Tennessee wineries give you a chance to soak in gorgeous scenery, enjoy a bit of local history, and sample wines you probably won’t find anywhere else.
You can follow wine trails, chat with local growers, and taste everything from sweet muscadine to bold cabernet sauvignon.
Tennessee Wineries Overview
If you visit Tennessee, you’ll notice a few vineyards really shine for their charm and that family-run vibe.
Arrington Vineyards near Nashville offers wide-open views, big picnic lawns, and five tasting rooms where you can just kick back with friends.
Over in East Tennessee, Tennessee Valley Winery has a friendly atmosphere and pours about 20 wine varieties every year.
Smaller, family-friendly places like Holly Ridge Winery invite you in for tours and special events, so you can actually see winemaking up close.
With over 69 wineries and vineyards across the state, you can find both the big names and some real hidden gems.
A lot of vineyards double as working farms, so don’t be surprised if you spot grape harvests or even a few farm animals while you sip.
Wine Tasting Experiences
Wine tasting in Tennessee feels casual, fun, and honestly, pretty hands-on.
Many wineries pour flights so you can compare a few styles side by side.
Some spots charge a small fee, while others throw in the tasting if you buy a bottle.
Places like Arrington Vineyards and some urban wineries in Chattanooga set you up with outdoor patios, live music, and big green lawns—perfect for relaxing with your tasting flight.
Curious about winemaking or local grapes? Most wineries open up their cellars and vineyards for tours.
Special events sometimes let you meet the winemaker, try fresh releases, or even help out with grape picking.
A handful of wineries along popular wine trails also serve hard cider or sparkling wine, so you’ll probably find something you like.
Signature Tennessee Wines
Tennessee’s warm weather works well for certain wines, especially the sweeter ones.
Muscadine wine is a Southern classic, famous for its strong flavor and rich aroma.
You’ll also spot unique blends that mix classic grapes like cabernet franc and chardonnay with native ones, giving Tennessee wines their own twist.
Some wineries focus on fruit wines made from local berries or apples, so you get fresh flavors throughout the year.
On tasting menus, you might see sparkling wine, hard cider, or seasonal blends.
Tennessee winemakers usually work in small batches and use local fruit when they can, so each winery’s list feels a bit personal and rooted in the area.
Popular Grape Varieties
A few grape types really thrive in Tennessee’s climate and soil.
Muscadine is the star here—a thick-skinned grape that makes sweet, juicy wines.
French-American hybrids matter too, like chambourcin, chancellor, and vidal blanc, since they handle the heat and humidity better than European grapes.
If you lean toward drier wines, look for cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, or merlot at some of the bigger vineyards.
Chardonnay and sangiovese can grow in the right spots, turning up in crisp whites and lighter reds.
Every year, farmers and winemakers try out new grape varieties, so who knows—your next favorite might be waiting at a Tennessee vineyard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tennessee’s wineries pop up in scenic hills, busy cities, and tucked-away mountain escapes.
You’ll find tasting rooms, vineyard stays, and local favorites all the way from Nashville to the Smoky Mountains.
What’s the top spot for wine tasting in the Volunteer State?
Arrington Vineyards is a crowd favorite just outside Nashville.
Country music artist Kix Brooks owns it, and you get tastings with gorgeous views of rolling hills.
People love the laid-back vibe, weekend music, and the range of wines.
You can get more details from their frequently asked questions.
Can you crash at a vineyard after sipping some vino in TN?
Some Tennessee wineries team up with local bed-and-breakfasts or have rental cottages nearby, but most don’t have rooms right on the property.
It’s smart to check with the vineyard before you go.
Always plan a safe ride home if you’re sampling wines—no exceptions there.
Which spots around Music City are perfect for wine enthusiasts?
Near Nashville, Arrington Vineyards and Belle Meade Winery are solid picks.
Belle Meade Winery sits on historic mansion grounds, so you can sip wine and get a dose of local history at the same time.
You’ll also find smaller tasting rooms in the city and out in the suburbs.
Gatlinburg’s got wineries, right? Which one should I not miss?
Gatlinburg is famous for its mountain views and sweet wines.
You really shouldn’t skip Tennessee Homemade Wines—they draw people in with fruit wines and genuine southern hospitality.
It’s right on the main strip downtown, so you can easily swing by while exploring.
Looking to explore wine country, does Tennessee fit the bill?
Tennessee’s got several wine trails and is known for muscadine and fruit wines, plus some classic styles.
Many wineries dot the hills around Middle Tennessee or sit in the foothills of the Smokies.
If you like checking out countryside vineyards with friendly tasting rooms, Tennessee is definitely worth a look.
How’s the wine scene in Pigeon Forge? Any favorites?
Pigeon Forge actually has a pretty lively wine scene. Mountain Valley Winery stands out as a go-to spot for both locals and visitors.
People talk about their muscadine and fruit wines—they’ve even won a few awards. You’ll find this winery along the Rocky Top Wine Trail, which connects tasting rooms across Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg.
If you’re curious, it’s worth checking out a few stops on that trail.