
Oliver Winery
A magical winery escape with stunning gardens, unique fruit-forward wines, and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for dates and picnics.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect weather for picnics

Oliver Winery
Best Time
Perfect weather for picnics

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magical winery escape with stunning gardens, unique fruit-forward wines, and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for dates and picnics.
"A must visit! This is one of the best places to visit in Bloomington."

🎯 Book Guided Tastings
Highly recommended! Guides like Barry, Ian, and Kathleen K. offer amazing insights.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
Enjoy your own food on the beautiful grounds.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wine Tasting Experience
Tasting Room
Engage your senses with guided tastings led by knowledgeable staff, exploring a wide range of fruit-forward wines.

Scenic Grounds & Gardens
Outdoor Areas
Wander through beautifully landscaped gardens, peaceful ponds, and shaded nooks perfect for relaxation.
Artisan Tray Pairing
Tasting Room
Elevate your tasting with an artisan tray, offering a delicious complement to your chosen wines.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tastings in Advance
Picnic Perfection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Guided Tastings
Highly recommended! Guides like Barry, Ian, and Kathleen K. offer amazing insights.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
Enjoy your own food on the beautiful grounds.
🍷 Explore Beyond Tastings
Try wines not sampled during your tasting to discover new favorites.
🚗 Day Trip from Indy
Just an hour's drive from Indianapolis, perfect for a weekend getaway.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tastings
Highly recommended! Guides like Barry, Ian, and Kathleen K. offer amazing insights.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
Enjoy your own food on the beautiful grounds.
🍷 Explore Beyond Tastings
Try wines not sampled during your tasting to discover new favorites.
🚗 Day Trip from Indy
Just an hour's drive from Indianapolis, perfect for a weekend getaway.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The gardens and grounds are incredibly picturesque.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Oliver Winery for its stunning grounds, magical atmosphere, and friendly staff, making it a top destination in Bloomington. While some find the prices a bit high, the overall experience and unique wine selection are often deemed worth the cost. The guided tastings are particularly recommended for their educational and enjoyable nature.
"I surprised my mom and bff with a day here at the winery and let me tell you, we all had a wonderful time! I'm not much of a wine drinker but they definitely are and I still enjoyed the vibes, the atmosphere and the sweet staff. Highly recommend the winery tour because we learned so many things we didn't know, especially that the Oliver's are a wonderful family who have touched the lives of many. Kathy was our tour guide and she was knowledgeable and very sweet. The day was beautiful. I packed us a picnic that we were able to enjoy once the tour was over. Or you can purchase food and snacks at the shop. We left with some wines that they've never tried before so it definitely broadened their horizons. We can't wait to come back!"
Bri M
"We had an incredible experience today on our tour and tasting with Kandy! She is incredibly knowledgeable and has a gift for teaching, especially simplifying complex information about the wine making process! I would recommend this to anyone, even those who don’t necessarily like wine!"
colsgirl16
"A must visit! This is one of the best places to visit in Bloomington. From the moment you arrive, you are greeted by beautiful gardens, peaceful ponds, and plenty of shaded spots to relax with a glass of wine. The setting is gorgeous and perfect for a picnic or just enjoying the view.
Only downside is that’s it’s a bit on the expensive side. We paid $36 for a simple lemon flavoured white wine, a bag of chips and a dip but the ambience made it worth the cost."
Pavneet Ajmani
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oliver Winery is conveniently located in Bloomington, Indiana, about an hour's drive south of Indianapolis. Take I-69 South and then follow signs for Bloomington. Many visitors make it a day trip or weekend road trip from Indy.
Public transportation options to Bloomington are limited, and getting directly to the winery from the city center might require a taxi or rideshare service. It's generally recommended to drive or arrange for transportation.
Oliver Winery offers ample parking for visitors. During peak times, it can get busy, but there are usually plenty of spaces available on the grounds.
While specific policies can change, generally, pets are not permitted inside the tasting rooms or buildings. However, well-behaved dogs on leashes are often welcome in outdoor areas, especially for picnics. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most current pet policy.
From Indianapolis, take I-69 South towards Bloomington. Depending on your exact starting point, you may transition to IN-37 S or other local roads. Use a GPS navigation app for the most accurate, real-time directions to 8024 N. Old State Road 37, Bloomington, IN 47404.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the grounds is generally free, allowing you to explore and picnic. However, wine tastings, tours, and special events typically require advance booking and payment. It's highly recommended to book tastings and tours online, especially for popular times or specific guides.
The cost of wine tastings can vary depending on the package and duration. A guided tasting with a knowledgeable host like Barry or Ian is highly recommended and typically costs around $36 per person, which may include a selection of wines and sometimes an artisan tray.
