By Natalie Derrickson

If the reset you needed came with the promise of wine, pizza, and a gorgeous view, how long would it take you to pack up the car and go? 

Most businesses are born when passion and an unmet need intersect. For Doug Holtkamp, that meant taking his winemaking hobby from a treat shared with friends and family into what’s now an award-winning, beloved destination in southeastern Indiana. Today, Holtkamp Winery is a family-owned, true Estate Winery, producing and bottling wines using grapes from their six acres of estate vineyards planted in 2013. Their 17 varieties of Hoosier-grown grapes, including Catawba, Osceola Muscat, Traminette, and Vidal Blanc, join sourced grapes from California and Oregon and juice from Midwest-grown fruit to create over 30 wines. Doug and fellow vintner Jeff McCann create wines ranging from classic dry and semi-dry red and whites to sweet fruit, bourbon barrel-aged, and specialty dessert wines. 

However, the quality of their wines isn’t the only draw: Holtkamp’s tasting room and winery grounds offer a sweet reprieve from the hustle and bustle, plus wine, music, and brick-oven pizza just 70 miles from Indianapolis. 

“Throughout the year, we host a variety of events, including music nights and wine and food pairing events,” shared co-owner Julie Holtkamp. “Our family-friendly winery offers a unique country setting with lake and vineyard views from our covered deck, patio, and picnic areas.” 

From their annual Holtkamp Wine and Fireworks Festival on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend to their Holiday open house on Dec. 7 and 8, Holtkamp Winery is worth adding to your calendar. Music lovers will look forward to their cigar and music night on Oct. 5 and the Fall Haul on Nov. 2 and 3, offering complimentary foods made with Holtkamp wines. No matter when you visit, be sure to try customer-favorite Golden Harvest, one of Holtkamp’s estate-grown white blends, whose peach nectar and candied lemon notes earn rave reviews, especially when best-selling Carni brick oven pizza.

Photos courtesy of Holtkamp Winery

Natalie Derrickson is a freelancer from Indianapolis. 

Visit Holtkamp Winery at 10868 Woliung Road, Sunman, IN 47041, Wednesday through Sunday, year-round, with their popular brick oven pizza available Friday through Sunday. For hours, events, and tips, go to holtkampwinery.com.