Tennessee had a thriving wine industry after the Civil War, but the Prohibition era put an end to it. In the 1970s, the winemaking business started making a comeback in the state, and today, you’ll find plenty of wineries in various sizes scattered across the area. Most of Tennessee’s wineries are located in Middle and East Tennessee. The Knoxville area has many things to do. If you wish to sample some of Tennessee’s best wines and learn more about the fascinating process of winemaking, visit the top-rated wineries around the Knoxville area. Here’s a look at some of them:
Blue Slip Winery
300 West Depot Avenue
Knoxville
Blue Slip Winery is the first winery within Knoxville and Tennessee’s first urban winery. Located at the Historic Southern Railway Station in the downtown area, the winery also features a bistro where customers can wine and dine. Additionally, there’s an events venue where live performances take place, and can rent for weddings and other private functions. Blue Slip Winery makes its wine exclusively from Tennessee-grown fruits.
The Winery at Seven Springs Farm
1474 Highway 61 East
Maynardville
One of the newest wineries in Tennessee, The Winery at Seven Springs Farm boasts state-of-the-art winemaking using grapes grown from their own 6-acre estate vineyard. Their cutting-edge processes ensure sanitation and help lock in the flavor and aroma of the wines. The winery offers several wine tasting options, featuring not only wines but non-alcoholic juices and slushies as well. You can also buy fresh produce from their farm.
Tennessee Valley Winery
15606 Hotchkiss Valley Road E
Loudon
In business for over 30 years now, Tennessee Valley Winery is one of the oldest family-owned wineries in the state. Their wines have been served at the White House and have won numerous awards and accolades. Visitors can sample the winery’s products for free at the facility’s wine tasting room, and get the chance to enjoy the surrounding views of Hotchkiss Valley.
Blue Goose Vineyards
3334 Old Niles Ferry Road
Maryville
With its scenic location in the valley of the Great Smoky Mountains, touring Blue Goose Vineyards is a real treat. The winery uses fruits grown at their very own grape farm, in keeping with the Appalachian farm-to-table philosophy. Visitors can roam the farm and sample the winery’s products in a tasting room located in a rustic barn-shaped building.
Spout Springs Estates Winery and Vineyard
430 Riddle Lane
Blaine
Opened in 2015, Spout Springs Estates Winery and Vineyard is one of the newest and fastest-growing wineries in Tennessee. The owners are planning on growing more grape and fruit vineries in addition to the eight or more than they are currently producing. When you visit the estates, you’ll have the chance to pick grapes, tour the vineyard and winery, and enjoy a wine tasting session. The bucolic, picturesque setting is perfect for a picnic, and people can rent the estates for weddings and other events.
Mountain Valley Winery
2174 Parkway
Pigeon Forge
This scenic facility is one of the largest in Tennessee and is found right at the heart of the Smokey Mountain vacation area. When you visit, you will be treated not only to some of the winery’s award-winning products, but the stunning views as well. Mountain Valley Winery was founded in 1991 and partners with more than 50 local vineyards to create their acclaimed wines. Winery tours are just some of the things you can enjoy in the Knoxville area.
