One Of The Most Incredible Small Businesses In Indiana, Stream Cliff Farm Is A Proud Family-Run Farm And Winery
By Sarah McCosham|Published August 10, 2021
×
Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
The Hoosier State is a beautiful place, full of pristine, pastoral countryside and endless, rolling hills and sky. The farms of Indiana are the most postcard-perfect in the country, making our state such a charming and idyllic place. In Jennings County, Indiana, Stream Cliff Farm is a historic farm that’s not only incredibly beautiful but also rich in history. It’s a place with deep roots that go all the way back to 1821 when families were moving West to start new lives. The property’s original owners were Quakers who bought the land from a local Methodist church. When Jimmy Harmon died in 1863, he left his possessions to the church. The property was later purchased by the Manning Family — and they own it to this day.
If you’re doing the math, that’s over 150 years and seven generations of a family who have lived on the historic farm, which has been in business for over 40 years. It’s a humble place with owners dedicated to preserving the land and wholly celebrating the Hoosier State: its bounty, beauty, and history.
Stream Cliff Farm is an amazing place with roots that go all the way back to the 1820s when America was undergoing a mass migration out West. It wasn't until about 40 years ago that it opened as a farm destination, winery, and restaurant.
The property has a great amount of history, as it is located on the General John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail -- and the home was also stormed during the infamous Morgan's Raid on July 11, 1836!
Advertisement
Stream Cliff Farm has been in business for 48 years, earning countless awards and accolades in that time.
Most recently, in 2020, the farm was chosen for the Arnold Award given by Historic Landmarks and Indiana Farm Bureau. The award is for historic preservation; most of the buildings here are original and are still used daily.
Fresh herbs, verdant green gardens, prismatic flowers, handmade folk art, and picturesque vineyards paint Stream Cliff Farm in life and color.
The farm is full of ambiance and beauty that can only be described as an experience. "We have always tried to be true to what makes the farm business better and also what makes our family stronger," says Elizabeth Manning. "We want to give people an idea of what a real farm feels like."
This is easily the most beautiful farm you'll ever visit, though, as its grounds are an artistic celebration of Indiana's bounty. In fact, the gardens are designed in the shape of quilt patterns, a nod to Betty Manning's passion for folk art.
While it's the oldest herb farm in the state, Stream Cliff Farm is well-known for its winery.
Stream Cliff's winery specializes in handcrafted wines ranging from bold reds and mellow whites to sweet fruit wines.
Advertisement
The property also houses a restaurant called Twigs & Springs, offering guests the enchanting experience of dining inside a winsome old barn. This recent venture is just one of the ways Stream Cliff continues to be a place that celebrates and supports its community.
Stream Cliff Farm isn't simply a beautiful family-run farm in Indiana; it's six generations of passionate, hardworking people with exuberant Hoosier pride.
But for the Mannings, this wildly successful farm really is just part of their life -- and family.
"Success is measured in many ways," says Elizabeth. "Success for us has been holding on to the heritage of our family's farm and creating a business that allows us to see our family daily."
She adds that they've had "lovely customers" over the years, and their support and patronage has, to use a gardening phrase, helped the farm grow and blossom.
Stream Cliff Farm is the purest definition of a "locally run business" -- it is a beloved and thriving place that's wholly devoted to the land on which it exists, and the people to whom it serves.
Learn more and support this family-run farm and winery by visiting the Stream Cliff Farm website, and be sure to follow this Indiana business on Facebook and Instagram, too! To speak with someone at the farm, call (812) 346-5859.
Of course, Stream Cliff Farm is one of many amazing businesses in Indiana that’s doing great things in the state. If you have another local business you’d like to see profiled on Only In Indiana, please nominate them for a chance to be featured. And be sure to follow Only In Indiana on Facebook and Instagram to stay to in the know about the Hoosier State’s events, restaurants, local businesses, and hidden gems!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
