Oliver Winery, Bloomington IN
Usually, I spend time researching wineries before I make a visit. This was not true on a recent visit to Oliver Winery in Bloomington IN. I was happy that I made the detour as this is an exceptional winery with a rich history and a fantastic selection of wines.
From the moment you enter the drive, you are greeted by a beautiful stone sign and a tree lined lane. The main visitors’ area has a large rustic building that houses the main tasting room and shop, timber frame tasting room, and three-season pergola. The exterior is beautiful with lush gardens, a hillside picnic area, and patio.
Oliver Winery is the oldest and largest winery in Indiana, one of the top 30 largest wineries in the U.S., and was voted #3 tasting room in the U.S. by Newsweek Readers’ Choice in September 2024.
Over 50 years ago, Professor William Oliver’s interest led him to start a vineyard in the Indiana Uplands AVA. He was instrumental in passing the Indiana Small Winery Act that passed in 1971, allowing for the creation of small wineries in Indiana. Oliver Winery opened in 1972.
The winery has evolved as needed over the decades to grow yet continue to produce the magnificent wines for which it is known. This may involve anything from removing vines not producing well to the recent $12.6 million expansion to meet increasing demand as they now distribute to 42 states nationwide.
In addition to its own vineyard, the winery also sources fruit from California, Oregon, Washington State, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. This includes such fruit as blackberries, apples, cherry juice, and orange blossom honey, but also includes classic vinifera (Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reisling, Gewürztraminer, etc.).
Creekbend Vineyard, located nearby, is where they grow their own grape varieties, including Catawba, Vidal Blanc, Vignoles, Chambourcin, and a few table grapes. Some of these vines date back to 2001.
My visit was on a Monday, so things were a bit slower, which made my bar-side wine tasting, guided by Caroline, very enjoyable. I appreciated her knowledge of the winery and wines, and it was nice to find that her enthusiasm with wine in general matches mine.
My tasting included the following, which includes the winery’s notes as well as a few of my own.
2022 Sauvignon Blanc – “Classic flavors of citrus, melon and tangy gooseberries highlight this crisp, dry white. The flavor and aromas are classic — citrus, melon and gooseberry. Crafted from fruit sourced from San Bernabe Vineyard in Monterey, California.” One of my favorite white varieties. So refreshing. Was one of my purchases.
2023 Creekbend III – “A winemaker’s favorite, this wine shows off Creekbend Vineyard’s ability to grow grapes with full ripeness and flavor. Both stainless steel and barrel fermentation create an exotic blend of our best white varieties: barrel-fermented Vignoles and Chardonel, along with portions of stainless-steel fermented Vidal Blanc.” This blend is amazing. The combination of fruit flavors along with a hint of vanilla and oak make it truly enjoyable.
2022 Creekbend Chamboucin – “Chambourcin is one of Oliver Winery’s signature Creekbend wines, crafted from grapes grown at our Indiana vineyard. It’s an approachable favorite among dry-red wine lovers. Crop load, sun exposure, and patience are integral to growing great Chambourcin. In the cellar, minimalist winemaking and barrel aging create an elegant, balanced wine.” Chambourcin is one of my favorite Midwest varieties, when the wine is well made. This is in probably the top three that I’ve ever tried. A masterpiece, and one of my purchases, of course.
Dry Red Blend – “We like blends because they allow us to show off our creative side. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah form the foundation of this classic, thoughtful blend.” 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Syrah.
2022 Shiraz – ”Our Shiraz is inspired by the fruit-forward styles popularized by Australian winemakers. We like it on special occasions or “just because.” Serve at room temperature, and enjoy by the grill, around the fire, and anywhere in between.” Loved this one. Aged one year in new oak. This was one of my purchases.
2022 Cabernet Sauvignon – “An approachable Cab. Expect rich fruit, bright aromatics and big, yet soft tannins. This dry red will age nicely for 10 years. Using grapes sourced from Lodi and Paso Robles, California..” One of my favorite varieties. I’m always pleased to find Cabs made so well in the Midwest.
Colts Collection Red Blend – “This limited edition wine, the second vintage in our series of our Colts Collection wines, is a smooth and sippable dry red. Berry aromas, rich flavors of currant and spice, subtle tannins, and a lasting finish are hallmarks of this dry red. This limited-edition wine is the second vintage in our series of our Colts Collection wines.” 60% Syrah, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon.
2017 Creekbend Tawny – “Aromas of dates and vanilla lead to mature flavors of fig and walnut in our fourth vintage of this copper-colored dessert wine. Enjoy this 375ml Creekbend Vineyard delicacy with decadent desserts or for after-supper sipping. 50% Chambourcin, 50% Vignoles.” Although very sweet, the flavors are rich and the delivery is subtle, which you would not expect in a tawny. It’s aged for 2 years in small barrels for more intense flavors. This was one of my purchases.
The website contains many more details about the wines available than most wineries. I find this extremely helpful.
Even though this is my first experience with Oliver Winery, I can tell that as it continues to grow, it has not lost focus on producing great wines.
This visit to Oliver Winery was a wonderful experience. I’d like to thank Caroline for her hospitality. I look forward to making another trip there in the future.
Oliver Winery, 200 E Winery Rd, Bloomington, IN 47404
