Tell me about Indiana Wines

The American vine dresser's guide by John Dufour
200 YEARS OF WINE

Rooted in History

Indiana’s first winery was established back in the early 1800’s by Jean Jacques Dufour in the town of Vevay (pronounced “vee-vee”). Prohibition decimated the alcohol industry in the 1920s and 30s, but the industry reestablished itself in 1974 when the Indiana Farm Winery Act was passed by the Indiana General Assembly. Today, we have over 100 wineries in Indiana, who contribute a positive impact to our Hoosier economy.

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A crate of grapes in front of a tractor.
LOCAL, FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES

Homegrown For Generations

Most Indiana wineries are family-owned and -run. You might see mom managing the tasting room and one of her sons unloading grapes from a truck out back. Often, friends and neighbors help pick grapes in the fall for the busy harvest season. These are local businesses who truly appreciate your support.

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Brianna

A bunch of white grapes on a vine.

Catawba

A close up of grapes on a vine.

Cayuga White

A bunch of white grapes on a vine.

Chambourcin

A close up of a bunch of black grapes.

Chardonel

A bunch of grapes on a vine.

Frontenac Gris

A bunch of grapes on a vine.

Itasca

A bunch of white grapes on a vine.

La Crescent

A bunch of white grapes hanging on a vine.

Marechal Foch

A bunch of black grapes on a vine.

Marquette

A bunch of black grapes on a vine.

Noiret

A bunch of grapes on a vine.

Norton

A bunch of black grapes on a vine.

Seyval

A bunch of grapes on a vine.

Steuben

A bunch of grapes hanging on a vine.

Traminette

A bunch of white grapes on a vine.

Valvin Muscat

A bunch of white grapes on a vine.

Vidal

A bunch of white grapes on a vine.

Vignoles

A bunch of grapes on a vine.

About the Vines

Indiana has distinct regional growing regions and seasons which support different types of grapevines. That variation is some of what makes Indiana’s vineyards unique. Grape names you’re familiar with like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir are generally not strong enough to withstand our wintery climate so our plantings are of more rare up-and-coming varieties with flavor profiles fresh to the scene. Indiana’s climate supports over 40 grape varietals that are raised and made into wine. Here are a few of them.