Taste the Uplands Wine Trail

Where Indiana-grown goodness shines

Whether wine connoisseur or novice, you’re in for a treat on the Uplands Wine Trail, nine wineries nestled in Southern Indiana’s rolling hills.

Beginning at the north end of the trail is Indiana’s largest and oldest winery, Bloomington’s Oliver Winery. Sample more than 30 wines and stroll the award-winning gardens. Another winery in Bloomington is Butler Winery, owned by a father-son duo. Their wines’ distinctive characters come from the handcrafted, small-batch production process used. In downtown Bloomington enjoy Chef Daniel Orr’s culinary creations at FARMbloomington. Utilizing fresh, locally grown ingredients, Orr serves up delectable dishes in a hip-causal atmosphere. The Brown County Winery in Nashville offers two locations - in the heart of town and just outside on SR 46. View the wine production area as you sample delightful wines of grapes and other fruits such as plums and blackberries.

Just south of Bedford, the Carousel Winery offers a wonderful selection of dry reds, ports and other fruit wines. Each wine is given its own carousel animal identity. In West Baden Springs, grab a pizza in the Vintage Café at French Lick Winery. Sample a few of their award-winning wines including the Traminette, the signature wine of Indiana, which took gold at the 2010 Indy International Wine Competition.

In Bristow, on a picturesque hill, is Winzerwald Winery. The owners honor their German heritage with its name meaning “vintners of the forest.” Try their Heirloom wine, made from grapes that family lore says were brought over by their great grandfather when he emigrated from Germany.

While at Corydon’s Turtle Run Winery, tour the production area to watch the pressing of grapes, blending and filtering of wines, and bottling. Then sample! Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyards in Starlight offers more than just wine; there are also brandies, ice cream, fresh produce and even baked goods. Just down the road is Joe Huber Family Farm & Restaurant offering made-from-scratch goodness like fried biscuits with apple butter and honey ham. The trail ends, or begins if you prefer, at the newest winery on the trail - Best Vineyards in Elizabeth. Enjoy scenic vistas of the 33-acre vineyard while sipping on wines of grapes, other fruits and honey.

Stay a night or two

Stretch your wine tour into a few days or a week, when you stay at some unique lodging opportunities along the way. French Lick and West Baden, both part of the French Lick Resort in the small towns of French Lick and West Baden, offer a relaxing stop with spa treatments, golfing opportunities, horseback riding, recreational rooms, pools, fitness centers and casino. Another picturesque stay is The Leavenworth Inn, perched high above the Ohio River in Leavenworth. This quaint bed and breakfast consists of 16 guest rooms in four guesthouses. Enjoy walking and bike paths, shuffleboard courts and freshly baked cookies.

For more information, visit the websites for Bloomington/Monroe County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Nashville/Brown County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Visit French Lick West Baden, Perry County Convention & Visitors Bureau or Harrison County Convention & Visitors Bureau.