Unique Lodging in Indiana

Two of the most uncommon overnight lodging can be found in Southern Indiana. Ever stayed the night in a grain bin? How about a cabin (literally) on the water? At Patoka Lake, you can find both.

Floating Cabins (Patoka Lake Marina & Lodging)

Indiana’s first Floating Cabins were built on Patoka to satisfy that need to relax on the water, while relinquishing the responsibility of driving a houseboat. That serenity that comes from waking up on the lake was missing from visitor’s lives since there is no building along the shores allowed by the Army Corp of Engineers who run Patoka Lake. Guests can rent a boat just steps away at the marina, or bring their own and park it at the complimentary slip next to their Floating Cabin during their stay. Step right off the boat and into your comfortable, fully furnished getaway, complete with scenery. Linens and kitchen utensils included, all one needs to bring is food and family/friends! 2 and 3 bedroom Floating Cabins line the dock, and each gets their own grill and semi-private deck to relax at.

Silo Suites

Along with the Winery Suites located above our tasting room, the Silo Suites are attached to the winery for easy access as well. Best used for a romantic getaway, or just some R & R, once you arrive, you’ll not want to leave your new home. Completely round and strangely spacious, these suites include a downstairs with a fireplace, half bath, fully furnished kitchenette, and seating area. Coming up the rounded staircase, luxury continues with a king bed and Jacuzzi tub. Each stay comes with a complimentary wine tasting for two and reserved parking.

What’s better than a beautiful space to let your soul breathe? An affordable, beautiful space. Some year-round specials include “Stay 7 nights, get 2 of those free” and “Stay Sun-Thurs and get Thurs free”. If you work in hospitality or tourism, serve(d) in our military, or are over 55, be sure to check our weekday specials to save! http://www.patokalakewinery.com/specials

We're 3!

This week we celebrated our 3rd anniversary since we’ve officially opened. We took the opportunity to catch up with a team member who has been with us since opening day, June 3, 2016. Here is what Sue had to say about how things have changed, what surprised her and the inside scoop on what it’s like to work at Patoka Lake Winery.

Though she does an amazing job decorating the place inside and out, she doesn’t want to be known as “just the flower lady”. Sue Holtsclaw is the Tasting Manager who not only looks after the beauty she plants around the porch, but also explains wines to customers, helps train new employees, and takes reservations for our winery lodging. She worked hard to bring a personal touch from each of PLW’s owners into the tasting room decor with antiques from their families.

So, what’s changed since the tasting room opened in 2016? Well, we started out with only 7 wines, the driest of which being Chardonnay. Now there are 26 (and counting) types of wine for sale including sweet and dry wines. Sue’s favorite wine is currently our Cabernet Sauvignon, which won a silver medal at the Indiana Wine Fair.

And the best part of working at PLW? “I love who I work for. It makes a difference when your boss jumps in to help you. They work their butts off,” Sue said. She also likes talking with the customers that come through. Her favorite times of the year are late Fall and Winter when she take more time to visit with guests at the tasting counter.

If you haven’t yet, come in and meet Sue. You’ll enjoy hearing all about the classic, artisan and Lake Select wines made in house.

Spring Cleaning

Spring Cleaning. Do you immediately think of that pile of clothes in the entryway you’ve been meaning to take to the secondhand store? Or how about that vacuuming you’ve been meaning to do, but just haven’t moved the couch out of the way? No worries, this isn’t a “how to deep scrub your bathroom” tutorial.

Spring cleaning at Patoka Lake is more about clearing your mind. Dust off the cobwebs from the corners of vacation thoughts and begin to picture yourself on a pontoon, in the sunshine. If you’re like most of us, winter can easily trap you in the doldrums of gray routine. Or maybe you’re always on the run taking kids to this practice and that competition, never having many moments to just breathe. Either way, a trip to Patoka Lake is just what the doctor ordered. Here are some suggestions from our team on how to bust out of the winter mindset and jump into spring:

April 7th: Yoga Class with a Glass. Enjoy an hour of yoga instruction with mindful sipping. Class price includes a glass of wine. Register online here.

Floating Cabins at Patoka Lake Marina. Get away from the constant emails and into the serene space that’s cleaner, quieter, and more affordable than that beach vacation you can’t bring yourself to book yet. Floating Cabins allow you to fish off the dock, grill on your deck and sip the wine you just picked up on your way in from PLW. 2 and 3 bedroom models are available so you can bring your friends along while you leave the world behind.

