s great grandfather Fred Kreibaum. The land was a working apple orchard for many years, but had grown wild when the Satek’s started the vineyard in 1992.
Groundbreaking for the winery was held in late 1999. The winery opened on June 30, 2001 with Pam, Larry and one part time employee. Satek Winery currently has 15 employees.
All the original wine in 2001 was made from grapes grown in Satek Winery’s Lake James vineyard. The winery opened with four wines, although eventually 12 wines would be released during 2001.
Although vineyard acreage had increased, the winery’s needs outstripped the growth and Satek Winery had to purchase grapes. Most (80%) are from other Indiana, Michigan and Pennsylvania vineyards to remain as close in character to our grapes as possible. California, Oregon and Washington grapes are also purchased.
Wines grown on Satek Winery vineyards had won gold medals, and Best in Class awards, from dry red and white wines to semi-sweet red and white wines.
Pam Satek, an Indiana University graduate, was a teacher, followed by being a Principal of an Elementary School in the Lutheran School System for 16 years. Larry Satek holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry and was a research scientist for 23 years, after 7 years of being a college chemistry professor.
Donations
Download a Donation request form for your charitable organization. After you fill it in, send it by mail to the winery (Attn: Morgan) or by email to morgand@satekwinery.com.
Wine Goals
The winery was originally designed for 10,000 gal capacity, although nearly 13,000 gal were produced in the last 12 months. With growth, production can be increased to an anticipated 25,000 – 30,000 gal.
Grape knowledge
A ton of grapes will produce about 150 gal of wine. An acre of grapes will produce 3-7 tons of grapes.
A newly planted grapevine will take about 5 years to reach full production, and about 7 years to reach full flavor maturity. Grapevines generally slow down in production after about 35 years, but may live to be 100 years old, or older.
Our awards
Satek Winery has had nearly 80% of its wines continually win medals in the third largest international wine competition in the US among many other competitions.
satek winery
Steuben County, Indiana Historical Figures
Adhemar de Chaunac
Baron von Steuben
Steuben County, Indiana (where we are located) is also named for him.
Marshal Ferdinand Foch
By the Numbers
- We contract 4 acres of local grapes.
- One acre will produce 3-7 tons of grapes.
- One ton of grapes will produce about 150 gallons of wine.
- Original winery designed for 10,000 gallon capacity (13,000 gallon produced in last year before expansion)
- With expansion complete, capacity is now 25,000 to 30,000 gallons.
- A newly planted grapevine will take about 5 years to reach full production, and about 7 years to reach full flavor maturity.
- One grape vine can produce 3-5 bottles of wine.
Roughly a million bottles of Satek wine has been sold!
Thousands of wine glasses have been given away at our anniversary celebrations!
| 1992 | Vineyard planted at Lake James. |
| 1998 | Satek sells 8 tons of grapes on average annually. |
| 1999 | Fremont Town Council gives approval for proposed Satek Winery. |
| Winery groundbreaking. | |
| 2000 | First grape crush. |
| 2001 | Winery Grand Opening, 4 wines introduced (DeChaunac, Steuben, 101 Lakes Red & Seyval Blanc). |
| 2002 | Introduced Merlot, Merechal Foch, Chardonnay, Syrah and Soren’s Favorite. |
| Satek Winery wins 7 medals at their first International Wine Competition (2-gold, 3-Silver, 2 Bronze). | |
| Vineyard at the Winery planted. | |
| 2003 | Satek Winery featured in Wall Street Journal. |
| Port (Satek’s first dessert wine) introduced. | |
| “Kreibaum Bay” name first used. |
| 2004 | Corker machine purchased (hand corking was done before this time). |
| 2005 | “Branded” corks first used. They’re free from the supplier if you sell enough wine. |
| 2006 | Winery expansion. |
| Tractor purchased. | |
| First harvest of Wild Winds Vineyards. | |
| 2007 | “Plate and Frame” filter purchased. |
| 2008 | 6 other local grapes growers contracted. |
| 2009 | 8th Anniversary |
| 2019 | Indiana Winery of the Year |
| Annual production is at 10 times first year production. | |
| Wine distribution initiated. Formation of “Vine2Wine”. | |
| 2024 | December 17th, 2024, Jody Hill bought Satek Winery. |