There is a buzz around town. Or shall I say, a “bubbling”?
It’s happening just off the corner of Main Street and Cedar at the new Hopwood Cellars Winery. The latest blend of chardonnay is being fermented and blended in large steel tanks in the back room and later aged in oak barrels. Owner Ron Hopwood beams with excitement as he gives a tour and exclaims, “You can hear it breathing. It’s alive!”
When the tour is over, it’s time to sample the many varieties of whites and reds with the highlight being the signature wine shake. Made from ice cream, dry red wine, chocolate, whipping cream, a moonshine cherry, and, of course, the secret ingredient.
It’s the creativity and passion of Hopwood that make this winery like none other. With his focus on creating unique wine blends using at least three different grapes, his flavors are complex and original with new wines being created year-round. What started as a hobby, which slowly began to overtake the house, according to wife, Janet, has become a life passion and brought excitement to the streets of Zionsville.
Open just a month, Hopwood has booked more than 25 private events from Mom’s Night Out to birthday parties, and it is open for wine tastings seven days a week with bottles for sale even on Sundays.
“Our expectations have already been exceeded. This is an exciting business and it’s exciting for Zionsville,” says Hopwood.
Wines range from dry reds to sweet whites with a glass costing $4.95 and bottles ranging from $13-$18 with 70 percent being of the dry variety. Currently, there are approximately 5,000 bottles available with more varieties on the way.
Hopwood’s personal goal is to, “leave a footprint in life and find the next great wine.” With his passion and love of wine, it may just happen right here in the Village, just around the corner of Main Street.
Hopwood Cellars Winery
12 E. Cedar St., Zionsville, IN 46077
317-873-4099
hopwoodcellars.com
Hours:
Monday – Friday Noon to 8pm
Saturday 10:00am to 8pm
Sunday Noon to 5pm
