Indiana Wine Trails — 5 Self-Guided Routes Through Wine Country
Published March 2026
Indiana is not the first state most people associate with wine country, and that is exactly what makes exploring it so rewarding. From the rolling limestone hills south of Bloomington to the lakeside vineyards of Steuben County, more than 50 licensed wineries are scattered across the state — each with its own character, its own terroir, and its own story. There is no single "wine trail" in Indiana. There are many, and they pass through some of the most beautiful countryside in the Midwest.
This guide maps five self-guided Indiana wine trail routes, each designed as a comfortable day trip or leisurely weekend drive. Every winery listed holds an active Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission license and has its own profile on Indiana Spirits. Pick a route, designate a driver, and go discover what Indiana wine country has to offer.
Trail 1: Southern Indiana Heritage Trail
Counties: Monroe, Brown, Orange, Crawford
Total driving distance: ~120 miles (Bloomington to Birdseye)
Suggested duration: Full day or overnight weekend
Best season: Fall — the foliage through Brown County and the Hoosier National Forest is among the best in the Midwest
This is Indiana's signature wine route. It threads through the heartland of the state's wine history — from Indiana's largest winery in Bloomington through the artist colony of Nashville and down into the resort country around French Lick. The landscape shifts from university-town sophistication to forested hills to the wide-open valleys of Orange and Crawford counties. If you only drive one Indiana wine trail, make it this one.
Suggested Order of Stops
Stop 1: Oliver Wine Co. — Bloomington
Start at Oliver Wine Co., Indiana's largest and oldest winery. The Bloomington tasting room on Winery Road sits on a gorgeous hillside with manicured gardens and picnic areas. Free tastings let you work through their deep portfolio — the Creekbend Traminette and Cherry Moscato are perennial favorites. Arrive early to enjoy the grounds before the afternoon crowds.
Monroe County · Free tastings · Food available · Kid-friendly
Stop 2: Brown County Wine Company — Nashville
Head east on State Road 46 through the Brown County hills (about 25 minutes) to Brown County Wine Company. Established in 1985, this is Nashville's original winery. The tasting room on SR 46 East has a rustic charm that matches the setting, and $5 gets you six pours covering dry, semi-sweet, and fruit wines.
Brown County · $5 for 6 tastings · Kid-friendly
Stop 3: French Lick Winery — West Baden Springs
Continue south on SR 145 through the Hoosier National Forest to French Lick Winery in West Baden Springs (about 50 minutes from Nashville). This destination winery produces over 30 wines from their Heaven's View Vineyard — Norton, Cabernet Franc, and Catawba grapes thrive on the hillside overlooking the White River Valley. The adjacent Spirits of French Lick distillery offers tours. Caribbean-inspired dining makes this a natural lunch stop.
Orange County · $6 for 8 tastings · Food · Distillery tours · Live music
Stop 4: Patoka Lake Winery — Birdseye
Finish the trail at Patoka Lake Winery, about 30 minutes east of French Lick near the south shore of Patoka Lake. Indiana's first winery with on-site lodging, Patoka Lake offers converted silo suites with king beds, Jacuzzi tubs, and fireplaces — making it the ideal overnight stop if you turn this trail into a weekend. The tasting room is dog-friendly, and the lake views at sunset are hard to beat.
Crawford County · Dog-friendly · Lodging on-site · Weddings · Food
Where to Eat and Stay
- Lunch: French Lick Winery's on-site restaurant, or the restaurants at the French Lick Springs Hotel and West Baden Springs Hotel (both within minutes).
- Dinner: If staying overnight near Patoka Lake, the winery itself serves food, or drive into Jasper (20 minutes) for German-American dining at the Schnitzelbank.
- Lodging: Patoka Lake Winery's silo suites are the unique choice. The French Lick Resort hotels offer full-service luxury. Nashville cabins work well if you plan to double back north.
Trail 2: Ohio River Valley Trail
Counties: Clark, Harrison, Jefferson, Switzerland
Total driving distance: ~100 miles (Borden to Vevay)
Suggested duration: Full day or overnight weekend
Best season: Late spring through early fall — river towns come alive with festivals, farmers markets, and outdoor dining
Indiana's Ohio River corridor is the state's oldest wine-producing region, and it shows. The terroir here benefits from the moderating influence of the river, longer growing seasons, and limestone-rich soils that remind more than a few visitors of parts of the Rhine Valley. This trail follows the river east from the Louisville metro through historic river towns like Corydon, Madison, and Vevay, with vineyard-topped ridgelines and sweeping river views along the way.
