In Indianapolis, the Month of May isn’t just a season—it’s a state of mind. From the roar of engines at the track to the unmistakable wave of checkered flags across the city, race season transforms Indy into a celebration of speed, spectacle, and community. At Mass Ave Wine, that spirit is already in full swing.
We’re shifting into high gear for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 with a festive transformation that brings race-day energy straight to the heart of downtown. Step inside, and guests will find the shop decked out in checkered flags, turning the cozy wine bar into a spirited tribute to Indianapolis’ most iconic tradition.
But the decor is just the starting line.
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Cocktails Built for Race Month
Mass Ave Wine is embracing Indy 500 season with a lineup of specialty drinks designed for race fans, cocktail lovers, and anyone looking to toast to May in style.
This year’s $9 featured cocktails include:
☕🍸 Start Your Engine
A bold espresso martini, energizing pick-me-up perfect for kicking off a night on Mass Ave or fueling pre-race excitement.
🍋 🥤 Pit Lane Lemonade
Bright, refreshing, and built for warmer days, this vodka-limoncello cocktail captures the crisp spirit of spring with a race-ready twist.
🍊 🍷 Speedway Sangria
A fruity, festive favorite made for sipping while soaking in all the action May has to offer.
Alongside these themed cocktails, guests can also explore Mass Ave Wine’s wide variety of beers, canned wines, and alcohol shooters ideal for easy celebrations, casual race watch parties, or grabbing something fun before heading to IMS.
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Wine Spotlight: Meet “The Barista”
For those craving a bold red that matches the energy of Indy’s biggest month, Mass Ave Wine’s featured spotlight pours straight from South Africa’s Western Cape with The Barista Pinotage ($24.99/bottle)—a wine as dynamic and memorable as race day itself.
Crafted from 100% Pinotage grapes harvested at peak ripeness from select vineyards, The Barista is fermented in stainless steel tanks with regular pump overs for ideal extraction, then aged for five months with carefully selected oak to build depth and complexity.
The result is a full-fruited, expressive red bursting with ripe mulberry, plum, and Maraschino cherry, layered beautifully with notes of vanilla and mocha. Subtle coffee undertones and luscious tannins make it approachable yet distinctive. This wine is an ideal bottle for guests who love bold reds with a rich, smooth finish.
Whether pairing some crispy pork belly at home, or with food from our Barbie Dream Kitchen like a Meatza pizza, or enjoyed more adventurously on a charcuterie with Danish bleu cheese and mortadella, The Barista is a conversation starter in every glass.
With its coffee-kissed character and crowd-pleasing versatility, this featured wine feels tailor-made for the Month of May: bold, spirited, and ready to leave an impression long after the last sip.
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Racing Meets Art: May Featured Artist Sarah Rae Cote
Mass Ave Wine’s commitment to local creativity remains front and center this month with featured works from artist Sarah Rae Cote (@artistsarahrae).
Known for her playful, vibrant style, Cote’s showing includes a few racing-themed paintings that bring a whimsical yet unmistakably Indianapolis feel to the space. Her imaginative animal racers, waving checkered flags and speeding toward victory, capture the joy, color, and tradition that define May in Indy.
The artwork adds another layer to the in-store experience, blending local art culture with the city’s racing legacy; a pairing that feels uniquely Mass Ave Wine.
For more information about her artwork, email Cote at cotesarah1@gmail.com.
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A Month of May Destination
Mass Ave Wine has always been about more than bottles on a shelf. It’s a neighborhood gathering place where wine, food, art, and local culture intersect. During the Month of May, that identity shines even brighter.
Whether you’re stopping in for a themed cocktail, discovering a new favorite red, admiring local racing-inspired art, or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, Mass Ave Wine offers a uniquely Indy way to celebrate the season.
So whether you’re a lifelong race fan, a downtown explorer, or someone just looking for the perfect place to toast to May, Mass Ave Wine is ready.
The flags are flying. The spirits are poured. The engines are started.
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