Indiana’s Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries

Indiana Breweries, Wineries, & Distillieries

Making an impact in Indiana

story by STEPHANIE NICOL

Indiana’s wine history dates back to the early 1800s. In fact, Indiana is credited with being the birthplace of the American wine industry because it was the site of the first successful winery established in the United States. The winery, located in the small town of Vevay along the Ohio River, was founded by Swiss immigrant Jean Jacques Dufour, also known as John James.

Our brewing history started shortly after, with the first brewing operations opening in 1816 in New Harmony and Richmond. The industry continued to grow, and in 1864 Indianapolis had 57 saloons that served its population of 20,000. The distilling business joined in during the mid-1800s.

Today, Indiana has more than 200

Bad Dad Brewery in Fairmount has become a destination known for their craft beers and wood-fired pizzas. PHOTO: Bad Dad Brewery

wineries, craft breweries, and distilleries. The industry is booming, and when you combine it with nearly 12,000 restaurants throughout the state, it accounts for a significant amount of revenue from travelers. According to Amy Howell, Director of Tourism, Marketing, and

The South Shore Winery Trail features eight stops where you can sample wines, meads, and ciders. PHOTO: South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority

Communications for the Indiana Destination Development Corporation, travelers in Indiana spent $3.2 billion on food and beverage in 2015. And interestingly, 30% of U.S. travelers choose destinations based on activities related to local food and drink experiences (beer or wine festivals, farmers markets, farm-to-table experiences, and more).

Communities have seized the popularity and all over the state you’ll find trails, events, and destinations centered around wine, beer, and spirits. In northwest Indiana there’s the South Shore Winery Trail with eight stops that allow you to experience new wines, meads, and ciders. There’s even a “South Shore Brew Bus” that takes groups on a tour of the area’s breweries and wineries. While in the area, check out Hunter’s Brewing, the first brewery in the town of Chesterton, who’s known for quirky special events like beer and donut pairings and flower arranging.

In Carmel, their Brews and Barrels Trail has more than a dozen brewery and winery stops, including many that are independently owned. Indiana’s most extensive wine trail, the Indiana Grown Wine Trail, celebrates Indiana agriculture in every part of the state and includes nearly 50 wineries. They even offer a custom hardwood wine stopper for those completing the entire trail. For an extensive list of trails, visit indianawines.org.

Voted Indy’s best for over 20 years, featuring fresh made doughs, over 50 toppings, and a great selection of local craft beers and wines. Beautiful dining rooms, outdoor deck and rooftop seating!

Downtown Indy 329 Mass. Ave. 317-636-7662

Carmel 111 W. Main St. 317-848-4488

Broad Ripple 811 E. Westfield Blvd. 317-255-5711

www.Bazbeaux.com

Huber’s Orchard, Winery, and Vineyard grows 18 varieties of grapes on over 600 acres. PHOTO: SoIN Tourism

The Indiana Foodways Alliance, a not-for-profit organization that promotes locally-owned establishments, has created a series of culinary trails around Indiana. Be sure and check out their “Wine, Wine, Anytime, ” “Hoosier Brews,” and “Hoosier Distillery” trails to learn about some of the state’s best locally-owned wineries, breweries, and distilleries.

You’ll learn some interesting stories and history while visiting some of these popular spots. At the Chesterton Brewery, you’ll find out that owner Vernon Brown, who’s a U.S. veteran, gives a portion of all profits to veterans in need. Vernon also recently opened the Duneland Distillery in Chesterton. In Fairmount, Bad Dad Brewery is housed in an old John Deere dealership and is owned by the Howard family…including sons Derek and Patrick, and their “bad dad” Barry. Hopwood Cellars is nestled in a historic building located in the quaint village of Zionsville and has been crafting wines since 1994.

At French Lick Winery and Spirits, grapes and grain for their wine and spirits are grown at nearby Heaven’s View Vineyard, located on a farm owned by John and Kim Doty. The couple are founders and owners of the winery/ distillery; in fact, Kim is the fifth generation of women to own this land.

What began as an apple orchard in Valparaiso in 1927 turned into the beginnings of the Anderson Winery when apple trees were replaced by grapevines in 1994. What started as a small roadside market is now a beautiful 40-acre property including vineyard, ceremony garden, nature trails, and private pond.

Another historic property, Huber’s Orchard, Winery, and Vineyards, was settled in 1843 in Starlight by Simon Huber, who brought with him from Baden-Baden, Germany his years of experience in fruit growing and wine making. From its humble 80-acre beginning, the farm has expanded to over 600 acres. Today, there are 18 different varieties of grapes grown for the production of their varietals and blended wines. As Indiana’s largest wine-grape producer, their vineyards will produce nearly 400,000 pounds of grapes per year.