Wine Tasting in Nashville: 9 Places You Have to Try

Published by: BouncePosted
Wine tasting in Nashville

Nashville might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of wine tastings. After all, this is the home of country music, famous for lyrics that will have you dropping a tear in your beer. And if beer isn't your thing, Tennessee is better known for its whiskey than for its wine.

But the truth is, the capital of Tennessee isn't as one-dimensional as all that. Yes, Music City is full of great places to drink beer and whiskey. But increasingly, downtown Nashville is home to some interesting wine bars.

Plus, Tennessee's warm climate makes it a great place for wine production. The wine country around Nashville doesn't get the attention of California or Oregon, but this industry is going from strength to strength. As a result, wine tours are becoming an increasingly popular way to spend some time in Nashville.

Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Nashville and get ready to be surprised by all there is to do for wine lovers. Check out these local businesses where you can drink wine, and don't forget to try out some of the best things to do at night in Nashville as the perfect complement to these wine tastings.

White wine in Nashville

City Winery

Downtown Nashville might seem like a strange place for a winery, but that's exactly what you'll find at the aptly named City Winery. This is no gimmick but a fully functioning winery that produces its own range from locally grown grapes. You can indulge in wine tastings here to sample the wines they make, but you can also kick things up a notch by designing your own custom wine label or even creating a private barrel.

As if that wasn't enough, this winery also offers regular events such as free wine tastings, high-end dining, and, perhaps unsurprisingly in Music City, lots of live music - and it isn't always country music either, though you shouldn't be surprised if it is. Take a tour of this innovative urban winery, then enjoy lunch or dinner with a bottle or more of great wine, and you'll see just how this company is single-handedly changing the wine scene in downtown Nashville.

Location:

609 Lafayette St, Nashville, TN

Arrington Vineyards

Just a short drive outside Nashville, you'll find Arrington Vineyards set among the picturesque Tennessee hills. This is one of the most popular wine country destinations near Music City, and it's not hard to see why.

As well as offering stunning views, the vineyards here produce some of the finest wines in the state. The tasting room is open every day, and there's no need to book in advance - though if you're coming with a group, it's worth letting them know so they can accommodate you.

Arrington Vineyards also hosts many special events throughout the year, from live music on warm summer evenings to hayrides and bonfires in winter. If you're looking for things to do near Nashville that combine great wine with a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful scenery, this is the place for you.

Location:

6211 Patton Rd, Arrington, TN

Grinder's Switch Winery

If you're looking for a more intimate wine tasting experience, Grinder's Switch Winery is well worth a visit. This family-run business is located in nearby Centerville, and they offer tours and tastings by appointment only.

That might sound like a hassle, but it's actually very easy to arrange a visit - just give them a call or drop them an email, and they'll be happy to accommodate you. And believe us, it's worth making the effort to see this historic winery.

The relaxed and friendly atmosphere makes this one of the best places for wine tasting near Nashville, and you're sure to enjoy trying out their excellent wines. Drink wine in the rustic log cabin that was the original home to the people that run this family-owned winery, and you'll get a great insight into Tennessee history as well as the growing wine scene.

If you can't arrange round-trip transportation to Centerville, Grinder's Switch also operate a tasting room at Marathon Village in Nashville. Like at the winery itself, you'll need to book in advance, but it's worth the effort. You can make a reservation for a charcuterie box to complete the excellent wine, making this a great option for bachelorette parties or other special events. But if you can get out to the winery itself, it's definitely worth doing. Sipping a glass of locally produced wine around the farm's rustic fire pit is a Nashville wine experience not to be missed.

Location:

Vineyard - 2119 Hwy 50 W Loop, Centerville, TN, Tasting Room - 1310 Clinton St #125, Nashville, TN

Wine bars in Nashville

Belle Meade Winery

For another unique Nashville wine experience, check out this winery that will also give you a glimpse into Tennessee history. The Belle Meade Plantation is one of Nashville's most visited historic sites and is a great place to explore either by yourself or on a guided walking tour. The beautiful grounds are a popular venue for weddings and other events, but that beauty is juxtaposed with the cruel history of slavery that the plantation represents. The tours at Belle Meade don't shy away from this historic reality, and you'll learn what life was like for southern slaves and the wealthy landowners who controlled them.

Once you're done learning about the history of the site, there's more to discover. The Belle Meade Winery is located on the grounds of the historic site, and it's the perfect place to lift your spirits. Priding itself on southern hospitality, this winery offers hearty southern favorites like meat and three to go with the excellent wine they produce, and you can tour the winemaking facility as well as the plantation itself. While reservations are a good idea for some of the experiences on offer, no reservation is required to take part in a free wine tasting. This winery is also pet and family-friendly, with an ice cream parlor, picnic areas, and family adventure tours to keep the kids occupied while you enjoy a few glasses from one of Nashville's top wineries.

