Discovering Tennessee’s Wine Country: Exploring the Heart of the South’s Best Vineyards

Wines & Wineries in Tennessee-Barn with gas industry memorabilia

Here’s a 2-day itinerary for exploring Tennessee’s wineries, featuring winery visits, dining options, and local attractions to enhance your experience.

Day 1: Nashville and Middle Tennessee Wine Experience

Morning:

• Arrival in Nashville, TN

  • Check into your accommodation. Consider staying at The Hermitage Hotel, a historic and luxurious hotel in downtown Nashville, known for its classic Southern charm.
    • Website: The Hermitage Hotel

• **Breakfast at Pinewood Social

  • Start your day with breakfast at Pinewood Social, a trendy spot offering delicious dishes and a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for kicking off your wine adventure.
    • Website: Pinewood Social

Late Morning:

• Visit Arrington Vineyards
  • Head to Arrington Vineyards, just outside of Nashville. Enjoy a wine tasting with a view of the picturesque rolling hills. Known for its friendly atmosphere and top-tier wines like Sangria and Cabernet Sauvignon, this vineyard is a perfect first stop for your Tennessee wine tour.
    • Address: 6211 Patton Rd, Arrington, TN 37014
    • Website: Arrington Vineyards

Afternoon:

• **Lunch at The Old Village Grill

  • After your wine tasting, head back to Nashville for lunch at The Old Village Grill, which offers classic Southern comfort food with a modern twist.
    • Website: The Old Village Grill

• Visit Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

  • Spend the afternoon at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. Explore the stunning botanical gardens, take a stroll through the art museum, and enjoy a wine tasting as part of your visit to the vineyard located on the grounds.
    • Address: 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205
    • Website: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Evening:

• **Dinner at Husk Nashville

  • Wrap up your day with a delicious dinner at Husk Nashville, an upscale Southern restaurant offering locally-sourced ingredients and exceptional wine pairings.
    • Website: Husk Nashville

• Overnight in Nashville

Day 2: Smoky Mountains and East Tennessee Wine Adventure

Morning:

• **Breakfast at The Pancake Pantry

  • Begin your second day with a hearty breakfast at The Pancake Pantry, one of Nashville’s most beloved breakfast spots, serving a variety of delicious pancakes and classic breakfast fare.
    • Website: The Pancake Pantry

• Drive to Horton Vineyards

  • After breakfast, head east to Horton Vineyards, about a 4-hour drive from Nashville. Located in the Smoky Mountains, this family-owned vineyard is known for its cold-hardy varieties like Marquette and Frontenac. Enjoy wine tastings while soaking in the beautiful mountainous scenery.
    • Address: 1269 Horton Hwy, Loudon, TN 37774
    • Website: Horton Vineyards

Afternoon:

• **Lunch at The Vineyards Restaurant at Victoria Valley

  • Continue your wine adventure with lunch at The Vineyards Restaurant at Victoria Valley Vineyards, located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This restaurant offers a variety of dishes that pair perfectly with their locally produced wines.
    • Website: Victoria Valley Vineyards

• Visit Tennessee Valley Winery

  • After lunch, head to Tennessee Valley Winery, located just a short drive away. Taste a selection of their wines, including their renowned Frontenac and Chardonnay. The vineyard offers beautiful views and a relaxed setting.
    • Address: 3090 W. Highway 72, Loudon, TN 37774
    • Website: Tennessee Valley Winery

Evening:

• **Dinner at The Lodge at Tellico

  • End your wine tour with dinner at The Lodge at Tellico, known for its cozy atmosphere and flavorful dishes. Pair your meal with one of their local wines from Tennessee’s vineyards for the perfect finish to your day.
    • Website: The Lodge at Tellico

• Return to Nashville or Overnight in the Smoky Mountains

Positive Things In Tennessee-Mountainview

This itinerary offers a perfect balance of wine exploration, scenic beauty, and Southern hospitality. From Nashville’s iconic vineyards to the peaceful Smoky Mountains, you’ll experience the rich flavors and traditions of Tennessee’s wine country. Enjoy your journey!

Here’s a list of fun things to do while exploring Tennessee, especially around wine country and major attractions:

1. Explore the Natural Beauty of Tennessee

• Hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

  • The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a variety of hiking trails with stunning views, including the Clingmans Dome Trail (the highest peak in Tennessee). For a relaxing walk, try the Alum Cave Trail or Laurel Falls Trail for a waterfall experience.
  • Website: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

• Drive the Cherohala Skyway

  • If you’re near the Smoky Mountains, the Cherohala Skyway offers a scenic drive through the Cherokee National Forest. With breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains, it’s an unforgettable way to experience Tennessee’s natural beauty.
  • Website: Cherohala Skyway

2. Discover Tennessee’s Rich History

• Visit the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis

  • Located at the Lorraine Motel (the site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination), the National Civil Rights Museum is a powerful museum exploring the history of the civil rights movement in the U.S.
  • Website: National Civil Rights Museum

• Tour the Andrew Jackson Hermitage

  • Visit the Hermitage, the home of President Andrew Jackson, located just outside of Nashville. Take a guided tour to explore the mansion, the grounds, and the museum dedicated to Jackson’s legacy.
  • Website: The Hermitage

3. Fun Activities and Entertainment in Nashville

• Explore Broadway Street in Nashville

  • Known as Music City, Nashville’s Broadway Street is famous for its honky-tonks, live music venues, and vibrant nightlife. Pop into iconic bars like Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge or The Bluebird Café for a taste of country music.
  • Website: Nashville’s Broadway

• Take a Tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame

  • Dive into the history of country music at the Country Music Hall of Fame, where you’ll find exhibits about legends like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and the history of Nashville’s musical scene.
  • Website: Country Music Hall of Fame