Suggested Order of Stops
Stop 1: Huber's Orchard, Winery & Distillery — Borden
Begin at Huber's, a 700-acre family farm that has been in continuous operation since 1843. This is Indiana agritourism at its best — an estate winery, the award-winning Starlight Distillery (bourbon, rye, vodka), a farm market, bakery, cheese shop, and seasonal u-pick activities. You could easily spend a half day here. The ice cream is made on-site.
Clark County · Winery + Starlight Distillery · Food · Live music · Kid-friendly
Stop 2: Best Vineyards — Elizabeth
A short drive west brings you to Best Vineyards in the rolling hills outside Elizabeth. This family farm winery and artisan distillery grows four acres of grapes on-site and produces handcrafted vodka, gin, rum, brandy, and flavored moonshine alongside their estate wines. The tasting room is casual and welcoming — a good palate contrast to the larger Huber's operation.
Harrison County · Farm winery + distillery · Tours · Food · Kid-friendly
Stop 3: Turtle Run Winery (Pfeiffer Winery) — Corydon
Continue west to Turtle Run Winery near Corydon, Indiana's first state capital. Winemaker Jim Pfeiffer follows European guidelines — no added sugar — and the results speak for themselves: over 30 internationally awarded wines. The Sunday concert series and wine appreciation classes make this a destination in its own right. Try the Max's Small Batch Red and the estate Cabernet.
Harrison County · 30+ award-winning wines · Tours · Live music Sundays
Stop 4: Lanthier Winery — Madison
Follow the river east to the historic river town of Madison and Lanthier Winery on Mills Street. Madison's oldest winery has been crafting award-winning wines since 1994 in a property featuring a French Country garden, fine art gallery, and towering wine racks. Free tastings make this an easy stop. While you are in Madison, walk the Main Street historic district — it is one of the best-preserved 19th-century downtowns in the Midwest.
Jefferson County · Free tastings · Tours · Outdoor seating · Art gallery
Stop 5: The Ridge Winery — Vevay
Finish the trail at The Ridge Winery in Switzerland County, perched above the Ohio River with panoramic views of the river and the Markland Dam. Over 35 years of family tradition have produced wines distributed at more than 20 locations across the state, but the hilltop tasting room is where you want to experience them. Vevay itself is a charming river town that hosted Indiana's original wine-growing Swiss settlers in the early 1800s.
Switzerland County · Panoramic river views · Outdoor seating · Weddings
Where to Eat and Stay
- Lunch: Huber's farm cafe is the obvious early stop. In Madison, the Crystal and Jules on Main Street serve excellent lunch fare.
- Dinner: Madison's Main Street has several restaurants within walking distance of Lanthier. The Red Pepperoni and the 1817 Chophouse are local favorites.
- Lodging: Madison's Hillside Inn and the many B&Bs along Main Street are well-suited for an overnight. In Vevay, the Ogle Haus Inn and Hayswood Nature Reserve cabins offer river-town charm.
Trail 3: Indianapolis Circle Trail
Counties: Marion, Johnson, Hancock, Hamilton
Total driving distance: ~70 miles (loop from downtown Indianapolis)
Suggested duration: Full day
Best season: Any season — every stop on this trail is open year-round with climate-controlled tasting rooms and heated outdoor areas in winter
You do not need to leave the Indianapolis metro to have a proper Indiana wine trail experience. This loop connects five wineries in a rough circle around the city, each within 30 minutes of Monument Circle. It is the most accessible trail on this list — no winding country roads, no overnight required — and the venues range from a historic downtown tasting room to a Tuscan-inspired vineyard estate to a suburban winery with live music four nights a week. A great introduction to Indiana wine for visitors or locals who have not explored their own backyard.
Suggested Order of Stops
Stop 1: Easley Winery — Downtown Indianapolis
Start where Indiana winemaking started in the capital: Easley Winery on North College Avenue, just six blocks from Monument Circle. Indiana's oldest family-owned winery (established 1974) pours over 20 award-winning wines, including their iconic Reggae brand and elegant sparkling wines. The outdoor wine garden has striking downtown views. Tastings run $8 for seven wines with crackers.
Marion County · $8 for 7 tastings · Wine garden · Gift shop · Weddings
Stop 2: Mallow Run Winery — Bargersville
Head south on I-65 to Mallow Run Winery in Bargersville (about 25 minutes). Set on a 600-acre family farm with eight acres of vineyards, Mallow Run is one of central Indiana's premier wine destinations. Free tastings, an outdoor amphitheater for summer concerts, and an elegant event space make this a venue that rewards a long visit. The Rhubarb Wine and Finale Ruby Port are signature pours.
