| The Indiana
Uplands Wine Trail, part 1
Indiana’s agricultural history
in America is long and storied, but
its future is even brighter. WFYI
wants to show you how that translates
into fun adventures right here in
the Hoosier State. It’s all
part of a growing state initiative
to promote agriculture as tourism.
The initiative is made possible through
a grant from the United States Department
of Agriculture, administered by the
Indiana State Department of Agriculture
http://www.in.gov/isda/
For those who love experiencing new
wines and the Indiana countryside,
agri-tourism takes an exciting road
trip via the Indiana Uplands Wine
Trail (www.IndianaUplands.com).
Indiana Uplands is the state’s
first wine trail, featuring seven
wineries along its pathway through
southern Indiana. They are Oliver
Winery, Butler Winery, Carousel Winery,
French Lick Winery, Winzerwald Winery,
Turtle Run Winery, and Huber’s
Orchard and Winery. Dana Huber describes
the trail as a fun destination for
wine enthusiasts, but recommends stretching
the trip over two days to enjoy the
beautiful scenery.
The northern route of the tour centers
in the rolling hills around Bloomington.
First stop, Indiana’s oldest
and largest winery, Oliver Winery
(www.oliverwinery.com),
north of Bloomington on SR 37. Owners
Bill and Kathleen Oliver have spent
the years not only building a reputation
for fine Indiana wines, but a very
loyal customer base as well. Seasonal
events include live music on the winery’s
patio for wine tasting and picnicking
in the summer as well as a Christmas
shop during the holidays. Visitors
can taste dozens of wines free of
charge, but Bill Oliver says the winery’s
own Indiana-grown Cabernet Sauvignon
is a source of personal pride and
joy.
A short but picturesque drive away
is Butler Winery and Vineyards (www.butlerwinery.com).
Owner Jim Butler has been making wines
since 1976 and says he’s able
to grow grape varieties that ultimately
provide a selection “you’re
not going to find coming out of California.”
Butler’s fruit wines have proven
very popular, including blueberry
and a black currant Jim Butler says
has developed a cult following of
sorts. Butler sees an important relationship
between the Indiana wine industry
and sophisticated consumers, noting
they’re growing and developing
together.
Farther south on SR 37 outside Bedford
is the youngest winery on the tour,
Carousel (www.carouselwinery.com).
Owners Marion and Sue Wilson feature
a unique tasting bar hand-carved from
Bedford limestone, an excellent spot
to taste wines that are already winning
awards. To further the appeal, the
Wilsons will add a special events
venue and a vineyard designed expressly
for visitors to tour.
For a wonderful fine dining experience
featuring an equally fine wine list,
visit the Oceanaire Seafood Room in
downtown Indianapolis (www.oceanaire.com).
Co-proprietor Richard Edwards says
the availability of 22 different wine
selections by the glass allows guests
to try different wines with each course
in the meal. Edwards points out that
the freshness of seafood flown in
daily enables diners to break free
from any preconceived notions about
pairing wines with sea fare and experiment
with abstract varietals from around
the world. Locals also appreciate
the restaurant’s ambience, ensconced
in the former L.S. Ayres Department
Store, complete with the store’s
distinctive columns. Enjoy Oceanaire
Seafood Room’s rich and unusual
recipe for “Tongue and Cheeks.”
Related links:
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