Wineries

The rolling hills of south-central Indiana are home to the state’s original wine trail – The Indiana Uplands Wine Trail. Our nine wineries are peppered throughout the region, but for one night each year, they’re all in one place: Uncork the Uplands.

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Evening Celebration

Taste wines from all nine wineries, alongside food from Indiana farmers, restaurants, bakeries and artisans with a focus on fresh foods and a farm-to-table philosophy. Meet the winemakers and owners who have helped build the Indiana wine industry, and amongst them have over 180 years of winemaking expertise.

Live music, featured speakers and a chef’s food and wine challenge round out the entertainment along with a silent auction benefiting the Local Growers’ Guild.

LOCATION and TIME

• Bloomington/Monroe County Convention Center Map
• When: 6p.m.-9p.m.

FEATURED GUEST SPEAKERS & PRESENTERS 

Jim Butler – owner and winemaker, Butler Winery Jim Butler opened Butler Winery in 1983, making it the fourth oldest operating winery in Indiana. An enthusiastic advocate for Indiana wine and grape-growing, Jim has dedicated countless hours to garner recognition for the Indiana Uplands as an American Viticultural Area– the first Indiana-only AVA. Jim will share what this exciting designation means and how it impacts the wine industry here in southern Indiana.

Judy Schad – Capriole Farmstead Goat Cheeses Judy Schad is nationally recognized as a founder for the artisan goat cheese movement in the United States. Judy has been making farmstead cheeses and managing her herd of 500 goats for over 25 years in Greenville, Indiana, and she’ll be talking about her farm, unique cheese production and sharing some of her delicious cheeses.

Colin Boilini – proprietor and head bartender at The Rail, Bloomington, IN Boilini opened his hometown’s first craft-cocktail bar in a restored turn-of-the-century railroad station, utilizing homemade syrups, tinctures, and infusions to tantalize guests.

CHEFS’ FOOD & WINE CHALLENGE

Three chefs – three wine and food pairings – one winner for charity.

Three restaurant chefs will work to craft a unique wine and food pairing, and guests will get to taste and vote.  Winning chef will receive a portion of ticket sales to their favorite charity.

Current participating restaurants:

ARTISANS

The Evening Celebration features some of our favorite Indiana food artisans. Bakeries, restaurants, farmers, and artisans will be sharing small bites of their gourmet wares throughout the evening. Check back often as the list below continues to grow!

Listed below are our artisans attending Uncork The Uplands this year.

SILENT AUCTION

Our annual silent auction will take place at the Evening Celebration. Items to bid on include art, gourmet gift items from across the Indiana Uplands region, and wine! Proceeds from the silent auction benefit the Local Growers’ Guild. The Guild serves to strengthen the local food economy and raise awareness of local food and the farm-to-table philosophy by promoting Indiana food producers and farms among retailers and patrons, providing grower education, and advocating for small farms on a state and national level.

2012 VIDEO

NEW TO UNCORK: Creekbend Vineyard Tour

Explore the Indiana Uplands’ unique terroir firsthand with an afternoon tour of Oliver Winery’s Creekbend Vineyard. Home to over 33,000 vines on 56 acres – walk along the rows, taste the grapes and chat with the winemakers. Learn what makes it wonderful for wine grape growing and what led the region to be recognized as the first all-inclusive American Viticultural Area in Indiana. Taste signature Uplands varietals like Traminette, Chambourcin and Vignoles to name a few.

LOCATION and TIME

• Vineyard Tour at Oliver Winery’s Creekbend Vineyard Map
• When: 12p.m.-3p.m.

Ticket and Travel Info

BUY TICKETS:

Two ticket levels available.  Early bird pricing through July 1^st.

$45 evening reception only/$55 after July 1^st

$65 Evening Reception and Creekbend Vineyard Tour/$75 after July 1^st

BUY ONLINE:

ALSO AVAILABLE:

•  BCT Box Office Map
• Any of the Indiana Uplands Wineries Click Here for All Wineries!

Travel Information

Guests travelling into Bloomington for the event are invited to stay at the Courtyard by Marriott.  A special rate is being offered for Uncork the Uplands ticket holders at $119/night for Single King or Two Queen rooms.  Limited number of rooms available.  If interested, please Contact Ellen at 812-876-5800 or email ecoe@oliverwinery.com .

Vineyard Shuttle

Shuttle to the Vineyard Tour at Oliver Winery’s Creekbend Vineyard will depart from the Courtyard by Marriott at the Bloomington Convention Center starting at 11:30 am, 12:15 pm, 1:00 pm, and 1:45 pm. The shuttle is complimentary for those who purchase the Vineyard Tour + Evening Celebration ticket, and perfect for guests staying at the Courtyard by Marriott.

Questions?

For any general inquiries or questions, please contact Kim Doty by email.

Our Sponsors

We couldn’t have such a wonderful event without the support of our sponsors. We truly appreciate all that you do to make Uncork The Uplands happen.

This event was made possible by our sponsors!