Location:

5025 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN

Amber Falls Winery & Cellars

Just a short drive from Nashville, in beautiful Grundy County, you'll find Amber Falls Winery & Cellars. This is one of the best places to go wine tasting near Nashville if you're looking for a more rural setting, as it's nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The scenery is simply stunning, and it's the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the natural beauty of Tennessee.

The winery offers free tastings daily, so you can try out their excellent wines without commitment. And with a range of white, red, and sparkling wines on offer, there really is something for everyone. If you find a wine you like, you can buy it by the glass or by the bottle to take home with you. Or, if you're feeling indulgent, you can even buy a bottle of wine to have shipped home.

Amber Falls also has a great selection of food to accompany their wines, so you can make a day of it and enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner while sipping on some of the best Tennessee wines around. With an on-site cheese shop and bakery, as well as a range of meats, breads, and other snacks, you'll be spoilt for choice. And if you want to stay awhile, they even offer overnight lodging in their beautiful bed and breakfast.

Location:

794 Ridgetop Rd, Hampshire, TN

Pickers Creek Winery

If you're looking for a real Nashville wine experience, then head to Pickers Creek Winery. This family-run business is located just outside of downtown Nashville, and it's the perfect place to enjoy some peace and quiet while still being close to all the action. With a range of red, white, and sparkling wines on offer, as well as a selection of local craft beers, there's something for everyone at this cozy little winery.

Pickers Creek also offers a range of food options to accompany your drinks, including cheese plates, charcuterie boards, flatbreads, and salads. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even try their wine slushies. These are available in a range of flavors, and they're the perfect way to beat the heat on a hot Nashville day.

Tours of the winery are available, but if you just want to relax and enjoy the atmosphere, that's perfectly fine too. With live music on offer most days, as well as lawn games and welcoming staff, Pickers Creek is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy some of Nashville's best wines.

Location:

1986 New Columbia Hwy, Lewisburg, TN

Sparkling wine in Nashville

Nashville Wine Tours

Figuring out round-trip transportation to explore Nashville's wine country can be a bit of a headache. So it might be easier to book a wine tour from Nashville that will provide premium transportation and take you around the top vineyards and wineries in the region.

Barrels of Fun

Barrels of Fun offers both winery and distillery tours that will take you through Nashville and the surrounding countryside to explore all facets of wine and spirit production. These tours are great for curious minds that want to learn about the entire process, from grape to glass. The company also offers private tours for groups of up to 12 people, which is a great option for corporate events or special occasions.

Nashville Wine and Design

Nashville Wine and Design is another excellent choice for wine lovers looking to explore Nashville's wine country. These tours take you to three different wineries in one day, with plenty of time for tasting and relaxing at each stop. You'll also get a crash course in wine appreciation, learning about body, tannins, and acidity as you taste your way through some of the best wines that Tennessee has to offer.

Legendary Tours

For something a little different, Legendary Tours offers fully customized tours of Tennessee wine country from Nashville. Explore the Natchez Trace Wine Trail, and learn how to appreciate wine at some of the state's best wineries. This company also offers distillery tours and tours of downtown Nashville, so they are a kind of one-stop shop for things to do in the city.

Location:

Various; consult the individual companies for pickup points.

Nashville Wine and Food Festival

If you're lucky enough to be in Nashville in April, you owe it to yourself to check out this extensive festival. This is one of the city's biggest wine events, showcasing the best that Tennessee has to offer.

With over 200 different wines on offer, as well as a range of food trucks and vendors, there's something for everyone at this massive event at the Omni Hotel in downtown Nashville. And if you're not a fan of wine, don't worry – plenty of craft beers and spirits are on offer as well.

Location:

250 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN in 2022. May vary from year to year.

Blended Festival

There's no escaping music in Nashville. This September festival blends wine and music so you can enjoy the best of both and is held at the Bicentennial Capital State Park.

With over 50 different wines to taste, as well as live music from some of Nashville's best up-and-coming bands, this is a great event for any wine lover. And if you get hungry, there are also food trucks on hand to keep you fueled for a day of drinking and dancing.

Location:

600 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN in 2022. May vary from year to year.

Nightlife in Nashville, TN

Conclusion

Country music. Hot chicken. Bourbon whiskey. Nashville is known for many things, but wine isn't ordinarily one of them.

However, wine is more popular than ever, and businesses in Nashville know a good thing when they see it. Plus, the state's climate means that wine production is relatively easy, so wineries are springing up almost daily around Nashville. If you want to be on the cusp of the next big US wine-producing region, this is your chance to say you were aware of the Nashville wine scene before anyone else.

Of course, there are lots of things to do in the city besides wine. Check out our guide on how to spend three days in Nashville for some inspiration on fun activities to do when you're not drinking wine. And don't forget to leave your bags behind at a Nashville luggage storage so you can explore more easily.

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