The rolling hills and winding roads of Franklin County have long held an attraction to the wanderers, those who seek something away from the common tourist areas. The tree-canopied roadways seem to beckon, “follow me… just a little further.” Those hearty souls for whom the journey is the destination will be pleasantly surprised to happen upon one of Franklin County’s own wineries or brewery.
Farm Hill Winery, Franklin County’s newest addition to the craft libation scene plans their Grand Opening on July 22, 2023, however, they are currently open Friday through Sunday. Nestled in rolling farm fields of Franklin County, just a few miles from both Brookville, Indiana and Oxford, Ohio, Farm Hill Winery offers fruit wines in sweet and semi sweet varieties. They currently have two grape varieties growing on the property; Baco Noir and Louise Swenson. Visitors are welcome to bring snacks or even a meal to enjoy with their wine, and delivery from one of the local restaurants is available. Farm Hill Winery has live music planned for some of the summer weekends. Follow them on Facebook to keep up-to-date on scheduled events.
If craft beer and ciders are more to your taste, Creek Bottom Brewery in beautiful Oldenburg, Indiana will not disappoint. Curiously, their taproom is located in the same building as the Oldenburg Police Station, which visitors find fascinating. Staying true to the intense German heritage of Oldenburg, Creek Bottom Brewery strives to stay true to the traditional brewing methods of Germany and Western Europe while using science to control the quality of their beer. Offering a large selction of beer and recently adding a cider, Creek Bottom Brewery is sure to delight the libationist, hophead, and just plain beer enthusiast. Order carryout from one of the locally owned restaurants in Oldenburg, and visitors have a full evening of enjoyment ahead.
Backroads Vineyard, as its name implies, is located on one of the most backroads you’ll find in Franklin County. Located on Tuggle road, a dead end road named after the owner’s family, it is a nature-lover’s dream come true. Surrounded by newly planted grapevines, wildflowers, and forest, visitors are treated to tastings either in the indoor tasting area or the covered pavilion. A picnic basket is a must as there are many shady areas to sip wine and nibble on a light lunch. Backroad’s philosophy is that “wine is made to be enjoyed and savored on a front porch, not hid in a cellar.” The carefree nature of their philosophy also lends to their sometimes experimental approach to wine making. Visitors are often greeted by unusual wines such as hemp, onion, and pink dandelion. Backroads also creates some of the best traditional fruit wines in the area.
All three of these small businesses are family-owned and operated. Their tasting room & taproom days and hours vary, so it is always best to reach out to them directly to make sure they are open when you plan your visit. Links to all three websites are below. Happy Sipping!
