The Must-Visit Wineries in Tennessee That Offers the Best Champagne
by Avery Devereaux
Tennessee might be closely associated with moonshine and whiskey. However, at some time in the history of the state, grapes were dominant and fostered local cash crops until 1993, when the state legislated the 18th Amendment.
The National Prohibition that disallowed drinking alcohol outlawed distribution and sale of wines, marking the end of wine’s reign. Thankfully, it only happened until the late ’70s. At present, Tennessee has about 150 vineyards and 40 wineries producing internationally-acclaimed vinos from locally grown grapes.
That said, you do not need to go all the way to Napa Valley just to taste excellent wine at a winery. The lush landscape in Tennessee allows for productive and delicious vineyards across the state. If you are not acquainted with Tennessee wine, then it is wise to visit some of the top wineries in the state. Below are some of the must-visit wineries. Read on!
Belle Meade Winery
This winery is a must-visit destination, whether you are local or a tourist craving to know more about the affluent history of the mansion (about 200-year-old). As time passed by, the plantation became more and more popular and considered as one of the premier aristocratic breeding farms.
The plantation is associated with some of the best horses in the history of horse racing, as well as their homemade wines and Southern hospitality. Ever since the launching of the winery in 2009, visitors can learn and be more familiar with the history of the plantation, while sipping a glass of homemade wine.
Tours at the Belle Meade winery arrive with a free group tasting. What’s more, you can experience private tastings of wines and their food pairings first hand.
Arrington Vineyards
Arrington Vineyards is nestled in the rolling hills of Mid-Tennessee. The vineyard offers country-vibe wines. John Russell (entrepreneur), Kip Summers (winemaker), and Kix Brooks (country music artist) have been managing the vineyard since 2007.
Make sure to bring a blanket and a picnic when you visit Arrington Vineyards to enjoy the picture-perfect view, and, at the same time, fall in love with various wine options, like Dom Perignon.
Before you claim your spot or place on the hillside, visit the tasting tent and choose the AV picnic tasting. This picnic tasting includes crackers, tasting notes, and four 8-ounce vinos of your preference.
Additionally, Arrington Vineyards offer an event called “Music in the Vines” that allows you to enjoy and have fun with live music while sipping wines and eating cheeses. A visit to this vineyard will not disappoint you as it offers tastings to complement the needs of everyone.
Blue Goose Farm And Vineyards
The sceneries around the vineyard are unparalleled. This family-owned, small vineyard is located just outside of Maryville and produces sweet apples, Southern grapes, and different kinds of berries for their wines.
Cherish and adore the Smoky Mountains’ views, or you can enjoy tasting vinos inside the Farm Winery. Blue Goose Farm and Vineyards tend to make sweet vinos. However, visitors who like drier wines will undoubtedly love the array of options, as well.
The Griffith family never thought about how much their winery would develop because it began as a retirement project. Today, you can stroll around the property seeing different animals while drinking a glass of Blue Goose wine or Dom Perignon.
Beachaven Vineyards & Winery
William Beach, Loisa (his daughter), and Ed Cooke (son-in-law) had been making wine since the 70s when they opened one of the licensed wineries in Tennessee. Thirty years later, Beachaven Vineyards & Winery is the oldest family-owned plantation in the state and offers live music, which is the longest-running in Clarksville.
Also, the winery serves some of the award-winning Beachaven vinos on the lawn. Stroll around the winery to gain insight into the winery’s winemaking processes. Moreover, even though Beachaven Vineyards & Winery doesn’t have a restaurant, they do offer different types of cheeses, sausage, and crackers that match excellently with whatever you are sipping in your glass.
Mountain Valley Winery
This winery has concentrated on producing German- and French-style wines, since opening in 1991. Located within the Smoky Mountains, Mountain Valley Winery is among the biggest wineries in Tennessee.
Moreover, the winery serves the best fruit wines across the country. Plus, they have at least 500 internationally-renowned wines. Visit the Mountain Valley Winery over the weekend for delicious wines and amazing views.
Takeaway
For sure, you have heard how good the whiskey is in Tennessee. Well, that was the case before. Today, Tennessee is becoming well-known and popular for its wine. So, if you are looking for excellent wine (both dry and sweet), head over to the must-visit wineries in the state.
The vineyards and wineries in Tennessee are such an oasis that once you visit them, you feel good instantly, especially when it comes to the stress of your daily life. They have that particular healing power and, of course, the magical country vibe.
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© 2023 The Havok Journal
The Havok Journal welcomes re-posting of our original content as long as it is done in compliance with our Terms of Use.