Oliver Winery, Keeps Growing Through Indiana with Creekbend Vineyard

Oliver Winery has been producing wines since 1975, but most of those wines were blended from grapes purchased around the world. Things changed in 1994 as Indiana's largest winery took over the Creekbend Vineyard, not far from Oliver's Bloomington home in Monroe County.

On the Oliver Winery property, there is only a small vineyard in front of the property that produces a small portion of the grapes. The Creekbend Vineyard house a variety of grapes, many of which are not usually found growing in the Midwest. The largest portion of space is still reserved for the native Catawba, but it's joined by vines of Valvin Muscat, Vidal Blanc, Vignoles, Chambourcin, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, Crimson Cabernet, Cabernet Dore, Chardonel, Traminette, Corot Noir and Marechal Foch. It's quite an impressive selection for an Indiana winery.

Oliver Winery had received accolades even before producing their Creekbend Estate label, with their inexpensive (under $10) Soft White, made from Niagara grapes, winning Gold Medals at the Indianapolis and Finger Lakes Wine Competitions. Oliver's best seller - and the number one selling wine in the state of Indiana is the Soft Red, made from Concord grapes.

The Creekbend label has taken Oliver Winery one step further. The 2008 Vignoles took Double Gold at the Finger Lakes Wine Competition. The 2007 Catawba captured the same at the Great Lakes Wine Competition and Creekbend's 2005 Ice Wine was Best of Show at the Mid American Wine Competition. The Creekbend 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon received accolades and only stands to get better with age. The Vidal Blanc Sparkling wine is a light and delicious Champagne alternative and the Creekbend Traminette, made from the state's grape, is a perfect light and slightly sweet summer wine.

During warmer months, Oliver Winery offers a concert series annually, where you can enjoy wine and music in the evenings. Their wine club is extremely active, offering members discounts on bottles and events, complimentary tastings of premium wines, and a welcoming gift. There is no membership fee to join.Oliver Winery is located at 8024 North State Road 37 in Bloomington, Illinois. Their Tasting Room is open daily and tours are available each weekend. Tours and tastings are free or charge at both places, with the exception of private tours and special event tours. More information is available on their website or by calling 812-876-5800.

The Oliver Winery site contains a great shop that offers hard-to-find local products like sauces, chocolates, cheeses, mustards and even local pottery. If you'd like to make a weekend of a visit there, Bloomington, Indiana, is home to the University of Indiana and a large selection of hotels, bed and breakfasts and motels, including A Summerhouse Inn.