The second installment of May's staycation series focuses on Southern Indiana's wine country and all it has to offer. Home to 22 wineries, Southern Indiana is a splendid place to have your romantic staycation. You can plan a trip to wine country any time, but if you really want a treat, visit during a special event.
The Indiana Uplands Wine Trail provides an excellent opportunity and excuse to take your own tour. All you need is a passport, which can be picked up at any of the wineries on the trail:
The passport will take you on a journey through the hills of south central Indiana- along the way you will taste award winning Indiana-grown wines, enjoy scenic views & experience southern Indiana at its finest! Get yours completed before May 31, 2010 and you will receive an Indiana Uplands Trail logo picnic blanket & be entered in this year's grand prize drawing. Grand prize, second & third prize winners will be announced at the
in June. (One passport and gift per household please.)
If you want a more structured experience, the Bed & Breakfast at Madison Vineyards offers special packages, including a wine lovers trail package. Time your visit with one of their Twilight Tasting Dinners for a truly special staycation. The next one is May 22.
Other ways to make your wine country staycation special include free wine tastings, guided tours, and picnic lunches on the grounds. Turtle Run is one winery I've been to that does all of the above:
We’ll explain to you in a very non-technical, easy to understand way, the subtleties of the winemaking and aging process. How do barrels made from Minnesota oak differ in flavor from those made from oak grown in Ohio, Tennessee or Kentucky? How does a much more expensive bladder press positively affect the flavors of each wine? How does blending enhance many of the wines at Turtle Run? These questions and many more are answered.
Enjoy free wine tasting in Laura’s tasting room. Staffed by our very friendly and knowledgeable staff, they have a passion to make you feel right at home. Bring a picnic and enjoy the scenery at one of our many picnic tables or out on the east side deck.
Time your visit with their Jazz concert on May 30th for a real treat.
For more on Staycationing in Southern Indiana, check in again next Wednesday. You can find past Staycation Spotlights here:
Staycation Spotlight #1:
[Photo of Turtle Run Winery by Angie Andriot]
