Finding Wineries in Tennessee
Find grape gratification in the Volunteer State
Tennessee, the Volunteer State, is a Touring Viticulturist's Venture into Wine Delight
Pleasing Palates for All
Holly Ridge Winery’s goal is to produce enough wines to please anyone’s palate. With over 30 labeled wines their claim is seemingly doable.
Growing 14 cultivars the winery has a vast array of wines from French hybrids like Seyval Blanc to the sturdy American Niagara and Concord.
Just as colorful as their wines are the gold, silver and bronze shades on the medal stand. Their Ruby Port, made of a plethora of fruits from Tennessee, received the prestigious W.O. Beach award.
Among the wines offered are classics like Merlot, Syrah and a winner at the Indiana State Fair and Wines of the South – the robust red Chambourcin. Semi sweet white wines include the Riesling and Sonata.
Fruit wines are plentiful. Choose from a large menu with vintages of blackberry and even an orange flavored bottle called, Gator Hater.
In Clarksville, approximately 40 miles north of Nashville, Beachhaven Winery’s output is receiving just as much praise and awards.
During the 2007 South Wine Competition, 10 of their offerings walked away with many accolades. Primary was their gold star vintages of Viognier and Sonata. The robustly named Barrelhouse Red is a combo of red wine mixed with blackberry, black cherry and vanilla oaked flavors.
Southern Standard – Muscadine Wine
Offering free and daily tastings Old Medina Winery can be found in the western region of the state.
Newly relocated, the winery features a wealth of wines of all varieties. Cynthiana Grapes are the basis for their full-bodied Red Garnet with plum and cherry flavoring while the white Niagara grape matches the former in intensity.
In the southeastern US, the muscadine grape thrives where many other grapes do not. Old Medina offers it on their product line.
The sweetness of Muscadine wine can also be found at Long Hollow Winery. Take one Grand Ole Opry Star, Stu Phillips, his wife, several acres of vineyards and a winery is born.
A variety of wines are offered during complimentary tastings here.
Hush is a blush semi-sweet wine, which the Phillips advises is best sipped while nibbling on chocolate. The food and wine theme continues with the inclusion of sweet blackberry wine. Served alone, as a topping or included in baking its lusciousness is appreciated by many.
Smoky Mountains and Grapes
The Smoky Mountains receive rave reviews for scenery and attractions and now for its wine.
In Gatlinburg, the Smoky Mountain Winery is into its third decade of producing wine and acquiring multiple praise and awards.
Over 20 wines are offered during the free tasting.
The neighboring mountains provide inspiration for many of the names of the winery’s outlay.
Mountain Music blends dry Sauvignon Blanc grapes with the oak flavors of American Oak. Mountain Mist is a sparkling mix of white and rose wines. Good during any season is May Wine. A white wine combined with the sweetness of the Woodruff herb and strawberries.
Before venturing off to visit any of the above wineries – it is advisable to call first.
