Southern Indiana has characteristics and attractions not found elsewhere in the state. With so many wineries, breweries, and distilleries, you could plan to visit each one, winding through our gently rolling hills for several glorious days. Take the time to sit, sip, and savor the rich flavors Down Home Southern Indiana has to offer. It’s a road trip worth planning and taking this season, with a designated driver, of course. Here is our list of must sees for wine, brew, and spirit enthusiasts.
Wineries
When you are driving toward the Patoka Lake Winery, look for the silver silos. Yes, silos! This lakeside winery is connected to two silos. The ground floor houses tasting rooms, and the upstairs are the silo suites, where guests can spend the night in a round room. There is plenty of comfortable seating, both indoors and outdoors. Choose a wine tasting flight and take a production tour. To accompany your wine selections, they offer meats, cheeses, and chocolates. So, come and stay for a few hours or overnight. You’ll need to see it to believe it. Then, you’ll want to stay.
Monkey Hollow Winery, Saint Meinrad
Family owned and operated, this charming winery’s building has peaceful views of a pond and vineyard. Here you can partake in cozy and complimentary tastings of their award-winning wines, while browsing arts and crafts for sale by local artisans. As you sip, include locally produced meats and cheeses to make a meal. Gaze upon the seven-acres of vineyards which feature ten varieties of grapes. Monkey Hollow is located near the Saint Meinrad Archabbey, which would be a peaceful and scenic stop to make your trip complete.
Huber’s Orchard, Winery and Vineyards, Bordon
This expansive family orchard and winery is Indiana’s largest estate bottled winery. Over the years, it has expanded its operation to include spirits with Starlight Distillery. With over 65 acres of vineyards, you’ll pass a variety of grapes as you pull into the magnificent grounds. The Huber winemaster will expertly guide you through the tasting of several wines and blends. Reserve a tasting and tour, or add lunch to your experience.
French Lick Winery, West Baden Springs
This winery has plenty of room to shop, sit and sip. Along with the tasting room, you can enjoy your wine on the patio. The gift shop is loaded with wines, souvenir wine glasses, apparel, wine gadgets, gift baskets and gourmet foods. Extend your experience by adding an exquisite meal. On site, the French Lick Winery has partnered with the Drift Coastal Italian restaurant, which offers full service upscale Italian cuisine.
Pepper’s Ridge Winery, Rockport
Relax on the covered porch or lawn and take in the flavor of the countryside at Pepper’s Ridge Winery. Bring a picnic and check out their entertainment line-up.
30 wines to choose from, you are certain to find the perfect red or white for you. Take an in-depth tour of the winery. Bring a picnic for the lawn or relax on the deck. The views and atmosphere are serene. Look for their event and entertainment schedule and liven up your visit.
Best Vineyards and Winery, Elizabeth
Located among the scenic hills of the Southern Indiana border, Best Vineyards and Winery is located minutes from Louisville. Here, the array of award-winning wines accompany stunning scenery of the sloping landscapes and vineyards. Bring your friends for a perfect combination of serenity and fellowship.
Enjoy tasting German-inspired wines at Winzerwald Winery. This rich German experience includes both wine and food pairings. The on-site restaurant offers authentic German cuisine, both hearty and delectable. Visit during their special events and festivals to celebrate German heritage.
Blue Heron Vineyards and Winery, Cannelton
Enjoy open-air seating overlooking the Ohio River as you sample wines made primarily from southern Indiana grapes. While here, marvel at The Celtic Cross intricately carved from a 22-foot tall stone natural to the hillside on the family property.
Bottom of the Barrel, Tell City
If you are looking for a fun and friendly winery, Bottom of the Barrel in Tell City is an ideal place to gather. Our relaxed atmosphere, easy-to-love wines, and entertainment schedule makes visiting with friends here a memorable experience. In addition to our wines, enjoy refreshing wine slushies and tempting snacks.
Breweries
This is one of the most unique breweries in Indiana. Salt Creek Brewery is located in a restored auto service garage. What once was the oil change pit is where the brew vessels are located. The old paint room houses the keg coolers. The outdoor patio is partially covered and has a view of a green and gorgeous valley. With memorabilia everywhere, this is a cool stop for a cold brew.
Floyd County Brewing Company, New Albany
With a quirky sense of humor and Old-World European influence, you’ll think you are in an authentic British pub, complete with a red phone booth. This medieval-themed Brewery and Restaurant serves a vast selection of craft beer and traditional pub favorites. Visit Floyd County Brewing Company for food, froth, and follies.
Another beer stop in New Albany, Monnik features a circular bar and a large beer garden. Their menu items source local ingredients and their beer is brewed on site. With 18 taps, you are sure to find a beer to match your tastes.
River City Brew Works, Rockport
Located in a restored historic building, River City Brew Works has a cool vibe and a tempting selection of local craft beer, wines, and even root beer. Their food menu is extensive and includes all the favorites likes pizza, wings, burgers, hearty appetizers, and even Graeter’s ice cream. Opening soon, Santa Claus Brewery in Santa Claus, Indiana. All ages welcome.
St. Benedict’s Brew Works, St. Ferdinand
With beers like Dark Souls, Sister Betty Blonde, Raising Lazarus IPA, Sister Mary Bosf, and Sanctimonious Stout, you know you’ve arrived at brew house like none other. Here, their mantra, Pray-Work-Brew, is demonstrated every day in everything they do. Visit for curiosity’s sake or come for Friday fish fries during lent. Every day, they have a full pub-type menu and a quirky vibe that is, well, delightfully tongue-in-cheek.
Vincennes Brewing Company, Vincennes
The Vincennes Brewing Company offers fresh, locally crafted beer on tap, local wines, and a selection of bottled craft beer. While their brews are delicious and local, this is a fun place to spend time and gather with friends! Their schedule of events includes wacky holiday celebrations, trivia contests, food truck visits, tapping events, mug club, and more. Come discover the inspiration behind Bedrock Blonde and have a taste.
Distillery
Dusty Barn Distillery, Mount Vernon
Nestled in the fertile lands of Southern Indiana, Dusty Barn Distillery uses grains grown right in their own fields to make their whiskey spirits. Each batch is individually crafted and blended to ensure a unique and satisfying taste. Check their website or Facebook page for tour times and tastings.
Down Home Southern Indiana is a relaxing and welcoming destination on its own. Combine your scenic trip here with a winery, brewery, or distillery visit, and your trip just got that much more restorative and memorable. Plan your trip now, then anticipate time well spent among the limestone ridges and rolling hills in Southern Indiana.