Patoka Lake Pub N Grub reopens for the season on March 21st. Located right next to PLW, the Pub N Grub specializes in smoked meat, BBQ and has a large bar selection. Rob’s Pulled Pork Nachos is the the perfect feel-good appetizer.

Rob’s Pulled Pork Nachos

We hope that you’ve gathered some inspiration or at least some warm-weather vibes. See you on the lake.

Sweet Springtime

While you’ve been hunkered down or hibernating for the past few months, we know you can’t wait to get outdoors with just a light jacket. We’re with you. But while it’s still chilly, it’s time to plan your next outing to Patoka Lake. Here is a sample itinerary we think you’ll love:

11a Eat a delicious Amish-style lunch at Schwartz Family Restaurant in Eckerty. (Their desserts are AMAZING, and everything is made from scratch)

Schwartz Family Restaurant serves fresh food cafeteria style and is perfect for large gatherings.

12:30p Complete a wine tasting at Patoka Lake Winery (Birdseye). A full tasting (which is shareable) is 8 tastes for $10 and you get to keep the glass. PLW has over 25 wines to choose from as well as wine slushies. Split a bottle on the porch in the afternoon sunshine and sip for a while.

3p Hike the trails of the Newton-Stewart State Recreation Area which is directly behind Patoka Lake Winery. You can find a map of the trails at this link. While you’re near the water, be sure to look for ospreys as they return to their nests to lay eggs the first two weeks of March!

The dogwood trees in bloom are one of Spring’s most beautiful scenes on Patoka Lake.

5p Stop for dinner at the best BBQ place, Patoka Lake Pub N Grub. We can personally attest to the deliciousness of Rob’s BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos. The Pub N Grub is set to reopen for the season mid-March.

Whether you come for a daytime adventure, or a week long excursion, Patoka Lake area has everything you need to keep occupied and relaxed.

February around Patoka Lake

While it’s chilly and everyone seems to be catching cabin fever, here are a few options within a 30 minute drive from Patoka Lake.

Yoga Class with a Glass (Feb. 10)

Yoga Class? I thought you said "Pour a Glass" Actually, it's both! Ticket includes a glass of wine and 1 hour yoga class designed for all levels. Never done yoga before? No worries, this is not a power hour. Bring a mat or a beach towel, and wear comfortable clothing. Sign up here.

Galentines day anyone? (Feb 8-10, 14-17)

Bring your besties, significant other, acquaintance from work who also loves wine to Patoka Lake Winery and treat yourself to wine and chocolate the weekend before, the day of and the weekend after Valentines Day. While supplies last, each full tasting comes with milk and dark chocolates from Chocolate Bliss (Jasper, IN).

While it’s cold outside, might as well get out there and ski! Stay with us in our Winery Suites and Silo Suites or in a cabin at Patoka Lake Marina & Lodging and purchase discounted tube, ski and lift tickets to Paoli Peaks! Never hit the slopes before? They’ve got clinics and other events to get you started. Visit their website for more information.

Interested in live music, tea, dessert and wine pairings, historical tours? All this and more can be found at the French Lick Resort, just 12 miles from Patoka Lake Winery. Visit their site for more information.

If you’ve got kids with cabin fever too, the Dubois County Museum in Jasper is the place to be in February. Story Time in the museum is every second Saturday of the month. This museum is the largest county museum in the state; there’s too many things to see all in one visit.

Uncork the Possibilities

Whether it's sweet summertime, a breezy autumn evening, a crisp winter afternoon, or sunny spring, Patoka Lake Winery is always open for business. Our tasting room is open 7 days a week, year round! Our signature wine slushies are also available year round as well.

Wine Slushy Flavors frequently include: Sangria, Peach Bellini, Blueberry Pomegranate, Margarita, and Strawberry. We've been known to mix whichever flavors together that you'd like for your own special sweet treat. 

When the cool weather comes, the mulled wine gets mixed. Made with crown mulling spices, apple juice and Patoka Lake Winery wine, it's easy to recreate at home for a group. We even sell our wine slushy mix for home creations.

So, when's the best time to come to Patoka Lake Winery? Anytime. We've got money saving tips year round including "Two for Tuesday," "Wine Wednesday" and "Thirsty Thursday." Tuesdays, buy one full tasting for $10 (8 tastes and you get to keep the glass!) and receive a second full tasting FREE. Wednesdays, receive 10% off bottles of wine. Thursdays, get $1 off all wine slushies and glasses of wine. Come and enjoy the porch or fireplace throughout the weekdays and save money.

