Nestled in the rolling hills of Spencer, Indiana, Owen Valley Winery is more than just a place to sip on some of the finest wines in the region—it’s a hub of community, creativity, and a testament to the art of winemaking. On our recent visit, we had the pleasure of experiencing the warm atmosphere, exploring the vineyard, and getting a behind-the-scenes look at the dedication and hard work that goes into each bottle of wine.
The Ambiance
As we arrived at Owen Valley Winery, we were immediately struck by the welcoming and relaxed vibe. The winery’s outdoor patio was the perfect spot to start our visit, offering a serene setting to enjoy a glass of wine while soaking in the beauty of the surroundings. The winery’s media director shared that on weekends, the place fills up with locals and visitors alike, gathering for crew meeting nights that transform the venue into a lively hub of conversation and connection.
Even on slower days, the winery remains a popular spot for those looking to unwind—whether it’s with a good book or simply enjoying a glass of wine in the company of friends. The mention of hummingbird feeders that once lined the porch, with the tiny birds zipping around guests’ heads, adds a charming, rustic touch to the setting, though it comes with its own challenges (as any bird enthusiast might imagine).
The Vineyard: Where Passion Meets Patience
Our journey through the vineyard was a highlight of the visit. With acres of grapevines stretching across the landscape, we learned about the care and dedication required to maintain this beautiful yet demanding environment. This year’s harvest had been particularly fruitful, despite the unpredictable weather and the constant battle against wildlife—deer being the main culprits.
The vineyard is not just a place of work but also a labor of love for the team. As they shared stories of protecting the vines with netting and using creative deterrents to ward off birds, it was clear that the connection to the land runs deep. Owen Valley Winery grows a variety of grapes, including Marechal Foch, Chambourcin, Catawba, and Cayuga, among others. These varietals, though challenging to cultivate in Indiana’s climate, are nurtured with care to produce the rich flavors that wine enthusiasts have come to love.
A Venue for Special Moments
The winery also serves as a venue for private events, including weddings, offering a unique blend of indoor and outdoor spaces. However, hosting events here comes with its own set of challenges. With the winery’s focus solely on serving their own wines, couples who choose to celebrate their special day at Owen Valley must be true wine lovers, willing to embrace the winery’s offerings and the charm of an outdoor setting.
Despite these challenges, the winery has seen a lot of interest in hosting events, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of beautiful scenery, intimate spaces, and the genuine hospitality of the staff makes Owen Valley Winery a perfect place for those looking to create unforgettable memories.
The People Behind the Wine
One of the most memorable parts of our visit was meeting the people who make Owen Valley Winery what it is. From the media director, Alex, who transitioned from a corporate job to follow a passion for wine, to the multigenerational family that runs the winery, everyone here is deeply connected to the land and the craft.
The production side of the winery is just as fascinating. We were shown the new bottling line, a recent addition that has significantly increased their capacity to produce bottles. Yet, despite this expansion, Owen Valley Winery remains deeply rooted in its small-business ethos, with family members actively involved in every aspect of the operation—from the vineyard to the marketing.
A Glimpse Inside the Production Area
As we stepped into the winery’s production area, we were immediately struck by its simplicity and charm. Described by the team as a large, peaceful space that’s somewhat reminiscent of a pole barn, the area serves as the epicenter of the winemaking process. It’s here that the raw materials of the vineyard begin their transformation into the final product we enjoy.
Wine Club: A Community of Enthusiasts
One of the standout aspects of Owen Valley Winery is their wine club, which boasts nearly 300 members. The wine club isn’t just a loyalty program—it’s a direct line of communication between the winery and its most dedicated patrons. Members enjoy quarterly releases, exclusive pre-tastings, and discounts year-round. For the winery, the club offers an invaluable creative outlet, allowing them to experiment with smaller batches and unique blends that might not be feasible for larger-scale production.
The Art and Science of Winemaking
Our tour delved into the technical side of winemaking, where we learned about the grape processing techniques that form the foundation of the winery’s offerings. We were introduced to the grape crusher-destemmer, a crucial tool that separates the juice from the greenery, setting the stage for fermentation.
