8 Local Spots to Enjoy a Glass of Wine in Indianapolis
When I’m out to eat, I love listening to the sound of silverware clattering, plates being set down — the sound is all part of the experience. But if I had to choose a favorite sound, it would most certainly be the “clink” of wine glasses at the start of a meal. It means good times are ahead — great conversation, quality time with people you love (or hopefully at least like), and good drinks.
Whether you’re looking for a full meal with your vino or just a glass after work, there are plenty of options around Indy for wine.
These are eight of my favorite wine bars and restaurants to explore and enjoy in Indianapolis.
Tinker Street
At Tinker Street, wine is part of the experience from the moment you walk in. Their “Tinker Toast” — a small pour of sparkling wine to kick off your meal — is one of my very favorite things a restaurant in Indy does. It automatically starts your (incredible) meal on the right foot. The toast also embodies hospitality, which is something few restaurants in Indy do as well as Tinker Street.
Their sommelier is knowledgable and always has suggestions for which wine to pair with which dish on their frequently-changing menu. If you don’t know what to choose, or if you’re leaning in a certain direction for your beverage of the evening, ask her for a suggestion and she’ll point you toward something great.
Tinker Street’s wine selection includes organic and biodynamic wines, orange wine, and, naturally, plenty of bubbly options.
402 E 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Chalet
Natural wines and stinky cheese? Yes, please. Chalet is a ski chalet-inspired coffee shop and wine bar located in an old firehouse. It’s cute, cozy, and the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine in the afternoon.
You might come across an Oregon rose, or you might find a Tasmanian sparkling wine. Their list changes often, and they’ve always got a few exciting selections. Their current menu also features a few wine spritzers for those who like things a little bit sweet.
5555 N Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46208
King Dough
Try an old favorite or something new on King Dough’s wine list, all of which pair perfectly with their pizzas. Their team is constantly bringing in new bottles for you to try, from classic reds to orange wines and beyond. Their menu currently features options like a Slovenian white blend skin contact wine, a Spanish brut rose Cava, and a Portuguese red blend.
Wind down with King Dough on Wednesday evenings, when a select list of bottles are half-off.
452 N Highland Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Beholder
Beholder was nominated as a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation Outstanding Wine Program 2020, and they’ve also been recognized by Wine Enthusiast, so you know they’re serious about their wines.
Their menu changes often, but their team is always ready to recommend a great pairing for whatever you’re ordering. The prix fixe menu also has an option for wine pairings (which you should definitely indulge in).
Their wine list is centered around small producers making wine at the top of their crafts. Feeling fancy? Ask for Beholder’s reserve wine list, which features several grower champagne options, iconic cabernet sauvignons, rieslings, and much more.
1844 E 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46201
Peace Water Winery
Peace Water is “Indiana’s Napa Valley winery.” Their winemaker studied under the winemakers at Napa icons like Stags Leap Wine Cellars and Duckhorn Wine Company. With several tasting rooms in and around Indy, Peace Water sells easy-drinking, well-made wines. These aren’t the sweet wines many Hoosiers love — this is quality wine with Indiana ties.
Bring your friends along for a wine flight and good times. These wines are made for enjoying on the patio on a warm summer day, surrounded by friends and family, enjoying life.
Peace Water Mass Ave, 747 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Peace Water Carmel, 37 W Main St, Carmel, IN 46032
Peace Water Fishers, 11547 Yard St Suite 830, Fishers, IN 46037
The Westfield Wine Vault
The north side of Indy isn’t without good wine. The Wine Vault is located in the center of downtown Westfield, conveniently located off of US-31.
Story time: The first time I ever visited the Westfield Wine Vault, a manager was giving me the rundown of how the bar was laid out and the wines they offered. Knowing nothing about this wine bar, I asked if they were focused on Indiana wine (as many wine bars in Indy are), or if they specialized in other more traditional winemaking regions. The manager’s reaction was priceless — I got an “oh god no” and a look of horror, as well as reassurance that they weren’t going to try to sell me a sweet wine (although they do have a great list of dessert wines from across Europe).
They also offer wine flights catered to your preferences — all whites, all reds, or a mix.
100 N Union St, Westfield, IN 46074
Tastings
Headed to a Pacers game or just wandering downtown? Just a block away from Monument Circle and nestled in the lobby of the Conrad Hotel, you’ll find Tastings.
Tastings is a pour-your-own wine bar, where you load money onto a card and sample as many wines as you want until your card runs out (or until you reload it). Choose from three different wine pour sizes as you sample wines from different regions around the world. They usually keep bottles on offer for a few months, but new wines are available each week. I haven’t counted, but they’ve probably got 100+ bottles available at any time, from small producers to high-end offerings.
50 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Goose the Market
I can’t write about wine in Indy without talking about Goose the Market’s cute cellar wine bar, the Enoteca. Enter Goose the Market and you’ll be in their gourmet market, but head down the stairs and you’ll find yourself in a brick-lined cellar wine bar selling wines by the glass as well as oysters, escargot, charcuterie boards, and more.
Goose switches out their by-the-glass wines frequently and their team can recommend wines to pair with whatever snacks you order from behind the bar. Glasses are half-priced on Mondays, bottles are 15% off on Wednesdays, and on Fridays, they offer flights of paired wines and cheeses.
If you’re in search of unique wines, Goose the Market is also one of the few retailers of Georgian (from the Republic of Georgia, not the state) wine in Indy.
2503 N Delaware St, Indianapolis, IN 46205
