After making it through a very long, harsh winter, it’s time to think about dogwood and redbud trees blooming and going for a nice long, lazy drive. What better time than Spring to enjoy Indianas numerous wine trails? No matter which direction you travel in Indiana there is a winery near you. Some ‘wine trails’ have been designed by the Indiana Wine Commission so you can visit several in one local in a one or two day drive within the state. Most wineries can direct you to a place to stay, where to eat, and other local attractions. Brochures and information are available from indianawineries.com
The Uplands Trail Drive among the rolling hills of Southern Indiana, and explore the Uplands Wine Trail which showcases nine wineries, each featuring quality wines and a unique experience. Indiana Uplands is named after the remnants of a plateau created bu glaciers and located in South Central Indiana. The scenic beauty of this region of Indiana is among the most beautiful in the Midwest. Just driving it makes you relax. Each winery 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 included on this trail are: Brown County Winery, Butler Winery and Vineyard, Carousel Winery, French Lick Winery, Huber Orchard Winery and Vineyards, Oliver Winery, Turtle Run Winery, and Windward Winery. All of these wineries are winners in my book and I can guarantee you’ll enjoy your visit. Olivers, north of Bloomington, Indiana is the oldest winery in the state. All of these wineries are award winners in various categories.
Next we have the Indiana Wine Trail which winds through southeastern Indiana. With its rolling hills, river towns, antique & specialty shops, state parks, historic sites, B&B;’s, galleries and cafes, even if you didn’t enjoy visiting wineries, this would be a good weekend trip. You’ll find them all of this along the Indiana Wine Trail. The six artisan wineries listed on this trail reflects the style and personality of the winemaker. Sample their wines and learn how climate, soil conditions and the wine making process make every vintage a unique experience.These wineries continue a history and tradition that began two hundred years ago when Swiss immigrants planted vineyards near Vevay. The wineries on this trail include: Ertel Cellars Winery, Lanthier Winery, Madison Vineyards Estate Winery and bed and breakfast, Stream Cliff Farm Winery and Tea Room, The Ridge Winery and The Thomas Family Winery.
Last is the Indy Wine Trail which encompasses wineries in or around metropolitan Indianapolis. If by chance you’re planning to attend the Indianapolis 500 Race in May or NASCAR in August, you could add this to your list of things today. All of these wineries could easily be visited in one day. The wineries in this group are: Buck Creek Winery, Chateau Thomas Winery, Easley Winery, Ferrin’s Fruit Winery, Grape Inspirations Winery, Mallow Run Winery and Simmons Winery.
And one last word for those traveling the trails, everyone is encouraged to designate a driver and drink responsibly. We want your visit to be a pleasant one!
