Venue Facts
Location: Bloomington, Indiana
Type of Venue: Off-site, winery and vineyard
Capacity: 150 guests
Nearby Accommodations: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Bloomington
Contact Info:
812-876-5800
Oliver Winery now sits among 15 acres of exquisitely landscaped vineyards and gardens, but the roots of this Indiana winery started in the basement of Indiana University law professor William Oliver. The professor began making wine in the 1960s as a hobby, but it wasn’t long before his prowess and passion for the craft led to the purchase of a vineyard northwest of Bloomington, which opened to the public in 1972.
Today, Oliver Winery and Vineyard is in the heart of the Indiana Uplands, a federally recognized region known as an American Viticultural Area. The region has a unique blend of geography, soil and climate so that the wines produced there define the character of the area. The entire grape-growing region, which would not have existed without Professor Oliver’s enthusiasm for establishing a geographical designation, and his legacy lives on, as his son, Bill Oliver, remains at the winery as CEO and founding family member.
Oliver Winery and Vineyards is 100% employee-owned. Its wines range from semi-sweet blends to Burgundy-style reds but include something for every palate; i.e., apple pie apple wine, Camelot mead, blueberry Moscato and single-vineyard pinot noir. The winery has been ranked as one of the largest wine operations in the United States, as well as one of the top wineries in the country for events.
Right off Interstate Highway 69, with immaculate gardens, a covered and heated patio and a newly renovated tasting room, the winery and its surrounding vineyards make a gorgeous backdrop for small meetings and events. Every event held at Oliver Winery includes a guided wine tasting for each guest, as well as a behind-the-scenes tour of the winemaking facility and cellar.
Although it offers more than 40 wines, Oliver Winery and Vineyard’s true specialty is turning moments into memories and bringing people together through wine.
Meeting Spaces
Oliver Winery and Vineyard’s meeting spaces range from chic indoor venues to scenic outdoor vistas, where daytime corporate retreats, standing receptions, board meetings and even intimate evening dinners and milestone events are specially arranged by on-site meeting planners for groups up to 150. The Tasting Room and Patio offers both indoor and outdoor options for groups and can accommodate up to 150 guests. Indoor options include the Cellar and Tank Room, for up to 150 guests, and the Original Tasting Room, for up to 50 guests. All meeting spaces are open to multiple seating arrangements, including seated meals and standing receptions.
Catering
Meeting and event attendees at Oliver Winery and Vineyards can enjoy curated cheese and charcuterie plates and small bites prepared by the staff. The on-site planners also work with local caterers to help planners find the best offerings for their specific events; they work within each group’s unique budget, taste preference and dietary guidelines to find the best meals that pair well with the group’s selected wines from the winery. Popular options include boxed lunches for a picnic on the patio and breakfasts served alongside a customizable mimosa bar. Outside alcohol is not allowed, but each meeting includes complimentary coffee and water service.
Extras
Oliver Winery and Vineyards considers itself a full-service venue, where everything — tables, linens, chairs, audiovisual equipment and staff — is included in the rental fee. All clients are assigned to a seasoned event planner to help guide them through their event, and Oliver Winery’s planners help to design the layout, decide on a timeline and communicate with vendors and caterers. The on-site planners also offer unlimited in-person meetings, where planners can visit the venue and be guided through a complimentary wine tasting to decide on a wine list perfect for their group. Groups will also have access to on-site audiovisual and presentation equipment, with setup and tear-down services included.
Before and After
Each event hosted at Oliver Winery begins with a guided wine tasting for guests. The wine tasting is a uniquely entertaining and educational journey through the winery’s extensive wine list of more than 40 varietals. The most popular wines in the tasting room are Creekbend Crimson Cabernet, Oliver Blackberry wine and Blueberry and Cherry Moscato, but groups are raving about the new and exclusive Pilot Project Series. Meeting and event guests are also invited to go on an intimate tour of the winery and cellar to learn about the winemaking process and Oliver’s story.
