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French Lick Winery and Coffee Company
1-888-494-6380 or
812-936-2293

The French Lick Winery & Coffee Company makes its home in the beautiful historic Beechwood Mansion. The winery is owned and operated by John and Kim Doty, and managed by Julie McCracken. Visitors can not only sample some of the 22 different wines, they can also enjoy specialty coffees, teas, and wine-related gifts. Julie McCracken and the rest of the crew also entertain guests with their knowledge of French Lick and the surrounding area, and the historic Beechwood Mansion.

The French Lick Winery was started in 1995. Kim Doty is the cellar-master, and is certified by the American Wine Society as a wine judge. They have won 169 medals, and in 1999 they produced 10,000 gallons of wine. They are growing steadily, having doubled their production in just the past year. Until now they have purchased their grapes, juice and fruit, but planted two acres of their own Norton grapes last year. 1999 was also their first time to use Indiana-grown grapes, which were used in a Pinot Noir.

The French Lick Winery's Tasting Room - notice the medals they've won on the wall.

French Lick Winery’s 22 varieties include a wine to please any palate - from fruit wines which include blackberry, blueberry, cherry, and even rhubarb, to their bold DeChaunac, a hearty dry red French Hybrid. There are plenty of others to sample, and the knowledgeable staff can help guide you through your selections and make recommendations.

Visitors can also tour the 3,000 square foot wine cellar, and learn how the wines are produced. You can see wines in various stages of production, in oak barrels, polymer tanks and stainless steel tanks. At The French Lick Winery all the wines are hand-corked and hand-labeled. We found it interesting that they use all plastic corks, made from recycled plastics. These plastic corks tend to “self-seal” when they need to be recorked, and can also be recycled after use.

The French Lick Winery has the added appeal of being housed in the Beechwood Mansion, which is also home to the Beechwood Inn. Innkeeper Monica Audran is the gracious hostess, and loves to share the history of the Beechwood Mansion with guests. The mansion was built in 1915 and was home to Ed Ballard, a wealthy entrepreneur who owned hotels, casinos, and six circuses including the Buffalo Bill Show. Guests of the Mansion have included celebrities such as Irving Berlin, Joe Louis, and the notorious Al Capone. It is said that in French Lick’s hey-day as a “gambling mecca”, gambling took place on the third floor, while a watchman was stationed in a “lookout” room above. Some Ballard antiques remain in the Inn.

While visiting The French Lick Winery, plan to spend some time visiting this town with a fascinating history. The winery’s tasting room and cellar are open for tours during winter Fridays through Sundays noon to 5pm through March 31st. From April 1st through December 31st, hours are Tuesdays - Thursdays and Sundays noon to 5pm, Fridays and Saturdays 11am to 8pm. They are closed Mondays. Call 1-888-494-6380 or 812-936-2293.

 

 

 


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