You may not think of Indiana when you think of "wine country" but one winery in southern Indiana is putting the Hoosier state on the wine map.

Indiana's Grape Explosion

According to research from Purdue University, 64 different counties have at least one winery in them, and those wineries serve more than 630,000 tourists.

And wine in Indiana is big business, bringing in 2.4 billion dollars.

Indiana’s wine industry now contributes more than $2.4 billion to the state’s economy. Indiana wine sales have grown by more than 15 percent each year. Since 1989, the number of Indiana wineries has increased from nine to nearly 100. Those wineries grow grapes on more than 600 acres, a 300 percent since 1991. Today, Indiana wine production exceeds 1 million gallons a year (5 million bottles) — up from 40,000 gallons a year when the team began its efforts in 1991. (Purdue Wine Grape Council)

Southern Indiana Winery Tops Wineries Across the Country

Recently Jackpot City Casino conducted a study to find the most popular wineries across the country, and Indiana not only cracked into the top 10 but came in 2nd!

Reports show that Indiana is one of the biggest wine states in the US ranking 11th for producing the most bottled wine by the gallon. But whilst the state might produce a lot, are the vineyards worth a visit? 

To find out, JackpotCity Casino has analyzed Google searches, Instagram posts, and online ratings to reveal the most viral vineyards in the US to help determine the best ones to visit.

According to Jackpot City Casino's research, Oliver Winery in Bloomington is the 2nd most viral winery in the country, with more than 18,000 Google searches annually.

 

Oliver Winery in Indiana comes in second, with an even higher Google rating of 4.7 stars. Their Instagram presence isn't quite as strong as Domaine Carneros at 12,376 posts, but they still seem to be winning over visitors, generating an average of 18,100 Google searches a year.

Other key findings from Jackpot City Casino's research are as follows:

• Indiana’s Oliver Winery is the third-most searched vineyard on Google, with 18,100 searches per year.
• Oliver Winery in Indiana comes in second as the top US vineyard, with a Google rating of 4.7.
• Oliver Winery in Indiana ranks as the fourth most popular vineyard on social media, with 12,376 posts tagged here.

If you've never been to Oliver Winery, the trip to Bloomington to step into their tasting room and enjoy some of their wine on their beautiful patio is worth it.  My favorite wine of all time is their Apple Pie Wine, it's a MUST try!