Drunk Tank Winery

Often, when Linda and I are out enjoying a drive through Indiana’s scenic backroads, we come across a local winery we’ve never visited before. More often than not, we’ll stop in to check it out. Usually, the entrance to a tasting room is pretty standard—but every now and then, we’re met with a surprise before we even get through the door. That was the case with The Drunk Tank Winery, located in Rockville, Indiana.

The first time we visited, we walked down a narrow set of concrete steps and noticed an old keyring with rusty keys hanging above the door. It was a subtle but clever hint at the building’s past—the winery is located in what used to be Parke County’s “drunk tank,” part of its former jail. While the historic building itself is fascinating, it was the wine bar that truly caught our attention. Maybe next time, we’ll stay overnight at the Old Jail Inn upstairs.

The Drunk Tank Winery, A Unique Winery Experience in a Historic Jail

The Drunk Tank Winery is tucked into the basement of the Old Jail Inn, a boutique hotel in downtown Rockville. What makes it truly memorable is that the wine tasting happens inside the original drunk tank—once used to temporarily hold people who had overindulged. Today, that space has been transformed into a quirky, themed wine bar.

Historical Background

The building that houses the winery was constructed in 1879 and served as Parke County’s jail until it closed in 1998. In 2010, it was converted into the Old Jail Inn, a hotel that preserved many of its original jail features—such as the stone walls, barred windows, and even some of the old jail cells.

Wine Tasting with a Twist

The Drunk Tank Winery is known for its fun and interactive wine tastings. Visitors can choose between dry or sweet wine flights. When we visited, each flight included five wine samples and a souvenir glass. A popular option is the “Old Jail Inn Red,” a wine produced and bottled by Huber Winery in Borden, Indiana. The staff there focus on making wine education relaxed, lighthearted, and enjoyable for everyone.

Atmosphere and Setting

Inside, the winery keeps the jailhouse vibe alive with original stone walls, barred doorways, and vintage touches that make it feel both historic and a little mysterious. The space is cozy, a bit quirky, and definitely one of a kind.

Ghost Stories and Paranormal Vibes

Adding to its unique charm, the Old Jail Inn (and the winery in its basement) is said to be haunted. Both guests and staff have reported hearing unexplained footsteps, mysterious voices, and even spotting shadowy figures. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it certainly adds to the intrigue.

Linda and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to The Drunk Tank Winery. As we left Rockville that day, we agreed we’d have to come back—not just for the wine, but to stay at the Old Jail Inn and explore even more. Who knows? That return trip might just inspire another blog post.