French Lick Winery

If you are looking for a place with a cozy atmosphere and rich traditions, French Lick Winery in the town of French Lick will be a wonderful discovery. This family-owned business, established in 1995, has grown from a small project into a significant landmark on the USA wine map. Today, the winery is housed in a uniquely restored former piano factory, blending industrial history with the art of winemaking.

The establishment's primary pride is its premium wines, created from grapes grown at their own Heaven’s View Vineyard. They cultivate varieties such as Norton, Cabernet Franc, and Traminette. A special feature of the facility is its transparency: through panoramic windows, visitors can watch the process of grapes being transformed into an exquisite beverage with their own eyes.

In addition to the tasting room, the site features the Vintage Café and a spacious gift shop. The high quality of their products has been repeatedly confirmed by medals at prestigious national and international competitions, making French Lick Winery a must-visit for all connoisseurs of fine drinks.

For details on tastings or to book a table at the café, you can use the winery's official contact information.

The main attraction here is, of course, wine tasting. Visitors are invited to try both classic varieties and unique local wines, such as those made from Norton grapes, which have become iconic for this region. The friendly staff and the owners themselves—the Doty family—often share stories behind each drink, creating a warm, almost home-like atmosphere.

Be sure to stop by the Vintage Café, where you can complement your wine experience with a delicious lunch or light snacks. Through special glass windows in the room, you can observe the actual production process, adding an educational element to your visit. This is a rare opportunity to see the winery's inner workings without disturbing the master winemakers.

Before leaving, don't forget to visit the gift shop. It features a huge selection of bottles to take home, as well as various wine accessories and handmade gifts. It’s a great place to pick up a memento of your trip to Southern Indiana.

The attraction is located at 8145 W Sinclair St, West Baden Springs, in the immediate vicinity of the town of French Lick. If you are traveling from major transport hubs such as Louisville or Evansville, the drive will take approximately 1.5–2 hours along the scenic highways of Southern Indiana. It is an ideal route for a short road trip.

Public transportation is limited in this region, so the most convenient way to reach the winery is by renting a car or taking a taxi. For visitors arriving in their own vehicles, convenient parking is provided on-site. The winery is located very close to the region's legendary historic resort hotels, making it a must-stop while exploring the area.

The history of this place began in 1995, when John Doty decided to establish a family business on lands in Southern Indiana that had belonged to his wife Kim's family for over a century. Both founders are Purdue University graduates who combined their knowledge of business and horticulture to create this unique project. Interestingly, John's passion for winemaking was passed down from his grandfather, who once crafted homemade wines in simple clay crocks.

In 1998, their own Heaven’s View Vineyard was planted. This was where the Norton variety was first grown on a commercial scale in Indiana. Initially, production was modest, and wines were made from purchased grapes, but over time, the Doty family transitioned entirely to using their own harvest grown in the White River valley.

A significant milestone in the winery's development came in 2005 when production moved to the former Kimball Piano factory. The renovation of the industrial space allowed for a modern facility while preserving its industrial charm. Today, John and Kim's sons, Aaron and Nick, are actively involved in management, making French Lick Winery a true multi-generational legacy.

To leisurely enjoy the winery's atmosphere, it is recommended to set aside about 1.5–2 hours for your visit. This is plenty of time to enjoy a tasting flight, look into the production facility through the viewing windows, and pick out souvenirs in the shop.

If you plan to have lunch at the cozy Vintage Café, it's best to add another hour to your schedule. The winery invites a relaxed pace, so there is no need to rush.

The winery welcomes guests according to the following schedule: on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, the doors are open from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On Friday and Saturday, the establishment stays open longer—from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, which is convenient for those who want to spend an evening here. Please note that Tuesday is a closed day.

The schedule may change on holidays, so it is recommended to check for current information on the official website before your trip.

After tasting exquisite wines, it is worth taking some time to explore the surroundings, as the area is rich in historical and cultural sites. A stroll through these places will allow you to deeper experience the atmosphere of Southern Indiana and get to know its heritage.