Oliver Winery Tour — Bloomington, Indiana

Discover the Oliver Winery Tour in Indiana

Visit Oliver Winery in Bloomington, Indiana—one of the largest and most awarded wineries in the Midwest. Nestled among rolling hills, tranquil gardens, and a serene lakeside setting, this tour offers an immersive look at winemaking from grape to glass.
Why it’s special:
Oliver Winery combines world-class wine production with a stunning, botanical-style estate that feels more like a scenic retreat than a typical winery visit.

History/Story of Oliver Winery

What began in the 1960s as a hobby project by Indiana University law professor William Oliver soon became a thriving winery. In 1972, Oliver Winery was officially founded and quickly grew into the Midwest’s largest winery thanks to pioneering fruit wines and high-quality vinifera blends. Today, Oliver is known nationwide for approachable, flavorful wines and its beautiful estate experience.

What You’ll See & Do at Oliver Winery

• Tour production spaces where wines are fermented, aged, and bottled

• Learn about Oliver’s grape sourcing, winemaking philosophy, and signature fermentation methods

• Walk the landscaped winery grounds, gardens, and lakeside trails

• Enjoy guided tastings of fan favorites such as Soft Red, Soft White, Creekbend varietals, and seasonal releases

• Relax on the patio or tasting room with wine flights, cheese boards, and picnic-friendly seating

• Browse the winery shop offering bottles, gifts, and gourmet snacks

Hands-On Elements: Guided tastings, aroma stations, wine flight sampling, and optional picnic areas.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography encouraged outdoors and in designated tasting areas.
Souvenirs & Extras: Bottled wine, Creekbend estate wines, glassware, gourmet snacks, chocolates, and gifts.

Pricing of the Oliver Winery Tour

• Guided Estate Tour: $20 per person
  Includes wine tastings during the tour

• Wine Flight Tasting: $10–$15 depending on selection

• Picnic Reservations: Pricing varies; available seasonally

• Children under 3: Free (non-tasting)

Practical Info for Visiting Oliver Winery

Duration: 60–75 minutes for guided tours
Format: Guided winery tour + seated tasting; self-guided grounds exploration available
Schedule & Seasonality: Tours offered year-round; peak season spring–fall
Working Hours: Typically 11:00 AM–6:00 PM, extended hours on weekends
Audience: Couples, wine enthusiasts, groups, families (non-tasting areas)
Accessibility: Tasting room accessible; some outdoor paths may be uneven
Safety & Restrictions:

• Must be 21+ to drink wine

• Children allowed in outdoor and non-tasting spaces
  Languages: English
  Group & School Visits: Group wine tours available; school groups not permitted
  What to Bring/Wear: Valid ID, comfortable shoes, outdoor-friendly clothing for grounds walking
  Facilities: Tasting room, wine shop, patio, gardens, picnic areas, restrooms, parking
  Closures & Downtime: Closed major holidays; outdoor areas weather-dependent

Nearby

• Lake Griffy Nature Preserve – hiking, paddling, and trails

• Indiana University Bloomington Campus

• Bloomington’s Kirkwood Avenue – cafés, restaurants, shops

FAQs About Visiting Oliver Winery

Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are recommended for guided tours and weekend tastings.

Can I bring kids?
Yes—children are welcome in outdoor areas and non-tasting spaces.

Are picnics allowed?
Yes—Oliver is known for its beautiful picnic-friendly grounds.

Are tastings included with the tour?
Yes, the guided tour includes curated wine tastings.

Is there food available?
Snacks and cheese boards are available; guests may also bring their own picnic.