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Madison Vineyards is one of the first wineries to open in Indiana post-prohibition. The winery opened in the late 1990’s and was only the 13th winery in the state at that time.
Location and Hours
The winery is located on the owner’s estate at 1456 East 400 North in Madison, IN. They are only a few miles from downtown Madison and the Ohio River.
They are open Wednesday through Sunday from 12:00pm to 5:00pm for winery visits and tastings.
The Winery
As one of the original modern wineries in Indiana, Madison Vineyard’s mission was to restore and preserve the wine growing heritage of the region. The first commercial winery in the United States was established in 1802 about 20 miles away in Vevay, Indiana.
Over the next 50 years, grape growing increased rapidly in the Ohio River Valley and the area from Cincinnati to Louisville, KY, was called “The Rhineland of America.” After the Civil War though, many vineyards were lost to vine diseases and bankruptcies and were then dealt a final blow by Prohibition.
Steve and Sandy Palmer were among the first contemporary winemakers to begin growing grapes and producing wine again in the Ohio River Valley of Indiana. Their vineyard is part of the Ohio River Valley Viticulture Area and produces award-winning wines.
A True Estate Winery
Madison Vineyards only produces wines from estate grown grapes, meaning if they don’t grow it themselves, it doesn’t go in their wine. Most wineries, even California wineries, source at least some grapes and/or juice from other regions. Madison is the only completely estate-grown winery in Indiana.
Madison Vineyards grows Vidal Blanc, Cayuga White, Niagara, Syrah and Concord grapes, as well as a few hybrid varietals.
The vineyards surround the 40 acre property where the winery, tasting room, bed and breakfast and guest cottages are. The tasting room has ample indoor seating and lots of wine related merchandise for sale. They also offer cheese and crackers to enjoy with your wine.
There is also outdoor seating on the patio off the tasting room, as well as a picnic area overlooking the vineyards. I visited on an early fall afternoon and the vineyard views from the deck were incredible.
Click here to read about another Madison, Indiana winery.
The Wine List and Wine Tastings
They produce 11 varieties of wine- 7 whites, 3 reds and a blush wine. The wines tend to be on the dry side, even their sweet wines, which is unusual for Indiana wines. Most wineries in Indiana produce sweeter wines, like concord and catawba based varieties.
Of the 7 white wines on the wine list, the driest offering is a blend of Vidal Blanc and Cayuga White grapes named, “Ba-Da-Bing Bianco.”
Next is a German-style white called Kleineweiss, made from cayuga grapes. It’s an off-dry white, with hints of peach.
Country Red is a sweet red blend made from concord grapes and rougeon grapes. It’s fruity but not overly sweet.
Sunset Blush is the only blush wine on the wine list. It’s made from a blend of grapes and is light and sweet and would pair well with fruit and cheese. It would make a perfect picnic wine.
Their most popular wine is named “Black Dog.” The label features a picture of Bert, the Palmer’s black lab. Sadly, Bert died shortly after the picture on the label was taken, but he still makes visitors smile when they see his likeness on wine bottles and merchandise in the shop.
Like Bert himself, his namesake wine is a favorite at the winery and elsewhere. It was named the best sweet wine at the Indiana Wine fair.
Vidal Blanc is a sweet white wine with hints of pineapple, honey and raisins.
Their sweetest wine, Mystique, is Niagara grape based and pairs perfectly with desserts.
To view the complete wine list, click here.
Wine tastings are complimentary for up to 5 wines. You can sample additional wines for $.50 each.
Bed and Breakfast
Madison Vineyards is also home to a bed and breakfast. The main house has 4 guest rooms, each with private baths. The rooms have distinct decor, luxury bedding, satellite TV and sitting areas.
Each night’s stay includes a full breakfast, bottled water and complimentary chocolates. On certain dates, a complimentary wine tasting of international wines in the private wine cellar at the B&B is also included.
There are also two fully furnished guest cottages on the property. The Beaujolais Cottage is a 1 bedroom house with a living room, full kitchen and screened-in porch.
The Vineyard House is a 2 bedroom house with a dining room and is perfect for a girls’ weekend getaway.
The B&B offers several different packages to turn your visit into a romantic weekend getaway or a wine trail adventure.
Madison Vineyards Estate Winery offers a unique perspective on Indiana winemaking by bottling wine made from estate grown grapes only. Their wines are distinctive and memorable. Consider a trip to the tasting room to sample these wines and a stay at the bed and breakfast for a complete wine experience.
What to read about more wineries in Madison, Indiana? Click on the picture below.
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