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Indiana Wineries

Indiana Quick Facts

First Indiana wineries started appearing in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Indiana vineyards made it the tenth largest grape producing state in the country until Prohibition. Since 1970's, the industry started repairing itself, and now Indiana winemakers are once again thriving.

What's unique about the state is The Small Winery Act, written by William Oliver of Oliver Winery in Bloomington, which allowed commercial Indiana wineries to sell directly to the public rather than working through distributors.

With the help of the Indiana Wine Grape Council, the growth rate is averaging 15% annually in gallons sold, and Indiana wineries and grape growers are prospering from the fruits of their labor.

Indiana Wine Trails

Anyone who has ever taken a wine trail rather than the fastest highway route will agree that it is well worth it. All the scenery and beauty of the state can be seen from a trail. You can get off and on and see the wineries of your choice, have a picnic or grab a bite at a local restaurant... the choices are limitless.

Indiana has 3 main wine trails: Indiana, Uplands and Indy.

INDIANA WINE TRAIL

The wineries of the region continue a history and tradition that began two hundred years ago when Swiss immigrants planted vineyards near Vevay, Indiana and produced America �s first commercial wines. The trails links six artisan Indiana wineries � each one reflecting the distinct style and personality of the winemaker. Sample their wines and learn how climate, soil conditions and the winemaking process make every vintage a unique experience. You must enjoy your journey through the heart of the Ohio River Valley, the largest designated wine region in America.

Wineries: Ertel Cellars Winery, Lanthier Winery, Madison Vineyards Estate Winery - Bed & Breakfast , Stream Cliff Farm, The Ridge Winery and Thomas Family Winery.

Map: indianawinetrail.com/TrailMaps.htm

UPLANDS WINE TRAIL

Elevate your senses while exploring the Indiana Uplands Wine Trail! Indiana Uplands is named after the remnants of an unglaciated plateau located in South Central Indiana. The uniqueness of the Uplands area is reflected in its topography soil types and climate. Each of the eight wineries offers complimentary tasting, and many of the wineries offer a delicious assortment of gourmet picnic foods, wine related gifts, bakery items, cellar tours and weekly concerts.

Wineries: Brown County Winery, Butler Winery & Vineyard, Carousel Winery, French Lick Winery, Huber Orchard, Winery & Vineyards, Oliver Winery, Turtle Run Winery and Winzerwald Winery

Map: indianauplands.com/trail

INDY WINE TRAIL

This trail links seven award-winning wineries, all within minutes of downtown Indianapolis! From urban settings to sprawling vineyards, you'll experience the many faces of Indiana vintners and a variety of wine styles. �Pick up a Trail Passport at any Trail winery. Visit all seven wineries and receive a free gift, compliments of the Indy Wine Trail.

Wineries: Buck Creek Winery, Chateau Thomas Winery, Easley Winery, Ferrin's Fruit Winery, Grape Inspirations Winery, Mallow Run Winery and Simmons Winery & Nortonburg Wine Garden Facility.

Map: indywinetrail.com/images/about/trailmap.pdf

Indiana Wineries Listing

The best way to visit the Indiana wineries, of course, would be to pick a trail and stick to it. But, some of us like to explore, especially if we're already heading in a certain direction or have a specific winery in mind. You can find the listing of Indiana Wineries here. Whichever way you decide to explore, it's best to call ahead the wineries you're visiting. They may have special events or tastings that you may be able to attend by possibly slightly adjusting your plans or time of arrival. Have fun!

Indiana Wine Trends

1. Wine sales are on the rise across the country and in Indiana.

Nationally ~ Wine shipments from all production sources to the U.S. grew 5 percent to a record 627 million gallons in 2003, with a retail value of $21.6 billion, a 2.3 percent increase over the previous year.�Source: Gomberg-Fredrikson Report

Indiana ~ Indiana wine sales increased 15 percent in 2003, three times faster than the national growth rate. More than 358,000 gallons of Indiana wine was sold in 2003. During the past five years, Indiana wine sales have increased 78 percent.

2. Wine consumption is increasing and the Millenium generation is jumping aboard.

Nationally ~ After a nearly uninterrupted decline over more than a decade, table wine consumption in the U.S. began to steadily climb in 1994. Growth has continued through 2002, with an all-time record 221 million cases of table wine consumed in the U.S. last year.

Indiana ~ Indiana is experiencing similar growth. At Vintage Indiana 2003, the largest age group attending the event included those age 21 to 29 years old. This group made up 31 percent of the festival audience according to an on-site survey of 500 consumers.

3. The number of wineries and vineyards is increasing.

Nationally ~ Grapes are the highest value fruit crop in the nation and the seventh largest crop overall. The U.S. grape crop, now grown in more than 40 states, has more than tripled in 15 years from $955 million in 1985 to almost $3 billion in 2000. Winegrapes have increased far faster than the overall grape crop and now represent almost two-thirds of the total crop.

Indiana ~ Winegrape acreage in Indiana has increased more than 300 percent since the early 1990s. In 2004, Indiana wineries and grape growers will plant approximately 25 more acres of winegrapes throughout the state.

Win a 2-night hotel stay by sharing your wine opinion in the Wine Poll.Ever thought of yourself as a Wine Personality? Check out what your wine personality is by taking a quiz here.

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