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If you mention Indianapolis to the average traveler, it’s highly likely you’ll get a yawn and a “no thanks.” However, in the last decade, the Circle City has built a reputation as a food and beverage destination. If you find yourself in Indianapolis for work or pleasure (Indy 500, anyone?), take some time to discover why Indianapolis’ food & drink scene is booming. Visit one of these fun Indianapolis wine bars when you’re visiting!
If you’d rather sip at home, here’s all the wine clubs that ship to Indiana for you to check out too.
Located in Downtown Indianapolis at 50 W Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204
This cozy little Indianapolis wine bar is attached to downtown’s prestigious Conrad Hotel. Inside, you’ll find a variety of seating options - high top tables, bar seating, or even some cozy couches and ottomans. If you’ve got a favorite wine or an adventurous palate, this place has the best options for you. You can absolutely order a glass or bottle, but their bread & butter is the sampling process. Once you enter the space, the host stand will fill a prepaid debit-style card with the amount of your choice. You can take that card around to the different machines in the bar to get a sample taste, half glass, or full glass of wine. Perfect for those who love to sample several kinds before committing to a glass.
Southern-Inspired Small Plate Restaurant & Wine Bar in Louisville & Fishers, IN
Located in the Mass Ave Arts District at 530 Massachusetts Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204
This Midwest charmer is known for their extensive wine list of over 60 wines and the $2 brunch mimosas. Their tapas-style menu paired with their cleverly-named wine flights is a great way to sample several different wines and food choices. Add “Cheese, Please” to any flight you order to sample some cheese options that compliment your wine.
With a rustic indoor decor that spans two floors and private dining offerings, Louvino caters to all kinds of wine drinkers. Great for a glass of wine after work, a round of appetizers, or a date night!
Located in Speedway at 1182 Main Street, Indianapolis, IN 46224
A short jaunt from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, you’ll find A.J. Foyt’s Wine Vault on Speedway’s Main Street. Opened in 2015, this unique lounger offers bottles that are based on the memories and events in the life of A.J. Foyt, IndyCar racing legend. The Foyt Wine Vault is in a perfect location for those visiting the track, but a great spot for the locals to patronize as well.
Offering a small menu to compliment their 12 varietals of wine, their space holds up to 200 people for private events. Guests can celebrate major events or hold meetings, or just show up and drink wine in a very casual atmosphere.
Located in the Mass Ave Arts District at 878 Massachusetts Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Less of a traditional sit-down wine bar/restaurant and more of an actual wine shop/mini-restaurant hybrid, this place offers some of Indianapolis’ most unique wine offerings. Everything they sell in the shop is curated by the shop’s owner and the personal flair shows - these aren’t the wines you’ll find in a typical wine shop, plus many are budget-friendly at $15 or less.
While many people do stop pin to say for a couple glasses of wine, craft beer, or one of their cocktails, many patrons walk in to the store to buy and stock their own wine cabinets. They also offer an amazing calendar of events that are perfect for their small space. Come in, have some wine, and chat with some new friends in their cozy space. Some of their most popular events include a bi-weekly psychic event and Tasting Tuesday. If you need suggestions for a special event you’re hosting, ask their staff - they love talking about wine and are some of the friendliest people you’ll meet.
Located in the Old Northside at 402 E 16th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Consistently rated as one of the best restaurants in Indianapolis, it’s not unusual to swing in here for a glass of wine at their beautiful community table. Their extensive wine list and growing list of spirits is always changing with the seasons and menu. Chef Braedon Kellner and Sommelier Kyle Pate work closely together to curate a menu and wine list that are extremely complimentary.
They work hard to keep everything seasonal and local whenever possible. This small place is only open for dinner service, but can fill up extremely quickly on weekend evenings. Plus, when the weather is nice, nothing beats wine and dessert out on their patio.
Located in the Mass Ave Arts District at 747 N. College Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46202 or at 37 W Main Street, Carmel, IN 46032
No matter which location you choose to visit, Peace Water Winery offers a little something special for every wine lover. As Indiana's only locally-owned California winery, their wines are hand-crafted in the Napa Valley, but only sold here in Indiana and online.
Their kitschy interiors are perfect for stopping in for beverage while strolling and shopping. Plus, both locations have excellent space for large group events and private tastings. No reservations are needed to stop in for a wine tasting, walk in anytime they’re open (no Mondays) and get your hands on the Storybook wines.
Located in Fountain Square at 1031 Virginia Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46203
Their wine wall is full of great wines for a great price, all tasted and sampled by the staff prior to being sold in the store. Appetizers are always available for purchase, plus wine slushies and wine flights are a nice touch when you come in! Or, if you want to come in earlier in the day, they are open with coffee, baked goods, and a few lunch items everyday from 11am - 3pm. After lunch, grab a bottle of wine and head out to enjoy Fountain Square!
Honorable Mentions:
Louie's Wine Dive | The place for food and wine lovers to Be Social!
Located in the Mass Ave Arts District at 345 Massachusetts Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204
An honorable mention must go to Louie’s Wine Dive because they gear their menu toward newer wine drinkers who are looking to step out and try new wines. That’s not to say they don’t offer wine for the experienced palate, but overall, everything there feels geared to the wine novice.
Located in Broad Ripple at 6406 N Cornell Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220
This new brick & mortar location for Just Pop In! May seem like an odd stop for wine (because popcorn), but listen up anyways! Get to the shop, buy yourself some popcorn or an entree, and try some of their delicious beverages. All kinds of wine, sangria, bubbles, and creative sherry cocktails should be enough to get you in the door.
Next time you’re in Indiana, hopefully you join us for some unique wine & food - all served up with a little “Hoosier Hospitality.”
Which Indianapolis wine bar would you like to try? Have you ever been to any of these? I’d love to hear all about it!