Johnson County · Free tastings · 600-acre farm · Live music · Kid-friendly
Stop 3: Daniel's Vineyard — McCordsville
Loop east to Daniel's Vineyard near McCordsville in Hancock County (about 40 minutes from Bargersville via I-465). Inspired by the Tuscan foothills, this full-production vineyard cultivates over 14,000 grape vines across rolling countryside. The tasting room is elegant, the estate reds and whites are serious, and the Cellar Club membership is worth asking about if you plan to become a regular.
Hancock County · Estate vineyard · Live music · Wine club · Weddings
Stop 4: Urban Vines — Westfield
Continue north to Urban Vines in Westfield (about 30 minutes). Hamilton County's first winery pairs award-winning wines and craft beers with artisan pizzas and charcuterie boards. The property features a vineyard, playground, pond, winter igloos, and a spacious outdoor meadow. Live music runs four days a week in season. This is the stop where groups with mixed tastes — wine drinkers and beer lovers alike — will all find something to enjoy.
Hamilton County · Wine + craft beer · Pizza · Live music · Kid-friendly
Stop 5: Peace Water Winery — Carmel
End the loop at Peace Water Winery in downtown Carmel's Arts and Design District (about 10 minutes from Urban Vines). Peace Water is Indiana's only locally-owned California winery — they handcraft their wines in Napa Valley and pour them in a casual, eclectic Carmel tasting room. Fifty percent of net profits go to charity. The Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship, and the District itself is worth a stroll after your final tasting.
Hamilton County · Napa Valley wines · Charitable mission · Wine club · Outdoor seating
Where to Eat and Stay
- Lunch: Urban Vines serves artisan pizzas and charcuterie on-site. Alternatively, grab lunch on the Carmel Arts and Design District's Main Street before or after Peace Water.
- Dinner: Downtown Indianapolis has endless options — Bluebeard, Milktooth, and Tinker Street for farm-to-table; St. Elmo's for a steakhouse classic.
- Lodging: This trail is designed as a day trip from Indianapolis, but the Hotel Carmichael in Carmel or any downtown Indy hotel makes a fine base for visitors from out of town.
Trail 4: Northern Lakes Trail
Counties: Steuben, Kosciusko, LaPorte, Porter
Total driving distance: ~170 miles (Fremont to Valparaiso)
Suggested duration: Weekend (overnight recommended)
Best season: Summer — lake life, outdoor patios, and warm evenings pair perfectly with cold white wines and vineyard views
Northern Indiana's lake country is the state's most underrated wine region. The glacial lakes, rolling moraines, and cooler microclimate produce conditions that are surprisingly hospitable to cold-hardy grape varieties. This trail stretches from the lake-studded northeast corner of the state across to the Indiana Dunes region, connecting four distinct wine and spirits venues. It is the longest route on this list, best split over two days with a lakeside overnight in the middle.
Suggested Order of Stops
Stop 1: Satek Winery (Lake James Vineyard) — Fremont
Start at Satek Winery near Lake James in Steuben County. This is where Indiana wine country began in the northeast — a commercial vineyard since 1992 on family land dating back to 1915. Now welcoming over 70,000 guests annually, Satek has earned more than 100 medals at the Indy International Wine Competition. Free tastings, tours, and outdoor seating overlooking the vineyard make this a strong opening stop.
Steuben County · Free tastings · 100+ competition medals · Tours · Outdoor seating
Stop 2: Tippy Creek Winery — Leesburg
Head southwest to Tippy Creek Winery in Leesburg, Kosciusko County's first and only farm winery (about an hour from Satek). Born from a Christmas wine-making kit in 2009, Tippy Creek blends and bottles all wines on-site, offering over 14 varieties alongside wine slushies, hard cider, and sangria. The countryside setting is quintessential northern Indiana — flat, open, and peaceful. Weekend live music adds to the atmosphere.
Kosciusko County · 14+ varieties · Wine slushies · Live music · Outdoor seating
Stop 3: Shady Creek Winery — Michigan City
Continue west to Shady Creek Winery in Michigan City (about 90 minutes). This 20-acre estate winery produces over 28 unique wines and pairs them with locally sourced dishes in a full-service dining room. The Michigan City flagship offers wine tours, seasonal igloo dining, and private event hosting. It is the most polished operation on this trail and a natural lunch or dinner stop.
