Nyssa Craton

Nyssa Craton grew up in the rolling hills of Southern Indiana. With the Ohio River near her family’s home in the Jeffersonville/Corydon area, the environment is ideal for viniculture and not unlike famed wine-producing regions ibn France, such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Loire Valley, and Champagne.

But Nyssa moved north to earn a degree in food science from Purdue University. She stayed put, and the rest is now part of the history of Lafayette’s Wildcat Creek Winery. “My goal at Purdue was to find a career I could be passionate about and commit to long-term,” she said.

“Luckily, a local winery was hiring an assistant winemaker the semester I was due to graduate. I quickly discovered a love for winemaking and took over the lab and production side so the owners could focus on running the business. I learned as much as I could in order to produce the highest quality wines.”
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After 12 years of ensuring the owners crafted award-winning drink, Nyssa assumed all duties when she purchased Wildcat Creek Winery in 2025. “My hands-on experience and passion for winemaking guide every decision,” she said, “ensuring the traditions our patrons enjoy most remains at the heart of our operation.” An old hand in the back room, she continues as winemaker.

“Wine is both a science and an art,” Nyssa said. “Each wine is a fresh canvas. I carefully evaluate both the chemistry and the sensory aspects of every blend to create the best version. We work hard to balance the sugar, acidity and alcohol when developing the final finish on a wine,” she said. The growing demand reflects her exceptional outcomes.

“I love being able to make a high-quality product out of something grown here in the Midwest,” she said. “I think there is an assumption that we’re all corn and soybeans in Indiana. I love being able to create a product that sells directly to customers and gets immediate feedback. I also love having a job that lets me be out in nature.”

Wildcat Creek Winery specializes in wines from grapes that grow well in the Midwest. “We also host fundraisers for local charities and participate in classes at Purdue as a ‘subject business’ for marketing students,” Nyssa said. “We host recurring and seasonal events and also love collaborating with local businesses.”

Of Indiana Artisan, she added, “Receiving recognition for our hard work is immensely gratifying.” And no doubt reflecting the thoughts the winemakers in the valleys of famed French regions have had for centuries, she said, “It’s nice to know that wine is regarded as an art, too.”