4. Wine and Food Experiences

• Visit Tennessee’s Vineyards

  • Arrington Vineyards, Horton Vineyards, and Tennessee Valley Winery are all fantastic stops to enjoy local wine and beautiful views. Take a vineyard tour, taste local varietals like Marquette or Cabernet Sauvignon, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in wine country.
  • Website: Arrington Vineyards, Tennessee Valley Winery

• Experience a Farm-to-Table Meal

  • Tennessee is known for its Southern comfort food, and dining at local restaurants like Husk in Nashville or The Old Village Grill in Franklin offers a true taste of the region. Don’t miss out on trying classic dishes like fried chicken, biscuits, and local BBQ.
  • Website: Husk Nashville, The Old Village Grill

5. Visit Local Attractions

• Take a Boat Tour on the Tennessee River

  • Head to Chattanooga for a scenic boat tour along the Tennessee River. You can choose from relaxing sightseeing cruises or adventurous paddleboard tours.
  • Website: Chattanooga Boat Tours

• Visit the Lost Sea Adventure

  • Located in Sweetwater, The Lost Sea is America’s largest underground lake. Take a guided tour of the cave system and learn about its history, including the discovery of the lake in 1905.
  • Website: The Lost Sea Adventure

6. Explore Charming Small Towns

• Discover the Beauty of Gatlinburg

  • Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is a popular destination for hiking, shopping, and local attractions like the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian cable bridge in the U.S., offering stunning views of the mountains.
  • Website: Gatlinburg

• Stroll Through Franklin’s Historic Downtown

  • The historic town of Franklin, near Nashville, features charming shops, restaurants, and beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings. Don’t miss a visit to the Franklin Civil War Museum for a deep dive into local history.
  • Website: Franklin, TN

7. Relax and Unwind

• Enjoy a Day at a Tennessee Spa
  • Take a break from sightseeing and indulge in a relaxing day at one of Tennessee’s luxury spas, such as the Ritz-Carlton’s Spa in Nashville or the Chattanooga Choo Choo Spa.
  • Website: Ritz-Carlton Nashville, Chattanooga Choo Choo Spa

8. Festivals and Events

• Attend the Tennessee Wine Festival

  • Celebrate Tennessee’s wine culture at the Tennessee Wine Festival in Nashville, which features tastings from local wineries, live entertainment, and food trucks. It’s a fantastic way to explore the region’s growing wine scene.
  • Website: Tennessee Wine Festival

• Check Out the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival

  • If you’re in Tennessee in June, don’t miss the world-famous Bonnaroo Festival in Manchester. It’s one of the largest music festivals in the country, offering a lineup of top-tier musical acts, art installations, and food vendors.
  • Website: Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival

Wines & Wineries in Tennessee-Barn with gas industry memorabilia

Tennessee offers a rich blend of natural beauty, Southern hospitality, cultural heritage, and exciting adventures. Whether you’re hiking through the Smoky Mountains, sipping local wines, or enjoying live country music, there’s something for everyone in this diverse state!

As of December 3, 2024, there are several wine-related events happening in the United States:

1. Ventura Winter Wine Walk & Holiday Street Fair

   • Date: December 7, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
   • Location: Downtown Ventura, California
   • Details: This festive celebration features wine tasting, a holiday street fair, live entertainment, and a Winter Wonderland experience.
   • Website: Ventura Winter Wine Walk

2. Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival

   • Dates: December 12–15, 2024
   • Location: Palm Beach, Florida
   • Details: A four-day festival showcasing renowned chefs and wine industry leaders, offering a variety of culinary and wine experiences.
   • Website: Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival

3. Napa Valley Events

   • Dates: Throughout December 2024
   • Location: Napa Valley, California
   • Details: Napa Valley hosts various wine-related events in December, including the start of Winter in the Wineries, the Reindeer Run, and Calistoga’s Holiday Village.
   • Website: Napa Valley Events

4. Sonoma County Wine Events

   • Dates: Throughout December 2024
   • Location: Sonoma County, California
   • Details: Sonoma County offers wine tasting events during December, including holiday open houses and special wine tastings.
   • Website: Sonoma County Wine Events

Please note that event details are subject to change. It’s advisable to check the official websites for the most current information.

As of December 3, 2024, there are no major wine festivals scheduled in Tennessee for the remainder of the year. However, wine enthusiasts can still enjoy various wine-related events and experiences in the state:

1. Wine Tastings and Tours:

• Arrington Vineyards: Located just outside Nashville, Arrington Vineyards offers wine tastings and tours in a picturesque setting. It’s a great place to sample local wines and enjoy the scenic views.

  • Website: Arrington Vineyards

• Horton Vineyards: Situated in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Horton Vineyards provides a cozy environment for wine tasting and learning about the winemaking process.

  • Website: Horton Vineyards

2. Wine Dinners and Classes:

• Champagne Specialist – Nashville: Scheduled for December 7–8, 2024, this event offers an opportunity to learn about and taste various champagnes.
  • Details: Champagne Specialist – Nashville

3. Holiday Wine Events:

• Wine & Craft Nights at Kinda Collected: Every Thursday in December, Kinda Collected hosts wine and craft nights, offering a series of crafts and 30% off bottles of wine from Poindexter.
  • Details: Kinda Collected Wine & Craft Nights

4. Wine Over Water in Chattanooga:

• Wine Over Water: This event features wine tastings above the Tennessee River, with live music and food pairings. While the 2024 date has passed, it’s an event to consider for future visits.
  • Details: Wine Over Water

For the most current information on wine events in Tennessee, it’s advisable to check local event listings and winery websites, as new events may be announced closer to the date.