A Local's Guide to Tennessee Wine Country

Most people don't think of Tennessee as wine country first — bourbon and hot chicken tend to win that association. But the state has a genuinely growing wine industry, with 55 operating wineries concentrated mostly in Middle and East Tennessee, and its newest federally recognized wine region only became official in 2024.

That timing matters for anyone living between, or choosing between, Nashville and Knoxville. A new American Viticultural Area (AVA) sitting roughly between the two metro areas has put a fresh spotlight on the corridor connecting them, and it's changed how some buyers think about weekend trips, second homes, and land with vineyard potential.

This guide walks through where Tennessee's wine country actually is, what's worth visiting, and why it's become part of the lifestyle conversation for luxury buyers in both markets.

Key Takeaways

• Tennessee has three federally recognized AVAs, the newest established in 2024 in the Upper Cumberland region between Nashville and Knoxville.
• Arrington Vineyards, 25 miles south of Nashville, remains the most established and accessible wine destination for Middle Tennessee buyers.
• East Tennessee's mountain vineyards sit at high elevation near the North Carolina and Virginia borders, suited to cooler-climate grapes.
• Proximity to wine country has become a genuine lifestyle draw for some luxury buyers, similar to lake access or acreage.

Tennessee's Wine Industry, Briefly

Tennessee had a thriving 19th-century wine industry that Prohibition effectively wiped out starting in 1919. The modern version has been rebuilding steadily since, and the state now has three AVAs: the small Mississippi Delta AVA in the southwest corner (designated 1984), the mountainous Appalachian High Country AVA in the northeast (2016), and the newest Upper Cumberland AVA in Middle Tennessee (2024).

Tennessee's humid climate favors French hybrid and native grape varieties over the classic European vinifera grapes grown in drier wine regions. Producers here grow around 32 varieties, including Chambourcin, Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Muscadine.

Nashville's Backyard: Arrington Vineyards

Arrington Vineyards, about 25 miles south of Nashville in Williamson County, is the most established wine destination for Middle Tennessee. Co-owned by country music artist Kix Brooks, the 95-acre property has 16 acres under vine and produces 22 wines on-site, poured across five tasting rooms.

It's built for a full afternoon rather than a quick stop: live music on weekends from April through November, Food Truck Fridays from May through October, and shaded picnic areas throughout the property. For Nashville-area buyers, it's the closest true wine-country experience to the city.

The Upper Cumberland AVA: Tennessee's Newest Wine Region

The Upper Cumberland AVA, recognized in 2024 as Tennessee's third federally designated wine appellation, spans all or part of eight counties — Cumberland, Fentress, Macon, Putnam, Overton, Smith, Warren, and White — encircling Cookeville and McMinnville east of Nashville. It covers roughly 2.18 million acres and includes nine operating wineries, among them Highland Manor in Jamestown, Chestnut Hill in Crossville, and Cellar 53 in Brush Creek.

Its location matters as much as its wine: the Upper Cumberland sits roughly along the corridor between Nashville and Knoxville, making it a realistic weekend destination — or a serious look for land — for luxury buyers in either city.

East Tennessee's Mountain Vineyards

Further east, the Appalachian High Country AVA reaches into Tennessee's Carter and Johnson counties near the North Carolina and Virginia borders, part of a larger appellation established in 2016. Vineyards here sit at real elevation — mostly between roughly 2,290 and 4,630 feet — with a cooler average climate that suits cold-hardy varietals like Marquette, Vidal Blanc, and Frontenac.

It's a longer drive from Knoxville than the Upper Cumberland is from Nashville, but the mountain scenery makes it a worthwhile day trip for East Tennessee buyers who want a taste of high-elevation wine country.

Does Tennessee Have a Wine Country?

Yes. Tennessee has three federally recognized AVAs — Mississippi Delta, Appalachian High Country, and the newly designated Upper Cumberland — along with roughly 55 operating wineries concentrated mostly in Middle and East Tennessee.

What's the Closest Winery to Nashville?

Arrington Vineyards, located about 25 miles south of Nashville in Williamson County, is the area's most established and accessible winery, offering tastings, live music, and food trucks on a 95-acre property co-owned by musician Kix Brooks.

FAQ

How many wineries does Tennessee have? Tennessee currently has 55 operating wineries, concentrated mostly in Middle and East Tennessee, according to state wine industry data.

Is there a wine region between Nashville and Knoxville? Yes — the Upper Cumberland AVA, recognized in 2024, sits roughly along that corridor and encircles Cookeville and McMinnville, making it a convenient stop or destination for buyers in either metro area.

What grapes grow well in Tennessee's climate? Tennessee's humid climate favors French hybrid and native varieties over classic European vinifera grapes. Chambourcin, Muscadine, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Cabernet Franc are among the most common.

Is wine country a good weekend trip from Knoxville? The Appalachian High Country AVA, with vineyards at elevations up to roughly 4,630 feet near the North Carolina and Virginia borders, makes for a scenic day trip from Knoxville, though it's a longer drive than Nashville's options to the Upper Cumberland.

Why work with a specialist familiar with Tennessee's wine country areas? Land near these regions can carry agricultural designations, easements, or zoning that affect what you can build or do with a property. A specialist who knows the area can help you understand those details before you buy.

Practical Next Steps

• If you're curious about the lifestyle: Plan a visit to Arrington Vineyards or the Upper Cumberland AVA before deciding how much proximity to wine country actually matters to you.
• If you're considering land near wine country: Ask about agricultural zoning, any conservation easements, and current land use before assuming vineyard potential.
• If you split time between Nashville and Knoxville: The Upper Cumberland corridor is worth a look as a middle-ground second-home location.
• If you already own property near one of these AVAs: Confirm whether it falls within the designated boundaries, since that can factor into how the land is marketed.

The Bottom Line

Tennessee's wine country isn't one place — it's three distinct regions, each with a different relationship to Nashville and Knoxville. Whether it's a short drive to Arrington Vineyards, a weekend exploring the new Upper Cumberland AVA, or a mountain day trip to East Tennessee's high-elevation vineyards, it's become a real part of how buyers think about lifestyle and land in this state.

If wine country access — or land with real agricultural or lifestyle potential — is part of what you're looking for, Morrell Property Collective can help you think through the options in both Middle and East Tennessee. Call us at (615) 593-3103 to talk it through.