LaPorte County · Full dining · 28 wines · Tours · Dog-friendly · Live music
Stop 4: Journeyman Distillery — Valparaiso
End the trail at Journeyman Distillery in Valparaiso (about 40 minutes from Michigan City). While technically a distillery rather than a winery, Journeyman is too good to skip — one of the few certified organic distilleries in the United States, occupying a historic 140,000-square-foot factory building. The campus includes a full distillery, brewery, the Union Hall restaurant, a rooftop bar, a candy shop, and even karaoke. Their Popcorn Bourbon (an homage to Valpo's Orville Redenbacher) is the signature pour.
Porter County · Organic spirits · Full restaurant · Rooftop bar · Tours · Kid-friendly
Where to Eat and Stay
- Lunch: Shady Creek's full-service dining room is the obvious midday stop. In Michigan City, Shoreline Brewery and Swingbelly's serve solid pub fare near the lakefront.
- Dinner: Journeyman's Union Hall restaurant in Valparaiso is a destination in its own right. Book a table on the rooftop bar in summer.
- Lodging: Michigan City and the Indiana Dunes area offer lakeside vacation rentals and hotels. Pokagon State Park near Angola (close to Satek) has cabins and the Inn at Pokagon if you prefer to start the trip with an overnight.
- Side trip: Indiana Dunes National Park is minutes from Michigan City. A morning beach walk or dune hike pairs beautifully with an afternoon of wine tasting.
Trail 5: Uplands and Valleys Trail
Counties: Owen, Vigo, Sullivan
Total driving distance: ~90 miles (Spencer to Sullivan)
Suggested duration: Half day to full day
Best season: Late spring through early fall — the countryside is lush, patio season is in full swing, and live music events run most weekends
Western Indiana does not get much attention from wine tourists, which is exactly why this trail is worth driving. The landscape here is different from the rest of the state — wide Wabash River bottomlands, wooded ridgelines, covered bridges, and small towns that feel genuinely off the beaten path. The three wineries on this route are smaller, more personal operations where you are likely to meet the owners and hear their stories. Pair this trail with a visit to Turkey Run or McCormick's Creek State Park for a full day in the Indiana countryside.
Suggested Order of Stops
Stop 1: Owen Valley Winery — Spencer
Start at Owen Valley Winery on Timber Ridge Road in Spencer. Established in 2007, this destination winery produces handcrafted Indiana wines and serves small food plates surrounded by the Owen County countryside. Their Valley Red earned a Double Gold at the Indiana State Fair, and weekends bring live music, yoga, and creative workshops. The open-air spaces are particularly inviting on a warm afternoon.
Owen County · Double Gold wines · Food · Live music · Wine club
Stop 2: WaterTower Estates — Terre Haute
Head west on US 46 to Terre Haute (about 45 minutes) and WaterTower Estates on Wabash Avenue. This Terre Haute winery and vineyard features a renovated 1,500-square-foot barn for events, outdoor seating, and regular live music. It is kid-friendly with games and entertainment for all ages, making it a good choice for groups that include non-drinkers or families.
Vigo County · Event barn · Live music · Kid-friendly · Outdoor seating · Weddings
Stop 3: Meier Winery and Vineyard — Sullivan
Finish the trail at Meier Winery and Vineyard south of Sullivan on State Road 63 (about 30 minutes from Terre Haute). This timber-frame tasting room tucked into the woods of Sullivan County started from a single batch in 2014 and has grown into a welcoming destination with a second-story balcony, picnic area, and monthly live-music and vendor events through the summer. The Rhubarb Strawberry wine is the house favorite. Dogs are welcome.
Sullivan County · Timber-frame tasting room · Dog-friendly · Live music · Outdoor seating
Where to Eat and Stay
- Lunch: Owen Valley Winery serves small plates. In Terre Haute, the Saratoga Restaurant on Wabash Avenue is a local institution for comfort food.
- Dinner: Terre Haute's Clabber Girl Museum and Cafe or the J. Ford's Black Angus steakhouse for a sit-down dinner before heading home.
- Lodging: If combining this trail with a state park visit, McCormick's Creek State Park (near Spencer) has the Canyon Inn lodge and rustic cabins. Turkey Run State Park (north of Terre Haute) is another option with the Turkey Run Inn.
- Side trip: The covered bridges of Parke County are north of Terre Haute and make a scenic add-on, especially during the annual Covered Bridge Festival in October.
Planning Your Indiana Wine Trail
Practical Tips for Every Route
- Designate a driver. Every trail on this list involves driving on two-lane rural roads. If everyone wants to taste, consider a limousine or shuttle service — several operators in Indianapolis, Bloomington, and the Louisville metro serve Indiana wine country.
