For me, supporting local businesses is a no-brainer, and in Indianapolis, there is always something new to the area to check out. Urban Vines, a winery located just North of the capital in Westfield, opened in the spring of 2017, and sells a variety of wines, wine slushies, beers, pizza, and customizable charcuterie boards.
Since growing grapes for wine is very difficult and depends almost solely on climate and rain, Urban Vines does source its grapes from other vineyards. The brand is “dedicated to small batch wine making and brewing.” Everything from the grape squeezing to the aging to the bottling process is done right here in good ol’ Indiana. Ranging from $5 to $7 a glass (not including half-off Tuesdays), wine variances range from dry reds to fun, sweet wines. Currently, one of the seasonal wines they are offering is a PB&J flavor! I haven’t tried it out for myself, but it sounds very unique. Carnival Candy, another wine of the sweeter side of things, is their famous cotton candy flavored wine. Talk about a sugar buzz! On the dry side, their Bourbon Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon, with an ABV of 14%, is aged in a bourbon barrel for 6 months. You can’t go wrong with that, especially considering that it’s still only $7 a glass. Wine tastings (5 for $5) and wine flights (3 6-oz glasses for $15) are also offered. When getting the wine flight, try to save yourself some embarrassment and don’t drop any of the glasses…like I did last time I went.
Wine slushies, a product that spiked for Urban Vines during the stay-at-home order, are announced every Thursday at noon. Two flavors are announced every week. Some of the featured flavors have been margarita, peach, grape, kiwi, and pina colada. Presale gallons are $21, and there are some available for walk-ups (but it is very limited).
With the location standing on about 5 acres with a pond view, the outdoor seating and events here is one of the highlights. A lot of the events, called “Uncorked With…” feature local Indianapolis and surrounding area artists for an intimate performance with drinks and a view. Events are scheduled this year until July 31st, and happen at least twice a week. Beginning in November and extending through the winter and early spring months, guests are able to rent heated igloos, and Urban Vines is the only place in the Indianapolis area that offers this feature. Groups can be up to eight people, and the igloo rentals run $10 to $20 an hour, with the price jump on the weekends. If you would like to rent the facility itself, you have three options. Parties of 30 or less are encouraged to rent the private wine cellar, 80 or less is offered the patio, and parties of up to 300 have the option of renting the whole place. Prices and times are determined by a handful of things, including how big the party is, how much wine is purchased, and how many staff members are needed for the event.
With the location standing on about 5 acres with a pond view, the outdoor seating and events here is one of the highlights. A lot of the events, called “Uncorked With…” feature local Indianapolis and surrounding area artists for an intimate performance with drinks and a view. Events are scheduled this year until July 31st, and happen at least twice a week. Beginning in November and extending through the winter and early spring months, guests are able to rent heated igloos, and Urban Vines is the only place in the Indianapolis area that offers this feature. Groups can be up to eight people, and the igloo rentals run $10 to $20 an hour, with the price jump on the weekends. If you would like to rent the facility itself, you have three options. Parties of 30 or less are encouraged to rent the private wine cellar, 80 or less is offered the patio, and parties of up to 300 have the option of renting the whole place. Prices and times are determined by a handful of things, including how big the party is, how much wine is purchased, and how many staff members are needed for the event.
If you find yourself free in the evening and want to check out a local, well kept, gorgeous and welcoming winery, Urban Vines is the spot for you. They’re kid-friendly, pet-friendly, and picnic-friendly, so it’s a great spot for the whole family. If you’re new to drinking wine, this is a great opportunity to expand your palette and try new types, and if you’re a seasoned wine drinker, the wine list is so unique that there will be something new for you as well.