By Tim Allen, Fishers Vino Vibes

A recent study piqued my interest, shedding light on the distinct advantages of attending live concerts. The research indicates that live music stimulates our brain’s emotional centers more effectively than recorded music. Having experienced this firsthand, I can personally vouch for the energizing and immersive effects of live performances. That said, I still cherish listening to my favorite tracks while writing, relaxing, or driving—though perhaps not while golfing!

It’s important to clarify that the study doesn’t diminish the value of recorded music; rather, it underscores the exceptional nature of live music experiences. This distinction reminds me of the difference between enjoying a glass of wine at home (akin to recorded music) versus visiting a winery (representing live music). Whether you’re in the picturesque hills of Tuscany or the Indiana Upland AVA, on-site wine tasting offers a truly unique experience.

Speaking of the Indiana Upland AVA, it transforms into a stunning landscape as autumn arrives. The rolling hills become a canvas of vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows. On a perfect October Thursday (the joys of retirement!), I called my fellow retiree and wine enthusiast, Bill, and we set off for Butler Winery.

I’ve often said that each bottle tells a story, but sitting outside among the vines—feeling the soil beneath us and the gentle breeze—amplifies that narrative. Bill and I sampled several wines while relaxing on the porch overlooking the vineyard. My selections included Sparkling Vidal Blanc, Chambourcin Rosé 2022, Totality, Norton 2022, and Solera.

The Sparkling Vidal Blanc was particularly captivating due to the complexity involved in sparkling wine production. Butler Winery’s foray into this challenging area is commendable. Their Chambourcin Rosé 2022 also impressed me. Not being a huge rosé fan myself, I decided to conduct my own version of Steve Spurrier’s famous 1976 Judgment of Paris experiment at home: I removed the label and had two friends who are rosé aficionados taste it. They were pleasantly surprised by its Indiana origins!

Totality is a red blend crafted from Chambourcin and Marquette grapes, created for the April total eclipse. The Norton 2022 showcases the American Norton grape, often likened to Pinot Noir. Lastly, the Solera is a non-vintage release of their Chambourcin that I found reminiscent of an Italian Sangiovese. A notable theme emerged during our tasting: all these wines have an alcohol content of 12% or less—a refreshing contrast to California’s typical 14.5% to 15% Cabs and part of a global trend toward lower alcohol volumes.

Another delightful aspect of visiting wineries is meeting new people. We had the pleasure of chatting with a Californian mother visiting her daughter at IU. Her astonishment at Indiana’s beautiful fall weather and quality wines echoed what many first-time visitors express about this region.

The highlight of our visit was undoubtedly our walk with Jim, the winery’s founder. His passion for winemaking—evident since the 1980s—shone through and has significantly shaped the winery. As he shared insights about grape varieties, soil composition, sustainable farming practices, the next generation, and the evolving landscape of Indiana’s wine laws that impact production to distribution, you can’t help but feel inspired by his dedication. These stories will undoubtedly enrich future experiences with Butler’s wines.

The Indiana Uplands AVA, with its breathtaking autumn scenery and vibrant wine industry, offers an unforgettable experience for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike. So whether you’re enjoying Traminette or Chambourcin, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of Indiana’s autumn leaves and raise a glass to celebrate the region’s viticultural achievements!