Hoosier wineries offer array of options for holiday wines

With over a hundred wineries throughout Indiana, Hoosiers should think locally when selecting their wines for Thanksgiving spreads. Jill Blume, enology specialist and a member of the Purdue Wine and Grape Team, said wineries have become so ubiquitous throughout the state that picking up a wine from a local winery is hassle-free.

“At this point, there are around 100 wineries in Indiana, so most people should be able to find one about a half hour from their home,” Blume said.

Additionally, many wineries produce limited-edition wines to be enjoyed around the holidays. This month, for example, Huber’s Winery is highlighting its Traminette wine as its light, fruity flavor pairs well with turkey and other Thanksgiving staples. The winery, based in Starlight, also releases a Christmas white wine, which boasts notes of peach, apple and citrus. Many other wineries around the state release holiday-themed wines, as well.

Around the holidays, Blume recommended sparkling wines from your regional Hoosier winery.

“Sparkling wines make an occasion feel more festive,” Blume said. “I know there are a lot of great sparkling wines from Indiana wineries, like sparkling Catawba and sparkling Vignoles. There are even sparkling fruit wines that are really nice for folks not accustomed to drinking wine for the holidays.”

Blume suggested red wine with meats and lighter rosés and whites with side dishes from cranberry salad to pumpkin pie. Rosés are versatile wines, Blume continued, that do well with most any meal. Blume’s most important rule about holiday wine pairings?

“Drink what you like and try new things,” she said.

Featured Stories

Gary Steinhardt receives award at Ag Alumni Fish Fry.
Contributing to the future--the greatest “Steinyism” of all

Gary Steinhardt’s father once told him that he would never leave their farm because living...

Read More
Various types of artwork are displayed on tables.
Third annual Animal Sciences Art Show showcases student talent

Purdue Animal Sciences celebrated student creativity with an art show and departmentwide costume...

Read More
A woman in a greenhouse uses an aspirator to infest wheat plants with Hessian flies.
Wheat crops receive reinforcements in battle against Hessian fly

A tiny insect called the Hessian fly began plaguing U.S. wheat fields during the American...

Read More
Dean Zimmerman holds a wild turkey in 1996; Zimmerman stands in a prairie; Zimmerman seines a stream with his grandson using a kick net.;
Meet Dean Zimmerman: 2025 Chase S. Osborn Award Winner

Although Dean Zimmerman (BS Wildlife 1971) retired in 2015 after spending 43 years with the...

Read More
The cover of Jessica Gurevitch's Book Life on Our Dynamic Planet; A headshot of Dr. Jessica Gurevitch
Gurevitch Explores Science Questions, Environment, Earth System in New Book

Dr. Jessica Gurevitch invites readers into a deeper understanding of the Earth system and its...

Read More
Ag Barometer
Optimism grows in October as current conditions improve

Farmer sentiment improved in October as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose...

Read More