Oliver Winery's hours can vary seasonally and by day of the week. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date operating hours for the tasting room, shop, and grounds. They are often open daily, with extended hours on weekends.
Yes, Oliver Winery can accommodate private events and group tours. Contact their events team directly through their website to inquire about availability, packages, and pricing for your specific needs.
While the grounds are open to all ages, you must be 21 years or older to participate in wine tastings, purchase alcoholic beverages, or consume them on the premises. Identification may be required.
🎫 🍷 Onsite Experience
Beyond wine tasting, you can explore the beautiful landscaped gardens and grounds, enjoy a picnic with your own food or purchased snacks, browse the shop for wine and local goods, and simply relax in the scenic atmosphere.
Absolutely! Bringing your own picnic is a popular option at Oliver Winery. The beautiful grounds provide a perfect setting to enjoy your meal with a bottle of their wine.
Oliver Winery offers a selection of snacks, cheeses, dips, and sometimes pre-made picnic items for purchase in their shop. They also have pizza available.
Oliver Winery often hosts seasonal events, such as grape stomping in the fall, live music, and special pairing events. Check their website or social media for upcoming events.
The atmosphere is described as magical, peaceful, and gorgeous, with beautiful gardens, ponds, and shaded spots. It's a great place for dates, girls' days, or relaxing with family.
📸 📸 Photography
The landscaped gardens, serene ponds, vineyard views (if applicable), and charming nooks offer numerous picturesque spots for photos. The overall ambiance of the winery is very photogenic.
For professional photo shoots, it's advisable to contact Oliver Winery in advance to inquire about their policies and any potential fees or permits required.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) often provides the most beautiful, soft light for photography, enhancing the natural beauty of the grounds. Overcast days can also offer diffused light, which is great for portraits.
Look for the hidden nooks, the reflections in the ponds, and the lush greenery. The changing seasons also offer unique backdrops, from spring blooms to fall foliage.
Besides your camera or smartphone, consider bringing a portable charger, especially if you plan on spending a lot of time capturing content. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive grounds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekday mornings or early afternoons when crowds are typically lower, making it easier to manage with children. Ensure you have plenty of snacks and drinks for the kids, as the focus of the winery is on adult beverages.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you do opt for a tasting, consider sharing an artisan tray among a group to reduce individual costs. Look for wines that are more affordably priced, or focus on enjoying the ambiance and grounds rather than indulging in multiple tastings or expensive bottles.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Consider booking a guided wine tasting for a shared experience where you can learn about wines together. The winery's ambiance, especially during summer evenings or the golden hues of fall, lends itself beautifully to romantic moments. Many visitors find the experience to be a delightful escape from the everyday.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Oliver Winery's Unique Wines
Many visitors appreciate that Oliver Winery caters to a wide range of palates. Even those who don't typically consider themselves 'wine drinkers' find something to enjoy, thanks to the emphasis on vibrant fruit flavors and often a pleasant sweetness. The artisan tray offered during tastings is a popular accompaniment, designed to complement the specific notes of each wine. Don't be afraid to try wines that might not fit your usual preference, as many reviewers suggest letting your taste buds guide you to unexpected favorites.
The winery also offers a mail-order program, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite Oliver Winery selections even after they've left Bloomington. This is a great option for those who discovered a new favorite during their visit and want to stock up. The variety ensures there's something for every occasion, from a casual girls' night in to a romantic date night.
The Enchanting Grounds of Oliver Winery
Many visitors choose to bring their own picnics to fully enjoy the outdoor ambiance. The expansive grounds offer plenty of space to spread out a blanket or find a comfortable spot to savor your meal while taking in the natural beauty. The winery also offers food and snacks for purchase, including pizzas and artisan trays, for those who prefer to buy on-site.
Whether you're visiting in the vibrant bloom of spring, the warm embrace of summer, or the colorful foliage of fall, the scenery at Oliver Winery provides a stunning backdrop. It's a place where you can truly disconnect and enjoy the simple pleasures of good wine and beautiful surroundings.
Oliver Winery: A Bloomington Gem
The staff and tour guides at Oliver Winery receive frequent praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and passion. Guides like Kathy, Kandy, Barry, Ian, and Kathleen K. are often mentioned by name for their ability to make the wine-making process engaging and understandable, even for those new to wine. This personal touch significantly enhances the visitor experience, making it more than just a tasting.
Oliver Winery has been a part of the Indiana landscape since 1972, and its long-standing history and family-oriented approach contribute to its warm and welcoming atmosphere. It's a place that offers a blend of natural beauty, unique wine offerings, and genuine hospitality, solidifying its reputation as a beloved local attraction.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit