Like many states, Tennessee had a significant grape and wine industry in the 19th Century until Prohibition wiped it out. In fact, the US Department of Agriculture recorded 1,128 vineyard acres and 64,769 gallons in 1880, largely due to German immigrants. The modern grape and wine industry began taking shape in the 1970s with creation of the Tennessee Viticulture and Oenology Society, the opening in 1980 of the first winery followed by several in 1982, formation of the Tennessee Farm Winegrowers Association, a Viticulture Advisory Board, and more recently (2019) the Tennessee Wine and Grape Board, which includes a Quality Assurance Program.
With its hot, humid climate, the Volunteer State’s modern wine industry specializes in Native and French-American grape varieties, as well as various other fruits. Most of the wineries are in Eastern or Middle Tennessee, and all or parts of three AVAs are in the state: Mississippi Delta, Appalachian High Country, and Upper Cumberland.
The Apple Barn Winery on Apple Valley Rd. is part of a conglomerate with the Apple Barn Cider House and the Apple Barn Dessert Wine Shoppe—all featuring products made from the family-owned apple orchard. They’re in the Apple Barn Village on the banks of the Little Pigeon River, and part of the Rocky Top Wine Trail.
Mountain Valley Winery in Pigeon Forge, is also on the Rocky Top Wine Trail, one of the state’s oldest wineries, and the proud winner of more than 1,000 medals. They specialize in sweet fruit wines like Watermelon, Rhubarb, and Red Velvet—which tastes like a slice of the famous cake. The pet-friendly winery with outdoor seating and the Grape Escape Lounge also offers VIP Tour Experiences including two wineries, a Cider House, and a Distillery.
Stonehaus Winery celebrated Dry January by offering two dry wines for the price of one, and regularly hosts Tippin Tuesdays, Wine Wednesdays, musical events and other attractions. Located on the Cumberland Plateau and established in 1991, Stonehaus is a collaboration among consulting winemaker Fay Wheeler and the Ramsey family (parents Bob and Belle, and the next generation Rob and Kim (Wheeler)). They offer a wide selection of wines, and have supported more than two dozen local charities, reflecting their philosophy of giving back to the community.
Great Grapes: Marechal Foch
A relatively cold-hardy French-American variety often just called Foch (pronounced Foesh), the small berries in tight clusters are unfortunately attractive to birds, but the grapes that make it into the cellar generally produce a deeply colored yet light red wine or a pleasant dry Rose.