Indiana Uplands is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in south-central Indiana, occupying 4800 square miles (12,400 sq km) between the city of Bloomington and the Ohio River. This cool-climate area, which received AVA status in early 2013, is home to around 20 wineries producing mainly Franco-American hybrid grape varieties such as Chambourcin, Ravat Vignoles, Chardonel and Traminette.
The AVA's boundaries follow the outline of the Indiana Uplands, a hilly plateau that was missed by the glaciers that flattened most of northern Indiana in the last Ice Age. Here, elevations rise as high as 1000ft (350m) above sea level, with most vineyards sitting on hills and ridges in the AVA's varied topography.
©Oliver Winery
Indiana Uplands' terroir is defined largely by its geology. The soils have been eroded away over time by the weather, leaving behind thin layers of clay and silt loam over limestone bedrock. These poor-fertility soils on well-drained hillsides are excellent for viticulture because they lessen vigor and force the vines to focus their energy on producing high-quality grapes.
Cool breezes sweep through the exposed vineyards throughout the growing season, keeping the air moving around the vines, which helps to stave off frost in the early spring and late fall. These breezes also help to keep the vines' canopy dry, preventing fungal vine diseases – an important consideration given the area's high levels of rainfall. Indiana Uplands has a higher level of rainfall than the lower-lying areas of Indiana, but this is largely concentrated in the winter months.
Indiana Uplands' viticultural history dates back to the 1840s, when early settlers planted vines near the town of Starlight. This industry continued steadily into the early 20th Century, and at one point the area was responsible for a quarter of Indiana's wine production. Prohibition halted this growth in the 1920s (as it did in most states), and viticulture did not return to Indiana until the 1960s.
Indiana Uplands is the second AVA within the state of Indiana, and the first that falls entirely within the state. It joins the larger Ohio River Valley AVA, which also covers land in Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky. At present, there are no wines labeled under the Indiana Uplands AVA, but this is likely to change in coming vintages. Important producers within the AVA's boundaries include Oliver Winery, Huber Winery and Vineyard and Butler Winery.
