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When most people think of Indiana, they think of the Indianapolis 500. They don’t even think that this little Midwestern state is capable of producing some amazing varieties of wine and spirits. In the southern part of the state, there are several wineries and vineyards that make an excellent afternoon destination. Perfect for grabbing a meal, having a picnic, and trying some new wines, these locations are sure to please any wine lover in your group! This is where to go wine tasting in Southern Indiana!
See also: Stay in and have it shipped to you with these wine clubs that ship to Indiana. Looking for more awesome places to go wine tasting out West? These are our favorite places to go wine tasting in Denver, Colorado!
Here’s Where to go Wine Tasting in Southern Indiana
French Lick Winery & The Vintage Cafe
Stock up on some carbs before or after your wine tasting. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try some of the spirits from the Spirits of French Lick Distillery. Located in an old piano factory in the middle of historic West Baden Springs, the French Lick Winery features over 30 different wines of all types – bubbly, sweet, fortified, fruity, and of course some dry varieties. Some tastings are even complimentary! Step up to the bar and let one of their knowledgeable staff members lead you through the long list of wine offerings. And DEFINITELY order the pizza, you won’t regret it.
Winzerwald Winery
If the name of the winery didn’t tell you, this is the place to get all of the German-inspired wines that you’re dying to try. Since the owner has German roots, you might also find fruit wines, spiced wines, and even ice wines. In the winter of 2018, they opened the Wein Kitchen Restaurant to accompany their offerings. Order a Bavarian pretzel with mustard or artisan cheeses to enjoy with your wine. They also sell wine slushies, wine floats, and wine cocktails if you wish to add those alongside your complimentary wines.
See also: Let these novels set in wine country inspire your next wine tasting night!
Oliver Winery
Since the 1970s, this winery has been about more than just wine – it’s been an experience from the moment you arrive on the property. Oliver Winery is currently Indiana’s oldest and largest winery. Take in their exquisite gardens and vineyards while you enjoy one of their picnic packages. Make a whole day of it as you try different wines from their vast portfolio of varieties. Fruity, mead, dry reds, semi-sweet – they’ve got it all. A perfect location for photo opportunities, long walks, and live music on the weekends.
Brown County Winery
With two locations for tastings, it’s a can’t miss place during any visit to southern Indiana. Every wine is made in Gnaw Bone, Indiana from a variety of fruits found in the United States. You can bring the whole family to the Brown County Winery while you enjoy your tastings – yes, even your dog! Their Rose recently took top honors from the Indy International Wine Competition. This hidden gem continues to expand their offerings and expects to be making small batches of their own estate grown wine in 2020.
Butler Winery
As Indiana’s fourth oldest winery, this Bloomington staple continues to expand their vineyard and offerings. Besides growing six different grape varieties, they also produce over 12,000 gallons of wine every single year. Visit their Wine Garden at their downtown Bloomington location for a $5 wine tasting, local products, and homebrewing and winemaking supplies. This is must-see place to go wine tasting in Southern Indiana.
Turtle Run Winery
Everyone says the best way to experience Turtle Run Winery is with a glass of wine in your hand on a crazy tour led by Jim Pfeiffer, owner & winemaker. For the entertaining & educational experience behind your wine and why it tastes the way it does, the tour is a must during your visit. With 30 wines on their wine list and 15 acres of vines to explore, you’ll be entertained for a perfect afternoon date. Plus, enjoying their wines AND their Sunday concert series is worth a trip! Tutrle Run Winery is a wonderful venue if you’re looking for where to go wine tasting in Southern Indiana.
Huber’s Winery
Since 1843, Huber’s has been creating award-winning wines that draw customers to one of the state’s largest agritourism destinations. Aside from wines & vines, Huber’s also offers visitors a distillery or farmer’s market as part of their experience. Come pick your own berries, drink your wine, and enjoy the ambience of the grounds. Also enjoy the cheese shop, ice cream factory, and the family farm park to make a whole day out of the experience.
Owen Valley Winery
For a rural wine destination, this is one to add to your winery list. Since 2011, the Owen Valley Winery has been open to the public, serving wines and food at a reasonable price to their patrons. Can’t make it down to southern Indiana, their wine club packages are available to ship to almost every state!
Fun fact: All of these wineries are a part of the Indiana Uplands Wine Trail, inside of the Indiana Uplands AVA. South-central Indiana is full of large, rolling hills, that lead to some one-of-a-kind destinations. Altogether, these wineries offer over 200 types of wines and has been federally recognized as an AVA, an American Viticultural Area, since 2013. This simply means that this region of Indiana has a unique blend of geography, soil, and climate to give its wine a unique flavor profile.
See also: These are our favorite trendy and unique urban wineries in Portland!
You might not realize what you’ll find hidden in the hills of southern Indiana! Drive through this beautiful region for a day or two of wine tastings to see what makes some of these Indiana wines so spectacular!