The winemaker explained the careful monitoring of sugar levels in the grapes using a refractometer—a tool that measures the Brix level, directly correlating to the potential alcohol content of the wine. This meticulous process ensures that each batch meets the desired quality and flavor profile. The discussion also covered the different fermentation techniques used for red, white, and rosé wines, highlighting the artistry involved in crafting each variety.
In-House Testing and Quality Control
Quality control is a cornerstone of the winemaking process at Owen Valley. The winemaker, Cody, performs all tests in-house, from sugar and acid levels to more complex analyses. This hands-on approach allows for an intimate understanding of each stage of production, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. By maintaining control over every step, the winery can craft wines that reflect their commitment to excellence and their deep connection to the land.
The Complexities of Wine Taxation
As part of the tour, we learned about the bonded space—a regulated area where all wine entering or leaving is meticulously reported to the federal government. The winemaker shed light on the often-overlooked complexities of running a winery, including the multiple layers of taxation that occur before a bottle ever reaches the consumer. It was a reminder of the challenges faced by small businesses in the industry, where every drop of wine is taxed three times before it’s sold.
Library Wines and Exclusive Supper Clubs
A highlight of our tour was discovering the winery’s collection of library wines—older vintages that have been carefully stored over the years. These wines are occasionally brought out during the winery’s exclusive supper clubs, where guests can enjoy specially paired dinners and have the opportunity to purchase these rare bottles. This unique offering adds an air of exclusivity and sophistication to the winery, allowing patrons to experience the depth and complexity of aged wines.
Expansion and Innovation: The New Bottling Line
Owen Valley Winery has recently expanded its production capabilities with the addition of a new bottling line, which has revolutionized their operations. Capable of bottling 200 gallons an hour, this new equipment has dramatically increased efficiency, allowing the winery to focus more on vineyard expansion and less on the labor-intensive bottling process. This investment has also opened up opportunities for wholesale distribution, further extending the reach of their wines.
The Winemaker’s Journey: From Family Tradition to Craft Mastery
One of the most engaging parts of our visit was hearing about the winemaker’s personal journey. Having grown up in the vineyard, with family gatherings centered around food and wine, he developed a deep appreciation for both from a young age. While his first love was food, winemaking became a natural extension of this passion, merging the precision of science with the creativity of culinary arts.
The winemaker shared how he learned the basics from his parents, but over time, he developed his own techniques and preferences, crafting wines that reflect his unique vision. Today, every wine on their list, except one, is a product of his craftsmanship—a testament to his growth from a reluctant teenager helping in the vineyard to a seasoned winemaker.
Favorite Wines and Varietals
When asked about his favorite wines, Cody didn’t hesitate to mention Chambourcin, a versatile grape that produces excellent rosé, red wine, and port. He also expressed a fondness for Vidal Blanc, a crisp and refreshing white wine that thrives in Indiana’s climate. These recommendations provide a great starting point for anyone looking to explore the winery’s offerings.
Family, Tradition, and the Future
Owen Valley Winery is deeply rooted in family and tradition. The winemaker’s journey, shaped by his parents’ interest in agriculture and winemaking, has led to the creation of wines that are both innovative and reflective of the region’s heritage. As the winery continues to grow and evolve, it remains a testament to the power of family, passion, and the pursuit of excellence in every bottle.
Warm Welcomes and Delicious Offerings
As we entered the winery’s expanded kitchen area, we were greeted with a warm welcome from Connor, who had prepared a beautiful charcuterie board just for us. It was a thoughtful gesture that set the tone for the rest of our visit. Alex, the marketing director, continued to share a bit of the winery’s history, explaining how the kitchen had once been a much smaller space, with a single person handling both the bar and the food orders. Today, the kitchen has grown, much like the winery itself, reflecting its success and the dedication of the team behind it.
