Sustainability is not just a buzzword for the Rejoicing Vine winery in northwest Indianapolis. For owners Brent and Frances Kumfer, it’s a way of life. They just celebrated their second anniversary of being in business, and they’re excited for what the future holds.
They serve locally sourced sparkling wine, which has a smaller carbon footprint than other options. Marketing manager Emily Mellentine says Indiana grapes are great for sparkling wine, and they can use kegs instead of bottles for storage, eliminating thousands of pounds of glass waste each year.
The Rejoicing Vine has a cork recycling program and sells or reuses wine bottles. The cups they use at the winery are wine bottles cut in half and turned into glasses.
“We really try to make use of everything and encourage people to bring in their corks and bottle caps to recycle,” Mellentine says.
She started working at the Rejoicing Vine after attending a wine tour and tasting at the winery a little over a year ago, where she heard co-owner Brent Kumfer speak about sustainability and agriculture.
In addition to living and working with the land, the owners want to inspire guests to find joy in the simple things. The Rejoicing Vine hosts a wine club, and members can attend a special exclusive event every quarter. Members receive a bottle of wine each month and can get two free drinks when they pick it up.
“If people are coming in once a month, we’re really able to form authentic relationships with them. We really value the community. The owner, Brent, realized that when the wine comes out, the phones go down,” Mellentine says.
The winery hosts activities like watercolor painting classes, mindful meditation and weekend brunch, with mimosa flights of various flavors. There is also live music every Saturday evening.
The vineyard serves as a private event venue, too — for retirement parties, graduation parties, bridal and baby showers, and even small weddings. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
Most recently, the Kumfers have added vineyard picnic experiences with two different options. For those who want a casual, customizable experience, there is a DIY package that includes a two-hour rental of a picnic basket, blanket, wine glasses, plates, silverware, napkins, one bottle of wine and one charcuterie board. Guests can then set up their picnic anywhere on the vineyard.
For a more elegant experience, there is a luxury picnic package for two to eight guests that includes setup and tear-down, as well as pillows, decor, a bottle of wine and a selection of deluxe charcuterie boards.
The picnics were Frances’ idea, and she sourced almost all of the decor and materials for them at secondhand shops.
“We wanted to find more ways people can enjoy the land. We do regenerative farming here, and we have such a beautiful space, we wanted to get people into that more,” Mellentine says.
By using regenerative farming techniques, they work with the land and don’t use pesticides, fungicides or herbicides. They grow other plants to help battle pests instead, maintain soil health and don’t mow the grass unless necessary.
The winery is open year-round, Thursday through Sunday.
Reservations are required, and availability is limited. To book your picnic or for more information, call 317-946-1338, email iamloved@rejoicingvine.com or visit rejoicingvine.com. The Rejoicing Vine is located at 8440 W. 82nd St., Indianapolis, IN 46278.
Thank you for this article on The Rejoicing Vine. I have enjoyed time there. They cultivate a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere and have fun events, in addition to a tasty product! I highly recommend that you spend some time there.