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Tucked away in the scenic hills of southern Indiana is Bloomington, the charming home of my alma mater, Indiana University. It also happens to be home to a couple of the Midwest’s best wineries. Yes, this little Indiana town, well-regarded for its arts scene and natural beauty, is also home to a flourishing wine culture. And, no matter how visitors identify on the spectrum from seasoned sommeliers to casual sippers, these Bloomington wineries are sure to offer something for every palate.
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Why Bloomington, Indiana?
Bloomington’s winemaking stems from passionate and innovative Hoosier scholars. It takes more than smarts and creativity to make good wine, though.
Luckily, the soils and climate of the unglaciated portion of south-central Indiana provide a pretty perfect terroir for grape cultivation. This rich soil means that vintners can produce a wide variety of wines, from dry red to dry white.
One of my favorite spots in southern Indiana- Griffy Lake Nature Preserve. A perfect place for a picnic, with wine, of course. ©Shutterstock
A Brief History of Bloomington, Indiana’s Wineries
The Early Days of Bloomington Wineries
Okay, Californians, hold on to your britches. Bloomington is not so far from the United State’s first and oldest winery, just over the Ohio River in Kentucky. (Yep, the same state made famous by its fried chicken and whiskey).
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Bloomington’s modern winemaking roots trace back to the late 18th century when settlers recognized the region’s potential for viticulture. These vintners faced challenges, to be sure. Everything from the weather to prohibition challenged their perseverance, but luckily for us, they fought through it and laid the foundation for the wine industry. Their legacy lives on in Indiana’s oldest wineries.
Check out this Kentucky Distillery Label from 1892! ©San Francisco Public Library
Evolution and Growth of Bloomington Vineyards
Over the decades, this region’s wine industry has evolved, to say the least. Advances in viticulture and winemaking techniques have led to higher-quality wines and a range of varietals. Today, local vineyards are known for their creative practices and modern approaches. The industry’s growth has fostered a sense of community among local winemakers and wine enthusiasts.
Grapes on the vine. ©Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
Wineries in Bloomington, Indiana to Visit ASAP
The Original, Oliver Winery
Founded in the 1960s by Indiana University law professor William Oliver, Oliver Winery, Indiana’s largest winery, is a testament to the power of family and passion. According to local legend, Oliver Winery made some sweet honey wines in the 1960s that were attributed to some pretty legendary parties.
Mike worked outside in the vineyard, and I worked in the wine-tasting room and dabbled in the gardens, too.
As sweet as honey- Mead Wine. ©Steffy McCourt
Creekbend Vineyard
While I was in the tasting room (or planting tulip bulbs), Mike was toiling in Creekbend Vineyard. But seriously, when the views and surroundings are destination-worthy, can it really be considered toiling? The answer is no.
The beautiful Creekbend Vineyard has earned a reputation for producing different grape varieties that capture the essence of the region. Their Traminette, a fragrant and flavorful white wine, has garnered many accolades. Be sure also to try their Creekbend Catawba, a red wine with character—it’s my favorite!
Today, visitors can make an appointment to wander through the vineyard on one of the wine trails or relax with a glass of wine and soak in the beauty of the Indiana countryside.
This is a truly exceptional experience that is 100% worth the planning!
Some very special Creekbend Wines on display behind the register at Oliver Winer’s Tasting Room. ©Steffy McCourt
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Oliver Winery, the Tasting Room
At Oliver Winery, there’s a wine for every taste.
Each bottle tells a tale of craftsmanship and passion, from semi-sweet wines like Camelot Mead (the Orange Blossom honey wine that started it all!) to Creekbend Catawba.
When I worked there, a very popular wine was the Sweet Red, a blend of fruity and floral notes; it’s still a favorite (20ish years later).
One of my favorites was the Beanblossom Hard Cider, which we mulled with spices in the fall and served warm. The winery always smelled delicious, but in October and November, the mulling Beanblossom Hard Cider transformed the space.
The Experience of Oliver Winery
Oliver Winery is more than a place to taste wine. It strives to educate visitors with engaging guided tours that teach them about the Oliver winemaking process. Attend one of its many events, from wine and cheese pairings to music nights. The gorgeous grounds provide the perfect backdrop for any occasion.
It was truly a magical place to work.
I remember at the end of the day when the winery closed to the public, sometimes Bill Oliver would come into the tasting room, open a new (or old) bottle of wine, and walk us through its story.
Those were some of the best lectures I ever heard in Bloomington (sorry, professors), and they were free!
Another amazing perk of working there was the open invitation to an early morning balloon ride. Oliver also happens to be a hot-air balloon pilot because, of course, he is.
