Our recent visit to Coal Creek Cellars (U.S. Highway 136 in Crawfordsville) was one of the most enjoyable winery outings thus far in 2016. This small boutique winery, located in a "can't miss" red barn on the highway, is owned and operated by Ron Wojtaszek--a craftsman who brings his California wine-making history and expertise to the Hoosier state.
Coal Creek provides a laid back atmosphere and plenty of seating inside and outside (on the back deck). And if, or hopefully when you visit, Chiral Waterman will likely serve you at the spacious tasting area and provide the marvelous history and information about the Coal Creek wines.
As most Indiana wineries can attest, Hoosiers by and large have a proclivity toward the sweeter tastes, and Coal Creek can oblige in many of the traditional Indiana white grapes and blends. But what sets this winery apart from many others in the state is its rare presentations of bolder, and much drier, reds: Petite Syrah and Norton, in particular. In fact, we know that we will find our way back to Coal Creek quite often in order to restock our cellar with some of these fantastic reds . . . which trend toward the complex, and more aromatically pleasing, of bolder reds found in-state.
We would like to commend Ron and Chiral for their hospitality and for giving us some extended conversation about the wine-making process. It is obvious that Coal Creek is one of those wineries that more people need to discover . . . and we hope you will.
Call ahead to the winery for times and availability (765-362-3634), but be prepared to taste some expertly-crafted wines once you arrive.
~Todd & Becky
