Low Intervention Fine Wine

Above all,

we are stewards
of the land.

We make low intervention fine wine that tells a story of place—its seasons, its soil, and its spirit.

Through thoughtful, regenerative practices and a deep respect for the land, our mission is to elevate Indiana wine.

At Daylily, we are passionate about wine for its ability to bring people together, to celebrate culture, community, and the beauty of its origin.

Every bottle is an invitation to pause, connect, and savor the stories of its place and maker.

WHERE TO FIND US TODAY & OUR VISION FOR TOMORROW

It is our dream to build a boutique winery that will offer fine wine representative of Northern Indiana.

WHERE TO FIND US

Many Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana restaurants and bars, as well many Saturdays at the YLNI Farmer’s Market in Fort Wayne. Our wines are also available for purchase online.

While currently we can only offer wine pick-up by appointment, within the next 3-5 years we aim to build a tasting experience that will be immersive and soulful—a place where you can feel something, learn something, explore, and experience something entirely unique to Indiana wine.

The Daylily Dudes

CODY KRAUS
Founder / Winemaker

Having grown up on a hobby horse farm and orchard, I have always had an interest in agriculture. I began to make wine from my family’s Concord vines at the age of 17 after mom no longer wanted to make gallons of grape jelly. This experience coupled with my fascination for science drove me to explore the intricacies of both wine chemistry and regenerative agriculture. A trip to Chile’s Casablanca Valley (a thriving cool climate wine growing region) in the spring of 2019 further solidified my passion. I have spent the last three years absorbing the teachings of pioneer grape hybridizer Elmer Swenson and horticulturist Dr Konstantin Frank and am confident in my abilities to apply those practices to growing hybrid wine grapes in my native state of Indiana.

CHRIS LEONARD
Co-founder

My father piqued my interest in wine in my early 20’s with a notable objection to me attempting to grasp his wine glass by the bowl. I’ve always enjoyed tasting wines and learning about the process with visits to New Zealand and Napa. I’ve been lucky enough to have a 11+ year career in sales as a professional problem solver, and I also have a background in art and design. Many of my friends know and identify me as a jack of all trades. I look forward to spearheading our business relationships and helping Daylily grow into a well recognized and revered wine producer.

TROY VEGLATTE
Co-founder/ Sommelier

I first started working in wine in 2009 via the retail industry, which quickly piqued my interest in hospitality and fine dining. I also worked in an established tasting room part time for the better part of two years. I became a certified sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2015, and worked in restaurants around New Jersey, Philadelphia, Boston and Miami. I worked harvests in Sonoma, CA and Burgundy, France, and spent the first half of 2019 in New Zealand working for an acclaimed viticulturist and Master of Wine. I’m currently enthralled with the potential for quality wine growing here in the Midwest, and aim to contribute to levels of skill and service I’ve yet to see consistently in the region as well as help create a warm environment for as many people who appreciate our dedication to the land, our product, and the community.