Oliver Winery was, and still is, magic.
Today, it’s one of the largest wineries in the eastern United States. Travel+Leisure has listed it as one of the top 25 must-see wineries in the US.
From what I know, it is truly the Oliver family’s dedication to quality and hospitality that has made this winery a destination worth crossing the US to see.
This trail leads guests to a tranquil picnic area on the Oliver Winery grounds. ©Steffy McCourt
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Butler Winery: Craftsmanship and Tradition
Another local winery, Butler Winery, offers guests an educational experience that wine lovers will celebrate. Their tours take visitors behind the scenes, where they can see the art and science of winemaking. After the tour, head to the tasting room. Try the Chambourcin Rosé a semi-dry peach-colored wine with flavors of strawberry and grapefruit. At Butler Winery, the focus is on creating wines that pair with food. The Chambourcin Rosé perfectly pairs with grilled chicken on a summer evening.
Whether Butler’s dry white wines complement seafood or their dry red wines stand up to meats, there really is something to pair with any meal. They even offer food pairing suggestions for each tasting, which helps visitors discover new ways to enjoy their wine. Here is an eclectic but amazing food tip: Some of the fruity dessert wines, like Blackberry and Black Currant, pair perfectly on top of homemade vanilla ice cream. Another handy tip: sign up for the wine club so you never run out of the best ice cream toppings that ever existed!
Another reason to love Butler Winery is its commitment to sustainable practices, from organic vineyard management to eco-friendly packaging. They believe in protecting the environment while producing wines, making it a pleasure for the environmentally conscious wine lover.
On a hot day, grab a bottle of Blackberry Wine for a Wine Float. ©Shutterstock
[ctt template=”8″ link=”ehfR8″ via=”no” ]Tucked away in the scenic hills of southern Indiana is Bloomington, the charming home of my alma mater, Indiana University. It also happens to be home to a couple of the Midwest’s best wineries. [/ctt]
Cheers to Bloomington
Bloomington made me fall in love with wine—and I think it could make anyone fall in love with wine. Visitors get to experience the beauty of the Hoosier Way, where tradition, innovation, and hospitality meet.
Whether visiting for a day or a week, everyone will leave with a new appreciation for Indiana.
When You Go
Planning Your Visit
For a California native visiting Southern Indiana for the first time, expect a slower pace of life with friendly locals (they will say hello and ask you how you are, even though you are a stranger!) and a deep sense of community (everyone knows everyone).
The region is rich in natural beauty, with rolling hills, lush forests, and scenic rivers, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking (check out Brown County Bikes to rent a mountain bike or grab a lesson), and kayaking.
Unlike the year-round warmth of California, be prepared for more pronounced seasons, with seriously humid summers, colorful cool autumns (the best time to visit!), and cold, sometimes snowy winters.
A perfect place to enjoy a flight of the finest wine in the Midwest- Oliver Winery’s patio. ©Steffy McCourt
Getting to Bloomington from LA
Visitors from LA can fly into Indianapolis International Airport (IND), located about 50 miles from Bloomington. From the airport, they can either rent a car or take a shuttle for a straightforward, one-hour drive south on I-69 to reach Bloomington.
This is an excellent discount site for rental cars! We’ve literally saved hundreds using it.
Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) is a free and/or membership-based site that sends emails when airline fares drop to an incredible rate. You can also go on their site to search for specific destinations. We’ve saved literally half the regular fare using this site. Some deals can even be booked with points. Best travel investment we’ve made.
To get discounts on tours in the area, we recommend Get Your Guide or Viator (which offers 51% off last-minute tours!).
To save time (and because we travel so much), we got an annual travel insurance policy for the whole family from this site. They have affordable policies for individual trips too and tools to make picking one easy.
Where to Stay in Bloomington
Book a beautiful Brown County Cabin on VRBO for the ultimate fall getaway. This area is only 30 minutes away and is known as The Little Smokies. Tourists swarm this idyllic autumnal retreat in October – locals call them “Leaf Lookers.” Be sure to book early for the fall.
Brown County State Park in Autumn is perfection. ©Shutterstock
Want to stay in the heart of it all, downtown Bloomington? At The Courtyard by Marriott, guests are near the city square where all the restaurants, bars, and nightclubs are, but the hotel is also far enough away to offer some reprieve from all that youthful energy that a college town brings. Because partying with college kids can certainly be fun, but maybe just til 9 pm or so.
Come with an open mind and a readiness to enjoy some of the best wines Indiana has to offer… which also happen to be some of the best in the United States. Cheers!
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