OLIVER winery

Many of us pass by Oliver Winery on Route 37 and have never stopped. Its landscape looks a bit odd because of giant rocks that give the impression of a miniature golf course. But beyond the brief glance from a speeding car window is an amazing and relaxing atmosphere where people of different backgrounds and nationalities come to indulge in wine and conversation. \nIndiana University Law Professor William Oliver began making his own wine in the early 1960s for personal enjoyment. After visiting wineries in Ithaca, New York, his interest in wine-making grew. He returned to Bloomington and bought 500 acres of land and began planting his own grapes. What started off as a home-grown winery quickly grew into a thriving business right here in Bloomington. \nOnce his home was unable to handle the amount of wine being produced, Professor Oliver wanted to sell his wines. But at that time Indiana, there were certain restrictions on free sampling and selling of wines. \nIn 1971, the Indiana Small Winery Act was passed which then allowed small wineries to produce mass quantities of wine for wholesalers and retail sales in Indiana. It also allowed wineries to have Sunday sales and free sampling. This paved the way for Oliver Winery to be officially established in 1972. \nThis year marks the 30th anniversary of the winery. Over the years, Oliver Winery has undergone some massive changes. Professor Oliver's son, Bill, now heads the family business. They are currently in the process of increasing their production size. The winery purchases 15-20 types of grapes from all over the United States which makes the landscape of Oliver Winery more pleasing to the eye than ever. \nThe winery features waterfalls, a pond and a beautiful variety of flowers. \nSherry Fisher, director of marketing and promotions for the winery, said people take full advantage of the scenery. \n"Special events at the winery \nhave grown rapidly over the past few years," Fisher said. "Our calendar is booked a month or two in advance, so we suggest booking early."\nThe winery also has a gift shop that offers cheese, breads, chocolates and other flavorful foods.\n"We offer a delicious assortment of gourmet picnic foods that complement our wines," Fisher said. \nWines produced and sold include Merlot, Chardonnay and the ever-popular Camelot Mead, which gave the winery its exposure. \n"We have tried to focus on a fruity style," said Erin Rowland, the merchandise manager at the winery.\nOne thing that many visitors, especially college students, need to remember is that this is not an average bar with free drinks.\n"One of our goals is to ensure our customers have a wonderful experience as well as a safe experience," Fisher said. "The majority of our customers respect our guidelines as to the amount of wine they are allowed to consume, but there is a small minority who try and push the limits." \nMany different people have visited and continue to visit Oliver Winery. It is the oldest and largest winery in Indiana and it makes 75 percent of the wine produced by the 30 small wineries in the state. In last September's issue of the Wall Street Journal, it was mentioned as one of the 12 wineries to visit in the United States for road trippers, college students and families. \nManuel Torres of Fishers, Ind., has brought friends to the winery for free tasting. \n"I have taken many people here," Torres said, in his thick Colombian accent. "Someone will always take the time [to speak in Spanish] and the people are very courteous."\nThere are tours and free tasting daily at the winery. \nTo learn more about Oliver Winery log on to http://www.oliverwinery.com.