Here’s a glimpse at the 13 breweries and wineries being featured at this year’s Hops & Vines festival in downtown Franklin:
Mallow Run Winery
Where: Bargersville
A taste of what they offer: Dry Traminette, spice characteristics of nutmeg and cinnamon in perfect balance with fruit and floral notes; Picnic Red, a sweet red made from Concord grapes; Blueberry Hard Cider, with fresh blueberry juice blended into Adrian Orchard cider
What’s the deal: A mainstay in the Johnson County community and one of the state’s most respected wineries, Mallow Run has built on a foundation of high-quality wines by experimenting with options such as canned wine and hard ciders.
MashCraft Brewing
Where: Center Grove area
A taste of what they offer: Gold, a light and airy American blonde ale; Last Light, an IPA infused with blood orange for a tangy and citrusy finish; Down Wit It, a traditional Belgian wit
What’s the deal: The standout brewery started in Greenwood and has expanded to locations in Indianapolis and Fishers. Their vibrant tap list melds flagship brews with experimental and unique styles for a diverse tasting experience.
Nailers Brewing Co.
Where: Whiteland area
A taste of what they offer: Canopy Red, a classic Irish red with balanced malt and hops, Nailers IPA, with huge floral aroma and a solid malt backbone; Blue-Print Pilsner, a light beer with blueberry flavors.
What’s the deal: The Whiteland area brewery specializes in small-batch brews, with an emphasis on ales and lagers as well as a unique lineup of infused beers.
Planetary Brewing Co.
Where: Greenwood
A taste of what they offer: Astro-Combs Hefeweizen, a traditional hefeweizen with banana and clove flavors as well as underlying pepper and spice; Chase Chocolate Stout, a roasty brew with hints of chocolate; Cream Dreamsicle Milkshake IPA, a smooth and creamy IPA
What’s the deal: The space-themed nano-brewery rotates through a unique slate of beers, balancing complex flavors with time-tested recipes.
Shale Creek Brewing
Where: Franklin
A taste of what they offer: Creekside Cream Ale, a smooth and creamy light ale; Downtown Cocoa Brown, a brown ale with notes of chocolate; Without a Paddle IPA, a classic India pale ale perfect for hot summer days.
What’s the deal: This downtown Franklin brewery features a full slate of house ales, the occasional lager, seasonal brews and guest taps.
Taxman Brewing Co.
Where: Bargersville
A taste of what they offer: Deduction, a Belgian-style dubbel ale; Gold Standard, an abbey-style blonde ale; La Maison, the brewery’s tribute to the French farmhouse style
What’s the deal: A little taste of Belgium in downtown Bargersville, this brewery is well-known for its core European-style beers and creative seasonal selections.
Wooden Bear Brewery
Where: Franklin
A taste of what they offer: Beärweizer, an approachable American lager; Hoppy Bear IPA, with a floral bouquet with citrus accents; Cougar Town Brown, combining flowery, citrusy and some spicy hops with subtle notes of biscuit and chocolate
What’s the deal: This Greenfield brewery opened its Franklin location earlier in 2019, and offers a wide range of traditional and eccentric brews.
Ash & Elm Cider Co.
Where: Indianapolis
A taste of what they offer: Dry, a crisp, off-dry cider with a balance between subtle apple sweetness and crisp acidity; Headlong, a dry-hopped cider with the aroma and flavor of hops without the bitterness; Fleeting Youth, a semi-sweet cider infused with raspberries and lemons
What’s the deal: This Irvington staple keeps things simple, making unassuming and straightforward ciders with specialty creations showcasing their adventurous side.
Bier Brewery
Where: Indianapolis
A taste of what they offer: Special Kölsch, German hops give an earthy aroma and flavor, while pilsner malt provides mild malty sweetness; Weizengoot, a Hefeweizen with strong banana and clove flavors; PDG Pale, an American pale ale with balanced hops and malt.
What’s the deal: One of the early leaders of the Indianapolis small brewery scene, Bier has become well-known for having diverse offerings throughout the year while maintaining consistent quality.
Center Point Brewery
Where: Indianapolis
A taste of what they offer: Centerpoint Gold, a light and refreshing kölsch; Blood Orange, an IPA with a slightly sweet and refreshing flavor; Centerpoint Black, a big, dark, chocolatey American porter.
What’s the deal: In less than three years, Center Point has become a leader in the Indy beer scene. Their wide range of offerings are noted for being clean and balanced, with approachable options for any beer fan.
Daniel’s Vineyard
Where: McCordsville
A taste of what they offer: Chardonnay, a dry white wine with a full body and notes of pineapple, peaches and apricots; Finish Wine Rosé, a sweet, refreshing rosé with wild strawberry and fruit flavors and a subtle effervescent finish; Racin’ Red, a semi-dry, medium bodied Estate red wine blend with dark cherry and cocoa aromas.
What’s the deal: This relatively new central Indiana winery has already made a splash with its portfolio of 15 high-quality wines.
Easley Winery
Where: Indianapolis
A taste of what they offer: Reggae Red, their best-selling wine with fresh strawberry and concord jam flavors; Traminette, Indiana’s signature wine with a floral aroma and honeysuckle flavors; No Opposition Cabernet Savignon, with smoky layers and plum and black cherry notes.
What’s the deal: A longtime staple of downtown Indianapolis, this laid-back winery is known for easygoing varieties and consistent quality.
Harmony Winery
Where: Fishers
A taste of what they offer: Allegro, a dessert wine with aromas of toffee, burnt marshmallow and chocolate; Red Dragon, a blush wine with sweet dragon fruit and the taste of tangy cool raspberries.
What’s the deal: For the past 17 years, Harmony Winery has brought an adventurous spirit to its wine-making tradition, bringing varieties from all over the world to central Indiana.
