Mallow Run Winery — Attraction in Bargersville

I’m going to start this review out with that I really love this place and I love their staff that I’ve interacted with over the years and all of the wines that Mallow Run has to offer. I am so disappointed in what happed to me today. I have been a customer to Mallow Run for around 9-10 years and regularly spend my money on bottles of wine and ciders at this winery. About 2 years ago I was talking to a lady in the winery who worked there and she asked me where I work at. I told her I am a police officer and she told me that they actually do a 10% or 15% discount (I can’t remember which). I said great and was able to apply that to my purchase of bottles. After that I always mentioned it on future purchases and was able to apply that.

I went yesterday (March 1st). I purchased 3 bottles of wine and asked the employee if they still honor the discount that I’ve been given when I come in. She asked the owner who was there (John). He said no. That is perfectly okay and I honestly felt a little embarrassed even asking.

I called Mallow Run today (March 2) because I realized I only had two of my three wine bottles bagged. It must’ve been mistakenly put aside or left on the counter there. I asked if I could come in and bring in my receipt. John said that was okay as long as I brought my receipt.

I told him which wine bottles I had purchased and told him my name. I asked him what his name was just so I knew when I came in. He seemed to get a little defensive for some reason and said with a rude tone “ Well my name is John and I am the owner”. Then he said “Are you the one that came in yesterday that bought the bottles and asked about a police discount?!”. I said “yes I mentioned it since I was told in the past that if I did then I would get a small discount”. He then for some reason got very angry and raised his voice to angrily say “NO YOU HAVENT. YOU have never gotten a police discount here ever because we don’t give any police any discounts!!” I was very shocked with how angry he sounded on the phone. I was being so nice and friendly so I was so confused at why he was so upset. I said “if you guys don’t that is perfectly fine, I just asked about it since I was offered it in the past and recieved a small percentage off of my purchase.” He raised his voice and very angrily sad “NO YOU DIDNT.” I felt very awkward and just said “Okay”. I didn’t want to argue with him and it really wasn’t even a big deal. I was so confused why he got so angry. I actually said that it’s okay and to not worry about the bottle of wine that was forgotten. I felt hurt and treated so bad that I don't even want to go up there for the forgotten bottle. I don’t know if he was just having a bad day or just has some serious pent up anger and hatred issue with law enforcement for personal reasons. This is hard for me because I love this place, but that was very weird and I feel like I don’t want to go back after that...

We could not say enough good things about this venue. I have a unique perspective on Mallow Run as I have photographed many weddings here AND my husband and I actually got married here a few years back! As a wedding client, the coordinators were very friendly and easy to work with. They always answered all of our questions quickly and in great detail. We had so many options with the space and could truly customize our day to be exactly how we wanted. We opted for an indoor ceremony and reception, so during cocktail hour everyone shifted to the entrance/bar area as well as hung out all around the patio. We had multiple bars going and the flip was seemless. After dinner, we had an ice cream truck park out back and guests loved being able to walk outside to grab their dessert.

From the perspective of a wedding photographer, the venue couldn't be better to work with. We actually wrote a blog post recently about our favorite Indiana wedding venues, and Mallow Run was #1!! So many great places to take pictures and it is simply a beautiful venue. We have captured many outdoor ceremonies here - the pavilion with the vineyard in the background is perfect. I love to bring couples into the woodsy out to the fields for portraits and sunset...

My wife and I had such a wonderful experience at Mallow Run Winery. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was welcoming, relaxed, and exactly what you’d hope for in a winery visit.

Our server, Ella, truly made the day memorable. She was knowledgeable, attentive without being rushed, and guided us through the wines with warmth and care. It felt like she genuinely wanted us to enjoy not only the wines but the whole experience.

The wines themselves were a treat. Some highlights from our tasting:

Corot Noir - Dark, Dry, and yet very smooth.

Dry Traminette - a dry white with a ton of complexity and flavor.

Blueberry Cider – Refreshing, crisp, and perfectly balanced. Not a lot of blueberry aroma, but plenty of blueberry in the body and finish. Very drinkable and not overly sweet.

Radiance (Sparkling Rhubarb) – Bright and fun, with just the right amount of effervescence and rhubarb.

It’s rare to find a place that combines a beautiful setting, wonderful wines and ciders, and such friendly service. Mallow Run Winery is absolutely that place, and it’s easy to see why it has so many loyal fans. We’ll definitely be back and will be recommending it to...