From the inviting firepit to the welcoming servers, Sugar Creek Winery delivers a perfect weeknight escape.
As soon as you walk up to the entrance, you know this is going to be a lovely evening. The firepit outside (on a nice large patio) gives off enough heat that I think you could enjoy a glass of wine out there even in the winter – which is unheard of for January in Indiana. Regardless of the temperature, it was one of many well-thought-out touches you’ll discover throughout the winery.
Inside, the atmosphere is cozy, warm, and comfortable. With a rustic, outdoorsy feel, the decor lends itself to a night of relaxation. Sugar Creek’s large wine bar was created from reclaimed wood – and there is a large picture above the bar of the barn the wood was sourced from. Love that! In addition to the wine bar, there are a few comfortable round tables (better for conversation per the owner, David) as well as a separate room that can be reserved for small group events.
During our visit, David the owner shared with us a little bit about the history of Sugar Creek Winery as well as the vineyards. His passion for both good wine and outdoor adventure (especially white water rafting) was infectious.
Sugar Creek Winery has an interesting variety of both dry and sweet wines. Although David has been growing grapes in Montgomery County, Indiana since 2012, the tasting room has only been open for six months. The vineyard is 2.5 acres and grows enough grapes for about 10,000 bottles each year. What David can’t grow in Indiana, he imports from Chile, California or wherever he feels he can get the best quality grapes for his wines.
The Sugar Creek tasting room is really starting to find its groove with regular events such as ladies’ night (ladies get 2 for 1 wine tastings starting at 6 PM) on Tuesdays and Open Mic night at 7:00 on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month. David also mentioned a variety of special events such as a cheese and wine pairings night with local company Tulip Tree Creamery and various classes such as painting and flower arranging. Fun stuff!
Something I love that is a bit unique about this tasting room is that pets are allowed – inside! Kids are also welcome, and I know we are always on the lookout for places that allow us to bring the whole family. Aside from some locally sourced meat and cheese plates, food isn’t served, but it can be purchased from nearby restaurants or patrons are welcome to bring in whatever food they’d like.
After touring Sugar Creek Winery and spending time with David, we felt a wine tasting was in order. Our server, Adam, was engaging and knowledgable. He led us through the tasting with a lot of one-on-one attention and fun conversation. Once we shared the types of wines we tended to enjoy, he was able to guide us towards the Sugar Creek wines he felt we’d like the most. He certainly knew what he was doing as we each found a wine we absolutely loved. It was the 2016 Crystal Rapid Sauvignon Blanc for me and the 2016 Terminator Rapid Malbec for my husband. A bottle may or may not have come home with us for later!
Our visit to Sugar Creek Winery was a lovely way to spend a cold Tuesday night and we will definitely return soon. A perfect everyday adventure right in my own back yard.
Love visiting local wineries? Check out these other Hamilton County Wineries!
The details:
Sugar Creek Vineyards & Winery, 1111 West Main Street, Suite 165, Carmel, IN
Hours are 3 PM – 9 PM Tuesday – Thursday, Friday 3 PM -10 PM, Saturday 1 PM – 10 PM, Sunday 1 PM -8 PM
Do you enjoy visiting wineries? What is your favorite part?
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We will definitely be checking this winery out soon! Thanks!
You’ll love it Tanya!
That’s so awesome that it’s family and pet friendly! What a great environment to relax in!
Yes, I can totally envision bringing some food in, playing games and enjoying wine at one of the round tables!
Oh my Gosh, I wish I lived closer. Sounds like an amazing place and a firepit. I love wine, I will have to keep this in mind if I get that way.
Please do – you’ll love it!
Yes, we enjoy visiting wineries. My favorite part is learning the history of the winery and the land where the fruit is grown.
Yes, that was super interesting. We really enjoyed talking to the owner.
Another great winery! I need to focus more on this industry! It is always a fun time.
I agree – I have never had a bad time when visiting a winery! 🙂
Looks like a great place! I’d be roasting marshmallows in the fire pit!
Love it! I doubt they would mind!
Lovely! I am not a big wine drinker but it looks like a good one to check out. 🙂
It is, and they do have wine slushies in the summer and of course, the atmosphere is just lovely.
Nice! My girlfriend would absolutely love this place!
If you enjoy wine, it is fun!
I would love this place! And it’s family friendly… that’s a plus!
I agree – if we bring along a card game and snacks, our kids would definitely be game!
Awww, what a fun, cozy place. We would LOVE to check it out! Thanks so much for sharing! 😉
It was a winner!
My favorite part of visiting a winery is sitting outside with the grapes surrounding us and drinking a good glass of wine. We tend to like sweet wine, so a moscato, reisling or pinot grigio.
Exactly! I love a good reisling myself.
A fire pit and wine! 2 of my favorite things! I love visiting wineries and distilleries!
I agree! We are just starting to get the distilleries around here, but we’ve visited a few while traveling and they are fun.
We have several wineries here in NE Ohio. One of my favorites was made from two old barns that were taken down and repurposed. It’s a great addition to our community, just as the Sugar Creek Winery appears to be.
That is so cool! I would love to visit that one – what is the name of it? I could see us getting to NE Ohio someday.
I was sold at the outdoor fire pit! Looks dreamy!
Right? I know I’ll be hanging out there sometime in the near future!
We really could be sisters from another mother….I love visiting wineries!
Love it! We do like the same things!!!
We don’t visit wineries, but I know a few people who do. This would be a great place for them to visit.
Yes, if you like wineries, it’s perfect.
I love that they are pet-friendly and kid-friendly. Some businesses don’t know how many opportunities they may be missing by not being pet and kid-friendly.
I agree – especially when the weather is nice we like to bring our Beardie along whenever we can.
It’s great to have a place like this so close. Feels like vacation at home.
Exactly – and it’s very close!
Love finding small wineries- this looks like a good one!
Me too – and this IS a good one!
sounds like a great place to visit, so cozy and inviting. Love that pets and kids alike are invited. It is always a treat to find people that are so invested in their craft.
I agree – it’s fun to learn a little bit about the business as you are visiting!
Thank you for sharing! Looks like such a fun place!
I love finding new wineries to visit. I’ll have to check this one out next time I am up in Carmel.
You definitely should – it’s one of my current favorites.
I love that firepit. It creates such a cozy, welcoming atmosphere – even January in Indiana!
I agree! And it was so warm!