It was 1984 when Dr. Charles Thomas, an OB-GYN, turned his winemaking hobby into a business, opening Chateau Thomas Winery in Plainfield. There were only a handful of wineries in Indiana then, before the big winery boom and before wine trails existed in the Midwest.
Prior to jumping into making wine full-time, Dr. Thomas took formal classes and then studied under the tutelage of renowned winemakers. His hard work paid off. Today Chateau Thomas Winery produces more than 15,000 cases of wine each year and boasts upwards of 1200 members in its wine club.
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On your first visit to Chateau Thomas, you will probably intend to taste a few wines at the tasting bar, pick up a bottle or two and perhaps purchase a gift in the gift shop.
But then you’ll see this comfy seating area and will be tempted to sit and sip a glass of wine, especially if you’re there on a Saturday afternoon when you’ll likely be treated to light entertainment.
Bigger outdoor entertainment events are common in the summer and popular with locals, often with 800 or so in attendance.
The grapes for Chateau Thomas wines come from well-established vineyards in California, Oregon, and Washington State, but the wine itself is produced at the winery in Plainfield.
A few years ago Chateau Thomas Winery introduced a line of Slender® wines, wines with no carbs. Perhaps Charles Thomas the doctor thought that no-carb, naturally sweetened wine would be a healthier option, but Charles Thomas the winemaker found a way to make it appealing to the taste buds. I’m no wine connoisseur by any stretch of the imagination, and I generally prefer white wine over red, but I tasted the Slender Red and liked it a lot. It’s lighter than many red wines, not too sweet but not too dry, and there is no aftertaste that most sugar-free beverages and foods have.
Congratulations to Chateau Thomas Winery on their success over the last 30 years and best wishes for continued success.
If you visit Chateau Thomas Winery
Chateau Thomas Winery is located at 6291 Cambridge Way, Plainfield, Indiana, just west of Indianapolis. Chateau Thomas wine bars and gift shops are located in Fishers and Nashville, Indiana. Check the web site for hours and event schedule.
Accommodations near Plainfield, Indiana: Find the best hotel deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say at TripAdvisor.
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Disclosures: My visit to Chateau Thomas Winery was hosted by Visit Hendricks County. My wine tasting was complimentary; however, all opinions in this article are my own.
This article contains an affiliate link. If you book a room through the TripAdvisor link above, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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