When my husband and I were first married, we spent many weekends driving all over Indiana with the goal of checking off all of the boxes in our Indiana Wine Trail Passport. We saw the most beautiful parts of this great state and drank delicious wines. Fast forward 15 years and we’re exploring even more of Indiana with four kids in tow. Since many wineries, including the beautiful Oliver Winery Indiana property, welcome children, we can return to some of our favorite locations with the whole family.
Portions of our Oliver Winery visit were provided gratis for the purpose of sharing information with you.
Oliver Winery is Kid Friendly
The term “kid-friendly” can be misused frequently, so I want to make sure you know what I mean before you pack your kids up in their car seats and make the 45-minute drive to this gorgeous property. When I say “kid-friendly”, I mean that children are welcome and there are things for them to do or places for them to explore. I don’t mean that the dazzling tasting room is child-proofed; it’s not. I don’t mean that there are puppet shows and playgrounds; there are not.
Oliver Winery has a pond with lily pads and frogs and dragonflies. There are birds and fish and wild grasses. My kids loved the short hike around the large pond and they had a great time skipping rocks and laughing with other kids on the wooden dock.
My kids danced to the live music, smeared crackers with cheese, and popped fresh grapes in their mouths from our picnic spread. It was a gorgeous afternoon and each of us enjoyed ourselves.
Picnic Packages for the Whole Family
We reserved an Oliver Picnic Package ahead of time and even had reserved VIP seating on the patio on a busy Saturday. The picnic package for two was a great fit for our family of two adults and four young children. Next time, I would order an extra baguette. Add your favorite Oliver Winery Indiana wine beverage to your picnic and you’ve got an amazing small plate spread. Picnic packages are available from April through October.
The Picnic Package includes a souvenir wine tumbler for each guest, an assortment of gourmet cheeses and meats, a baguette, chocolates, dried fruits, and olives. The items provided may vary, but this is what we found in our picnic. You’ll want to reserve your picnic package at least five days in advance. The winery requests that you note if you are bringing children with you in your booking.
Saturdays and Events at Oliver Winery
On Saturdays, Memorial Day through the end of August, the patio is alive with live music and groups of families and friends enjoying the atmosphere, the entertainment, and of course, the wine. Other fun events take place throughout the summer and fall seasons, from food truck events to festivals, and children are welcome to most of them. However, be sure to check the details, as certain events will specify that children are not invited.
Oliver Winery Indiana Wine Tasting
The tasting bar area is for adults ages 21+, so bring along another adult and take turns trying your new favorite Oliver Winery Indiana wines. For a few dollars, you’ll have the opportunity to drink your way through a guided tasting experience. This is the perfect opportunity to decide which bottle you want to purchase for your picnic. Oliver allows guests to purchase one bottle of wine per person to consume on the grounds. If you want to buy more, you’ll just have to take it home to enjoy.
Oliver Winery Tours
On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, Oliver offers a 1 hour walking tour of their production facility and cellar. Following the tour, guests enjoy a 30-minute guided tasting experience and receive a souvenir glass to take home. Check their website for current times and to make reservations. My husband and I have participated in this tour in the past without our children, and while they’re welcome on the tour at a reduced rate, it’s not designed for children. We’re waiting a few more years before attempting to take them on tours like this.
Pets at Oliver Winery
Pets on a leash are welcome to the winery but they are not permitted in the tasting room. While we were on the deck, we saw several dogs sitting with their owners.
Food at Oliver Winery
Guests are invited to bring their own picnics or reserve a picnic at least two days in advance. Oliver does not currently operate a restaurant or food service, but they do have a refrigerated section of meats and cheeses, plus a variety of dips, salsas, and crackers. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available for sale, but you are welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages with you.
What to Bring to Oliver Winery Indiana Property
If you’re bringing your children along with you, consider packing bubbles, coloring books, and other small activities. We spent a lot of time in the grass so I brought insect repellent and we wore sunblock. I had a picnic blanket in my car and we used it to lounge around and watch the kids run around the pond. My daughter brought her camera and captured some beautiful photos of water plants.
If you’re one of those families that loves to relax and enjoy nature and other people, you must plan a visit to Oliver. Purchase a bottle of Oliver Winery Indiana wine and enjoy it outside as your kids laugh and play.
Urban Vines in Westfield is another family-friendly winery.
Bloomington is home to the WonderLab children’s museum.
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