Indiana Grown: The Rejoicing Vine's sustainable sparkling wines

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  Food and Wine on Sat, Oct 10th, 2025 by WISH-TV

The Rejoicing Vine, a boutique winery that has taken Indiana’s emerging wine scene by storm, is the focus of the recent Wishtv feature “The Rejoicing Vine: Indianapolis, Indiana Grown.” The article paints a portrait of a small, family‑run operation that turned a patch of Indiana farmland into a thriving producer of grape‑based wines that are now celebrated throughout the region. It begins with the story of the vineyard’s founders, who, driven by a shared passion for sustainable agriculture, set out to prove that the Midwest can cultivate quality grapes.

Founding Vision and Early Challenges

The Rejoicing Vine was launched in 2018 by a husband and wife duo, Emily and Mark Collins. According to the article, the couple had been working in agriculture for over a decade before deciding to plant their own vineyard. Their first year was an uphill battle: the Indiana climate, characterized by hot summers and unpredictable rainfall, tested the resilience of grapevines not traditionally grown there. The article details how they selected grape varieties suited to the Midwestern climate—primarily Muscadine, a hardy American grape, and a few experimental European hybrids that could tolerate the region’s temperature swings.

The Wishtv piece quotes Emily Collins on how the name “Rejoicing Vine” reflects the joy they found in the land’s potential. “We’re not just growing grapes; we’re growing hope,” she says. The founders’ commitment to organic soil practices is highlighted as a core value; the vineyard eschews chemical fertilizers in favor of compost and cover crops that enrich the soil and support local biodiversity.

Production and Wine Portfolio

A significant portion of the article dives into the vineyard’s winemaking process. The Rejoicing Vine’s production is intentionally small scale, with a maximum output of 5,000 bottles annually. This limited production allows the team to focus on quality and terroir expression. The article explains that the winemaking process is conducted in a modest, temperature‑controlled facility that the Collins team built on their property. It details the fermentation methods used—primarily natural, spontaneous fermentations in stainless‑steel tanks—and how the wines are aged in oak barrels borrowed from a nearby distillery.

The Rejoicing Vine’s portfolio includes a “Muscadine Rosé,” a “Hybrid Riesling,” and an “American Cabernet.” Wishtv highlights the “Muscadine Rosé” as the flagship product, noting its bright berry flavor and crisp finish that has won praise from local wine critics. The article also references a limited‑edition “Autumn Harvest” wine that the vineyard releases each year, which is a blend of late‑season Muscadine and a small proportion of black chokeberries. Emily Collins explains that this blend reflects the autumnal colors of the surrounding farmland and embodies the “rejoicing” spirit the vineyard embodies.

Community Engagement and Economic Impact

The article emphasizes the role Rejoicing Vine plays in the local community. The Collinses have partnered with the Indianapolis Community Agriculture Network to host a monthly “Harvest Walk,” a guided tour that allows residents to learn about grape cultivation and sustainable farming practices. These events not only educate but also foster a sense of community. The piece includes quotes from local participants who appreciate having a nearby source of artisanal wine and a place where they can connect with nature.

Beyond the community, Rejoicing Vine has had a measurable economic impact. Wishtv quotes a local economic development official who estimates that the vineyard’s presence has generated approximately 30 direct jobs and contributed to a broader shift toward agricultural entrepreneurship in the region. The article also notes that the vineyard is part of a broader “Midwest Grape Initiative,” which aims to diversify Indiana’s agricultural output.

Visitor Experience and Future Plans

Visitors to Rejoicing Vine can enjoy a tasting room that has been designed to blend rustic charm with modern comfort. Wishtv describes the tasting room’s layout—wooden bar, open fire pit, and a wall of vintage wine posters. The Collinses also offer a “Pick‑Your‑Own” experience during peak grape season, where guests can harvest grapes directly from the vines. The article mentions that this activity has become a popular family event, especially during the fall harvest.

Looking ahead, the Collinses plan to expand their vineyard by adding 3 acres of additional vines. They are exploring the possibility of a small, dedicated barrel‑aging wing, and are also in talks with local culinary schools to develop a “wine and food pairing” series. Wishtv quotes Mark Collins on the vision: “We want to be a hub where people can learn, taste, and leave with a story.”

Additional Resources

The Wishtv feature links to the official Rejoicing Vine website (https://www.rejoicingvine.com), where readers can find detailed information about the vineyard’s history, current wine releases, and tasting room hours. The website also includes a “Wine Blog” section that chronicles the growth of the vineyard year by year, providing insight into the challenges and triumphs the Collinses face. An Instagram handle is linked (https://instagram.com/rejoicingvine), showcasing vibrant images of the vineyard, wine releases, and community events.

The article also references a local Indianapolis Star piece (https://www.indystar.com) that profiles the vineyard’s economic impact on the city. The Star article expands on the Collinses’ role as mentors to other aspiring vintners in the area, providing a more in‑depth look at the broader Midwest grape movement.

In sum, the Wishtv piece offers a comprehensive view of how a small, Indiana‑grown vineyard has turned a passion for sustainable agriculture into a vibrant community enterprise, a growing wine portfolio, and a source of regional pride. The Rejoicing Vine stands as a testament to the ingenuity of Midwestern growers and the enduring appeal of local, craft‑made products.