Craft Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries That Put Indiana on the Map
Nestled about 15 minutes northeast of downtown Indianapolis, Sun King Brewery offers a quintessential Hoosier craft beer experience. The brewery’s taproom buzzes with energy, where visitors can sample a rotating lineup of innovative brews like their signature Sunlight Cream Ale or the bold Osiris IPA. What sets Sun King apart is its commitment to local ingredients and community engagement, making it a hub for both beer lovers and neighborhood events. The brewery’s expansive outdoor patio shines in warmer months, allowing guests to sip their drinks under the Indiana sky. Visiting during spring or fall provides a perfect balance of mild weather and lively atmosphere, ideal for exploring the range of flavors alongside friends or fellow enthusiasts.
Venture about 45 minutes southeast of Indianapolis to New Albany, where the historic Copper & Kings American Brandy Company transforms the city’s 19th-century industrial architecture into a vibrant distilling playground. The distillery’s tours offer a deep dive into the craft of American brandy production, with tastings that highlight their signature apple-based spirits. Housed in a former whiskey warehouse, the space itself evokes a rich sense of Indiana’s distilling past while pushing boundaries with innovative techniques like barrel aging in wine casks. Visitors often find the late afternoon tours especially rewarding, as the golden light streams through massive windows, casting a warm glow over gleaming copper stills and oak barrels.
Just under three hours north of Indianapolis, nestled in the rolling hills near Bloomington, Oliver Winery stands as Indiana’s largest and oldest winery, boasting a family tradition dating back to the 1960s. Touring the winery’s stone-carved tasting room, visitors can sample a diverse portfolio from dry reds to sweet fruit wines, including their flagship Chardonnay and Estate Norton. The surrounding grounds invite strolls among vineyards that stretch across gently sloping terrain, punctuated by views of Hoosier National Forest in the distance. Autumn is a particularly enchanting time to visit, as the vineyards turn vibrant shades of gold and crimson, complementing the rich, earthy flavors found in the cellar.
In the town of Lafayette, around an hour and a half northwest of Indianapolis, Tilly’s Taproom offers craft beer aficionados a gateway to Indiana’s robust brewing scene. Although not a brewery itself, this lively pub showcases an extensive rotating selection of local and regional brews, highlighting the state’s diversity from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts. Tilly’s commitment to pairing beer with elevated comfort food makes it a standout destination. Sitting in their spacious, cozy interior on a chilly winter evening, visitors can savor a perfectly poured pint alongside dishes crafted to bring out the best in each brew’s flavor profile, making it a must-stop for those exploring Indiana’s beer culture beyond production sites.
About two hours southwest of Indianapolis lies French Lick, a storied resort town renowned for the French Lick Winery & Vintage Cafe. The winery combines old-world European winemaking traditions with Indiana’s unique terroir, producing a distinct range of wines from native and hybrid grapes. The tasting room’s rustic charm complements the resort’s historic ambiance, inviting visitors to linger over flights that occasionally include specialty releases like blackberry or blueberry wines. Nearby hiking trails through the Hoosier National Forest add an active dimension to a visit, where cooler months offer crisp air and dramatic fall foliage, creating a perfect backdrop for pairing outdoor adventure with vineyard relaxation.
Traveling roughly three hours northeast of Indianapolis, the town of Fort Wayne has become a surprisingly lively center for craft spirits, with places like Mad Anthony Brewing Company serving both excellent beer and distilled offerings. The brewery’s downtown location is a vibrant gathering spot, featuring a taproom adorned with local art and ample seating. Their seasonal beers and small-batch spirits reflect the region’s agricultural heritage, often incorporating Indiana grains. Summer evenings here are especially inviting, as the brewery hosts live music and food trucks in an adjacent patio area, blending craft production with community celebration in an authentic Midwestern setting.
In southern Indiana’s Bloomington area, Upland Brewing Company is a pioneer of the state’s craft brewing movement. Just a short drive from Indiana University’s bustling campus, Upland offers a spacious tasting room where visitors can explore their flagship Wheat Ale or more adventurous brews like their Dragonfly IPA. The brewery’s flagship location also operates a rustic farmhouse-style taproom with communal tables, fostering a welcoming, inclusive vibe. Springtime visits are ideal, when the brewery hosts seasonal events alongside blooming wildflowers in nearby Griffy Lake Nature Preserve, making for a perfect blend of craft beer enjoyment and outdoor exploration.
East of Indianapolis, in the historic town of Seymour, Copper Moon Brewing Co. has carved out a niche with its artisanal beers and friendly, approachable taproom. Around an hour’s drive southeast, Seymour offers travelers a chance to experience small-town charm alongside the rising wave of Indiana craft brewing. Copper Moon’s flagship brews often include creative twists on classic styles, emphasizing local ingredients and sustainability. Their cozy tasting room, with exposed brick and reclaimed wood, invites lingering conversations and tastings. Late afternoon visits in autumn bring a warm, golden glow through the windows, enhancing the intimate ambiance.
In the heart of the Indiana Dunes region about 50 minutes from Chicago, Lakenenland Sculpture Park and the adjacent Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center provide a unique pairing for those interested in Indiana’s cultural and natural craftsmanship. While not a beverage producer, the park’s eclectic metal sculptures and the interpretive center’s exhibits on regional agriculture and ecosystems enrich any trip to nearby wineries or breweries in the area. The juxtaposition of art, nature, and local food and drink culture highlights the multi-faceted appeal of northern Indiana. Summer evenings, when the park hosts outdoor music and food markets, are perfect for immersing in the local vibe while planning visits to nearby Lake Michigan Shore wineries.
Finally, the historic town of Nashville in Brown County, about an hour south of Indianapolis, offers a charming setting for both outdoor exploration and indulgence in craft beverages. Brown County Winery, located on the outskirts of this artsy enclave known for its galleries and scenic beauty, produces wines that capture the flavors of Indiana’s unique microclimates. The winery’s tasting room offers panoramic views of the wooded hills, especially breathtaking during fall’s fiery foliage. Combining a visit here with a hike on the Brown County State Park’s hiking trails—like the moderate 2.6-mile North Trail loop—makes for a refreshing day trip where nature and the craft of winemaking dovetail beautifully.