The social era has brought us many things, both good and bad: hilarious memes, horrible trolls, and so many made up holidays. Twenty years ago, nobody was celebrating National Siblings Day or Talk Like a Pirate Day—as lovely and ridiculous, respectively, as those two things are. Half the time you won’t even realize one is happening until you start scrolling through Instagram and want to get in on the fun.
But there’s one very close to my heart (and likely many of yours) coming up on February 18: National Drink Wine Day. Now that’s the kind of made up holiday I can very much get on board with, given my deep love of vino. I often joke that my memoir would be called, Just One More Glass: The Abby Gardner Story.
In celebration of this glorious “holiday”, here are some favorite wine spots around the city.
The Wine Shop by Vine + Table
Conveniently located at the corner of Kessler and College, this is one of my go-to places when I’m looking for a special bottle to take to a dinner party or if I’m in the mood to try something new. The staff is insanely knowledgeable and not even the least bit intimidating if you’re a novice. Plus, their rosé selection is unparalleled in warmer months. Be sure to get on their mailing list for special events and tastings.
5897 N. College Ave., (317) 981-4532, vineandtable.com.
Tastings at the Conrad Hotel
When you want to kick it a little old school, this is the spot. With over 200 wines, Tastings is a family owned wine bar that has something for every palate and you’ll be able to try samples of their many selections as every option is available by the “taste”, glass, or bottle. Each wine is kept in rotation for two to three months so there are new labels to try every week.
50 Washington St., (317) 423-2400, www.tastingsbar.com/indianapolis.
Tinker Street
There are few things I love more than ponying up to a cozy bar and enjoying a glass of a delicious wine—either by myself or with a friend. Tinker Street’s vibe is perfectly suited for such a night. Their selections are wonderfully varied, though I’m partial to their Sancerre. But it’s you’ll never be disappointed if you ask for a recommendation either.
402 E. 16th St., (317) 925-5000, www.tinkerstreetindy.com.
Peace Water Winery
The juice may come from Cali, but this winery is all Hoosier-owned. Along with their three locations in the Carmel Arts District, on Mass Ave, and at The Yard at Fishers District come spring, they offer a super cool wine club. You can choose from a single bottle or two bottle/month options where the smart people at Peace Water will choose either a white, mixed, or red wine for you. I consider it the perfect gift to give yourself.
37 W. Main St., Carmel, (317) 810-1330
747 N. College Ave., Ste B, Indianapolis, (317) 735-6618, www.peacewaterwinery.com.
Abby Gardner is the executive editor of Indy Maven. It should be clear at this point that she very much enjoys wine.