A Tour Through the Wine Menu
With our charcuterie board in hand, we were introduced to the winery’s extensive wine menu. Alex pointed out some of Owen Valley’s best sellers, giving us a glimpse into what makes these wines so beloved by their customers:
- Crimson and Cream: The winery’s signature wine, and a best seller since they first opened their doors. This Catawba rosé has remained a fan favorite for its balance of flavors and approachable style.
- Bourbon Barrel Blackberry: A relatively new addition to the winery’s offerings, this small-batch wine has quickly become a hit. Aged in bourbon barrels, it brings a rich, deep flavor that customers eagerly anticipate each year.
- Bourbon Barrel Blueberry: Recently released at the winery’s latest wine club event, this wine has already made a big splash among members. Like its blackberry counterpart, it’s aged in bourbon barrels, adding a unique twist to the traditional fruit wine.
- Zinfandel: For those who prefer dry wines, the Zinfandel is a must-try. As one of the newest additions to the menu, it has been praised for its bold, robust flavor.
- Covered Bridge White: This white wine carries the familiar aroma and taste of Concord grapes, yet without the overwhelming sweetness. It strikes a delicate balance, offering a hint of that classic grape flavor while remaining refreshing and versatile.
- Cantankerous Neighbor: This Indiana apple cider bursts with the strong, distinctive flavor of Golden Delicious apples. A refreshing choice, this cider offers a crisp, fruity experience that stands out among the winery’s diverse offerings.
Each category on the menu is organized from dry to sweet, making it easy for guests to find the perfect wine to suit their palate. They also shared that some wines, like Crawdad Dinner—a semi-dry red wine served chilled—are particularly popular among the staff, often enjoyed at the end of a long day.
Award-Winning Wines and Long-Standing Favorites
Owen Valley Winery’s commitment to quality has not gone unnoticed. During our tasting, we learned that several of their wines have received accolades, including a gold medal at the Indiana State Fair. This recognition is a testament to the winery’s dedication to crafting exceptional wines that stand out in a competitive field.
Among the long-standing favorites are the Old River White and Old River Red blends, as well as Crimson and Cream, all of which have been staples of the winery’s offerings since its early days. Cody, the winemaker, has continually refined these blends over the years, ensuring they remain beloved by both new and returning customers.
The Artistry Behind the Wines
One of the most fascinating parts of our visit was learning about the unique techniques used in the winery’s production. They highlighted the barrel-aged Vignoles, a wine prepared using a method similar to Chablis. This process involves using wild yeast and stirring the lees—the spent yeast bodies—daily during fermentation. It’s an incredibly labor-intensive method that requires constant attention, but the result is a wine with a distinct, complex flavor that reflects the care and craftsmanship of the winemaking team.
A Personalized Tasting Experience
To cap off our visit, we were offered the chance to customize our tasting experience. The bartender invited us to choose five wines each from the menu, allowing us to explore a wide range of flavors and styles. This personalized approach to tastings is just one of the many ways Owen Valley Winery ensures that every guest leaves with a memorable experience.
A Taste of Local Flavor
As we settled in for our wine and charcuterie tasting, we were delighted to discover that Owen Valley Winery takes pride in sourcing their ingredients locally. The cheeses on our board—a rich cheddar and a smooth gouda—were all crafted by nearby artisans, while the selection of meats came from a local butcher. The local meat was very salty, contrasting beautifully with the medium sharpness of the cheddar, which left a delightful white Parmesan aftertaste. The crackers, with a hint of garlic, paired perfectly with the assortment of cheeses.
The charcuterie board was a feast for the senses, with 80s music playing softly in the background, adding a nostalgic touch to the experience. The chocolate-covered almonds offered a sweet treat that balanced the astringent gherkin pickles and the garlicky sweetness of the pickled carrots. The dried red meat was particularly spicy, adding a bold kick to the tasting, while the fresh raspberries were incredibly sweet and juicy. The dried cranberries provided a chewy texture, complemented by a candied-something that added an unexpected burst of flavor.
This commitment to using local products not only enhances the freshness and quality of the offerings but also reflects the winery’s dedication to supporting the community around them. Every bite and sip felt like a celebration of Indiana’s rich agricultural heritage, perfectly complementing the wines we were enjoying.
