Jarred Porter

September 19, 2025

Huber’s Orchard & Winery: Southern Indiana’s Largest Apple Orchard & Pumpkin Patch

Explore Huber’s Orchard & Winery in Starlight, Indiana. Pick apples and pumpkins, sip wine, and enjoy family fun at Southern Indiana’s largest orchard.

Huber’s Orchard & Winery: Southern Indiana’s Largest Apple Orchard & Pumpkin Patch

If you’re looking for the biggest and most family-friendly fall destination in Indiana, Huber’s Orchard & Winery in Starlight belongs at the top of your list. With over 600 acres of u-pick apples and pumpkins, a winery, farm market, restaurant, and kids’ play area, Huber’s has been a Southern Indiana tradition since 1843.

Whether you’re planning a fall weekend road trip or a weekday outing with the kids, here’s your full guide to apple picking, pumpkin patches, and wine tasting at Huber’s.

From Family Farm to Southern Indiana Fall Tradition

The Huber family has farmed this land for seven generations, starting in the 1840s. What began as a modest fruit and vegetable farm is now one of the state’s largest agritourism destinations.

Locals from Louisville, Clark County, and Floyd County have made Huber’s part of their family traditions, returning for school trips, fall festivals, and seasonal events. Today, it’s much more than an orchard — it’s a Southern Indiana experience.

Apple Picking at Huber’s Orchard: Best Varieties & Season Tips

Huber’s apple orchards cover acres of structured rows, with tractor-pulled wagon rides taking you out to the fields. Apple season typically runs from late August through October, depending on the weather and crop.

Popular apple varieties you’ll find at Huber’s include:

  • Gala (early season)

  • Honeycrisp (fan favorite for snacking)

  • Jonathan (classic tart flavor)

  • Fuji (sweet and crisp)

  • Granny Smith (perfect for baking)

  • Arkansas Black (late-season heirloom variety)

Pro Tip: Weekday mornings in September are quieter, with shorter waits for wagon rides and less-crowded fields.

Huber’s Pumpkin Patch: Wagon Rides, Carving Pumpkins & Family Fun

Pumpkin season at Huber’s is a family-friendly tradition, kicking off in mid-September and running through Halloween. Visitors can take free wagon rides to the pumpkin fields and pick from hundreds of pumpkins spread across the patch.

Here’s what you’ll find in the pumpkin patch:

  • Carving pumpkins of all sizes (great for jack-o’-lanterns)

  • Pie pumpkins ideal for fall baking

  • Decorative gourds for seasonal décor

Kids love climbing around the pumpkin piles for the perfect photo op, and the patch makes for a classic Hoosier fall family outing.

Must-Try Fall Foods at Huber’s: Donuts, Cider & Caramel Apples

After picking, head to the Farm Market for classic Hoosier fall flavors:

  • Fresh caramel apples

  • Apple cider slushies

  • Pumpkin donuts

  • Seasonal fudge (try the maple pecan!)

The market also sells jams, salsas, and baked goods — favorites like pumpkin rolls and apple pies often sell out on weekends.

Hungry for more? The onsite restaurant, Joe Huber’s Family Farm Restaurant, serves hearty comfort food like fried chicken, ham, and homemade sides.

Huber’s Winery 🍷

Opened in 1978, Huber’s Winery is now one of Indiana’s largest wine producers. The tasting room pours:

  • Dry reds and whites

  • Fruit wines (peach, blackberry, apple)

  • Seasonal wine slushies

Pair your tasting with a cheese board or local snacks, and enjoy vineyard views from the patio.

Love local wine? Check out our full guide to the Best Wineries in Indiana to plan more Hoosier wine trips.

Family Activities & Kids’ Play Areas at Huber’s Farm

Huber’s is designed for all ages, with:

  • A kids’ play area and petting zoo

  • Wagon rides included with u-pick

  • Birthday party and school trip packages

Tips for Visiting Huber’s Orchard & Winery

  • Location: Starlight, Indiana (30 minutes from Louisville, KY)

  • Parking: Free, with staff directing traffic on busy fall weekends

  • Pets: Dogs not allowed on wagons or in the orchard

  • Payment: Farm market and winery accept cards; some outdoor stands prefer cash

  • Strollers: Can be tricky in muddy fields, bring carriers for little ones

  • What to wear: Dress in layers; mornings are cool, afternoons warm in the fields

Nearby Things to Do in Starlight & Southern Indiana

Extend your visit with nearby attractions in Southern Indiana:

  • Deam Lake State Recreation Area – hiking, fishing, picnics

  • Charlestown State Park – fall foliage and Ohio River views

  • Historic Downtown New Albany – shops and cafes

  • Harvest Homecoming Festival in New Albany (early October)

Huber’s Orchard & Winery FAQ

When is the best time to visit for pumpkins and apples?

Mid-September to mid-October offers the most variety.

Do you need reservations?

No. Check in at the market for your basket and field assignment.

Is there an admission fee?

No — access is free. You pay by the pound for what you pick.

Can you bring outside food?

Outside food is discouraged, but there are picnic tables and plenty of vendor stands.

Plan Your Trip to Huber’s Orchard & Winery This Fall

With apple orchards, pumpkin patches, a winery, farm market, and family fun, Huber’s Orchard & Winery is Indiana’s largest fall destination. It’s not just a farm — it’s a tradition that’s been going strong for nearly 200 years.

Mark your calendar this fall and experience Huber’s in Starlight.

Visit Huber’s Orchard & Winery

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Written By:

Jarred Porter

Written By:

Jarred Porter

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