Springtime in Indiana is always a delightful surprise! One moment it might be a sunny 70 degrees, and the next—like in 2018—we could be buried under 10.5 inches of snow in late March! During my working years—though some might debate just how “work” I did—those weather fluctuations hardly mattered; my office always maintained a perfect 72 degrees. Now, in retirement, I find that as long as the sun is shining and it’s dry and above 40, the golf clubs come out. This has made planning my wine club pickups an adventurous day-to-day decision!

Journey through Wine Clubs

Tasteful Time holds a special place in my heart. The wine club, led by Jon, has been instrumental in shaping my wine journey. It exposes me to a variety of wines from different countries and regions, which I appreciate for their structure and stories. I revel in wines with structure and a compelling narrative. Sweet wines? Not my style. But if it has character and a story to tell, I’m all in! My quest for fine wine has led me to not just one but several clubs—perhaps too many—each one driven by my desire to explore new tastes.

I can’t help but wax poetic about Steven Spurrier, famed for the legendary Judgement of Paris in 1976. I had the joy of visiting his Bride Valley vineyard in England with Katy, which was a thrilling experience. Steve took a daring gamble on California wines when the world was preoccupied with France’s finest. This time next week, I’ll be reveling in Beaune, the heart of Burgundy, excited to visit vineyards that have been tended by the same family for generations—some for as many as 28! It’s astounding to think beyond France, people are crafting exceptional wines, just as Steve Spurrier showed us in 1976.

Indiana Upland AVA

When it comes to Indiana wines, particularly the Indiana Upland AVA, perceptions are shifting. What comes to mind when you think of Indiana wines? Sweet? Undrinkable? But why? Legendary SOMM Fred Dame used such descriptors for California wines back in the 70s—look how far they’ve come! Thankfully, we can say the same for Indiana wines today. Their quality and structure improve with every passing year. Just recently, my retired wine aficionado friend Bill and I made a quick trip to Butler Winery to sample their latest offerings and pick up my wine club selection. With the completion of I-69, getting there from Fishers is a breeze—no stoplights in sight after entering the Interstate at Fishers! Once off the interstate the short drive to Butler Winery is like traversing an ever-changing canvas of nature’s beauty.

Flight tasting

One of my absolute favorite elements of the Wine Club is the Flight tasting. It’s a chance to discover new favorites and expand my palate. I began with the 2024 Seyval Blanc. While I’m not a major white wine enthusiast, I do enjoy it on occasion. This one was wonderfully refreshing, with a lovely floral aroma and a hint of lemon zest—it reminded me of a delightful Pinot Gris. Next time, I’ll be sure to try the White Select as well! The last four wines were all reds, and let me tell you, they each had their unique charm.

Fusion 2023—a dry blend of Norton, Marquette, and Dechaunac—had that approachable earthy, farm-like nose. It might not be as bold as a Cabernet Sauvignon, but it certainly tugged at the heartstrings. The Norton 2023 offered up a similar scent to the Fusion, but the finish surprised me with a delightful raspberry note. Then there was the Caverns 2023, which confidently declared its presence with a nose akin to the others but captivated with finishes of blackberries and plums. Each of these wines was a joy! But the standout for me was the Solera [5], a five-vintage blend of Estate-grown Chambourcin. Its nose burst forth with wildflower scents, transporting me back to my sunny stroll through the vineyard with Jim Butler, where blooms were abundant. Even though the day had been overcast with rain, this wine conjured images of warmth and life.

After stocking up my wine club haul, we returned home, already buzzing with excitement for our next visit to an Indiana Upland AVA winery!