Springtime at Patoka

Clear water running over rocks underfoot- it's the sound of Spring in Southern Indiana. As dogwood trees bud, daffodils open, and waterfalls flow, the natural world calls us to shake off the sedentary snooze of winter and come out to play. The question is no longer, "what can we do?" but "where do you want to explore today?"

If you've never hiked Hemlock Cliffs, get ready for an adventure for the young and old alike. Along a mile-long hiking trail adventurers will find creeks of clean water, two waterfalls, multicolored rock and boulders to climb.  

Google it, Hemlock Cliffs, it's gorgeous. Bring a picnic and friends, or just your leashed companion for an afternoon of stunning scenery.  The simple water over rocks creates a soundtrack for rejuvenation. 

Finish your outdoorsy day with a glass of wine on the porch with us at Patoka Lake Winery and Uncork the Possibilities. Click here for directions to Hemlock Cliffs from Patoka Lake Winery.

Dash for the Glass 5K supports Local Military surrounding Patoka Lake

On November 4th, 194 racers trekked through Newton-Stewart State Recreation Area (better known as the property surrounding Patoka Lake) in honor of current troops and Indiana veterans.  The idea for a 5K began as a desire to bring people out to Patoka Lake Winery on an autumn afternoon and quickly grew to a race with a mission to serve those who continually serve.

The cause hit home for many, including State Representative Stephen Bartels, co-owner of Patoka Lake Winery.  “Having a father killed in Vietnam, my 22 years of Military service and now a son serving as a combat medic has given me a deep sense of duty to help our veterans in need, and also extend that support to the families” shared Representative Bartels. The goal of the 5K was to send a resounding Thank you! to the veterans, spouses, children, and other family members who sacrifice before during and after deployment.

“We wanted this to be more than a run.  We wanted people to love the event so that we can continue to raise support year after year,” says Race Director, Rachel Lorett.  “I didn’t foresee the huge amount of support and community involvement we ended up with; it’s amazing." 

With almost 30 sponsors, multiple volunteers, and additional staff working to make the day a success, the race commenced with an after-party inside Patoka Lake Winery’s event center.  Food vendors offered hot samples of their products while music kept the crowd entertained. Ages of racers included 5th graders all the way to over 61. Those 21 and over received a glass of wine after crossing the finish line.

Following the race, Patoka Lake Winery donated the proceeds (over $3,500 divided evenly) to three different organizations: HHC 1-151 Family Readiness Group, Honor Flight Southern Indiana, and Team Red White & Blue. The Ferdinand/Jasper chapter of Team Red White and Blue will receive two electric clay target throwers and supplies for their social gatherings to promote connections between veterans and the local community.

Mark your calendars for next year's race: Saturday, November 3rd, 2018

Not Just Another 5K

Did you know there's a 5K happening on Saturday, November 4th at Patoka Lake Winery? Wine and running, sure they go together. But why a 5K? There are plenty of races to choose from in Southern Indiana. In answer to the “why”, imagine this:

You find out that your spouse’s job is going to take them to a dangerous part of the world for about a year. No exact length of time, just a time frame. This is the farthest distance and longest time you’ve been apart in 26 years of marriage. Your spouse will be armed; you’re thinking it’s time you’re armed, or it’s at least time to get a big dog.  And the out-of-state training begins next month. Oh, and you’re raising a teenager.

This is your neighbor’s story,  your best friend’s news, your nephew’s announcement.  This is why we run. The sudden seemingly single parent households. Even if we don’t experience it the same way- all the stress, anxiety and fear associated with the upheaval of deployment and reintegration- we run to support.  We are for connection and community.

We race to say, “We know your soldier isn’t the only one sacrificing.”  

We can’t say thank you enough for giving up the shared memories of birthdays, anniversaries, school performances, ball games and holidays with your loved one for this period of time. Thank you for sharing your family for all of our families. We live in the land of the free because of ALL the sacrifices made.

This one’s for you, Momma. Thanks for your patience, your courage and your strength before, during and after Dad’s deployment.

Who are you running for?

November 4th, 2017   2PM

Sign Up at http://getmeregistered.com/DashfortheGlass5K