- Pace yourself. Plan to spend 45 minutes to an hour at each winery. Three stops in a day is comfortable; five is ambitious. Use the sip-and-pour method — you do not have to finish every pour in a flight.
- Call ahead. Many smaller wineries have limited winter hours or close on certain weekdays. A quick call or website check saves a wasted drive, especially on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Buy at the winery. Many Indiana wines are only sold at the tasting room. If you taste something you love, buy it — you may not find it in stores.
- Bring a cooler. Pack an insulated bag or cooler in your car. Indiana summers can reach the 90s, and even a fall afternoon can be warm enough to affect wine quality in a parked car.
- Check for events. Many wineries host seasonal festivals, harvest celebrations, and live music series. Timing your visit around an event can turn a good trip into a memorable one.
- Support the small ones. Indiana's wine industry is built on family operations. Even a single bottle purchase helps sustain a small vineyard. Ask questions, hear the stories, and leave a positive review.
Best Season for Each Trail
Spring (April - May)
Wildflowers, dogwood blooms, and lighter crowds. The Indianapolis Circle Trail and Uplands and Valleys Trail are at their most pleasant — patio season is just beginning and wineries are releasing new vintages.
Summer (June - August)
Peak season for the Northern Lakes Trail — lake life and wine go hand in hand. Outdoor concerts at Mallow Run and live music at Urban Vines are in full swing. Bring sunscreen and plan for afternoon shade.
Fall (September - November)
The Southern Indiana Heritage Trail is spectacular in mid-October when Brown County's foliage peaks. Harvest festivals run at wineries statewide. The Ohio River Valley Trail's river towns host fall markets and historic home tours.
Winter (December - March)
The quietest season, and underrated. The Indianapolis Circle Trail works year-round — Easley's wine garden is cozy, Urban Vines has heated igloos, and Peace Water's Carmel tasting room is always warm. Holiday releases and smaller crowds mean more personal attention from staff.
Trail Comparison at a Glance
| Trail | Distance | Stops | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Heritage | ~120 mi | 4 | Day / Weekend | Scenic drives, fall foliage |
| Ohio River Valley | ~100 mi | 5 | Day / Weekend | History buffs, river views |
| Indianapolis Circle | ~70 mi | 5 | Full day | Beginners, convenience |
| Northern Lakes | ~170 mi | 4 | Weekend | Lake lovers, summer trips |
| Uplands & Valleys | ~90 mi | 3 | Half / Full day | Off-the-beaten-path, small producers |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many wine trails are there in Indiana?
Indiana does not have a single official wine trail system, but the state's 50+ wineries cluster naturally into regional routes. This guide maps five self-guided wine trails covering southern Indiana, the Ohio River Valley, the Indianapolis metro, northern lake country, and the western uplands. Each route connects three to five wineries within reasonable driving distance of each other.
What is the best wine trail in Indiana for beginners?
The Indianapolis Circle Trail is the most accessible for first-time wine tourists. It connects five wineries within 30 minutes of downtown Indianapolis — Easley Winery, Mallow Run, Daniel's Vineyard, Urban Vines, and Peace Water Winery — all of which offer approachable tastings, food options, and a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
Can you do an Indiana winery tour in one day?
Yes. Each of the five routes in this guide is designed as a comfortable single-day drive, though some — especially the Southern Indiana Heritage Trail and the Ohio River Valley Trail — reward an overnight stay. Plan to spend 45 minutes to an hour at each winery, and always designate a driver or arrange transportation.
What Indiana wine grapes should I try?
Indiana's signature grape is Traminette, a cold-hardy hybrid that produces aromatic, Gewurztraminer-like whites. Other standouts include Norton (a bold, tannic red), Chambourcin (medium-bodied red), Catawba (fruity and versatile), and Vignoles (a rich, honeyed white often used for dessert wines). Many wineries also produce fruit wines from Indiana-grown berries and stone fruits.
When is the best time to visit Indiana wineries?
Late September through mid-November is peak season — harvest is underway, foliage is stunning, and many wineries host festivals and special releases. Spring (April through May) offers wildflowers and lighter crowds. Summer brings outdoor patios, live music, and concert series. Winter is the quietest season, with cozy tasting rooms and no wait times.
Are Indiana wineries kid-friendly?
Many Indiana wineries welcome families. Huber's in Borden has u-pick orchards and a playground. Mallow Run near Bargersville sits on a 600-acre farm. Urban Vines in Westfield has a vineyard playground and pond. Most tasting rooms allow children accompanied by adults, though the experience is geared toward grown-ups. Check individual venue pages for details.