Craft Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries That Put Tennessee on the Map
Nashville, long celebrated for its vibrant music scene, has quietly become a haven for craft brewers as well. Just a short drive east of downtown, at the neighborhood of East Nashville, you’ll find Bearded Iris Brewing. Known for its hop-forward IPAs and experimental small-batch releases, this brewery has drawn beer lovers from across the country. Visitors can stroll through the airy taproom, soak in the industrial-chic vibe, and sample a rotating selection of brews that showcase Tennessee’s evolving palate. The best time to visit is on a sunny weekend afternoon when the outdoor patio buzzes with locals enjoying live music and food trucks, making it a true community hub.
Heading about 30 miles south from Nashville toward Franklin, Arrington Vineyards offers a completely different taste experience. Set on gently rolling hills, this winery is nestled amid the scenic countryside of Williamson County. Visitors can wander the easy walking trails that meander through rows of grapes, or simply relax on the expansive deck overlooking the vineyard. What sets Arrington apart is its founder’s claim to fame—Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn—whose passion for wine and music infuses the site with a uniquely welcoming Southern charm. Visiting in late spring or early fall is ideal, when the vines are lush or heavy with ripening fruit, adding a picturesque backdrop to wine tastings.
Further east, near Knoxville, the craft distilling scene is on full display at the Tennessee Distilling Company, located about 10 minutes from downtown in the historic Old City district. This distillery brings a modern approach to tradition by producing small-batch spirits such as rye whiskey and moonshine with a distinctive Knoxville flair. Guests can take guided tours through the copper stills, witness the aging barrels, and learn about the revival of Tennessee’s once-thriving distilling heritage. The rustic tasting room feels rooted in the city’s industrial past, making it an engaging stop for history buffs and spirit enthusiasts alike. Cooler months offer cozy indoor tastings, while warmer seasons invite visitors to sip on cocktails in the outdoor courtyard.
Traveling west from Nashville toward the quaint town of Leiper’s Fork, about 40 minutes away, you’ll find the charming Village Winery. This small, family-owned winery sits in a restored barn surrounded by pastoral farmland and rolling hills, epitomizing rural Tennessee at its finest. The winery focuses on handcrafted wines that pair beautifully with Southern cuisine, and tasting flights here are often accompanied by stories of the land and vines. Guests enjoy the laid-back, intimate atmosphere, with picnic areas perfect for a lazy afternoon. Visiting in the fall brings a harvest-time feel, complete with vibrant foliage and the gentle hum of local festivals.
On the other side of the state, Memphis boasts the High Cotton Brewing Company, situated just minutes from Beale Street in the city’s downtown core. This brewery captures the spirit of Memphis’s rich musical heritage, infusing its beers with playful names and flavors that nod to blues and soul legends. The taproom offers a lively environment where visitors can sample robust stouts and crisp lagers while enjoying views of the Mississippi River. What makes High Cotton stand out is its commitment to community and creative collaborations with local artists, keeping the vibe fresh and rooted in Memphis culture. Evenings are especially lively, with weekend DJ sets and food partnerships that elevate the tasting experience.
In the Southeast near Chattanooga, the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery, located within a 15-minute drive of downtown, plays a pivotal role in resurrecting the city’s historical whiskey production. Guests enter a sleek, modern space that contrasts with the area’s rustic past, where they can witness the distillation process from grain to bottle. The distillery offers a behind-the-scenes look at innovative techniques alongside traditional craft, and tastings reveal complex bourbons and ryes unique to the region. The nearby Tennessee River and Lookout Mountain set the scene, making this a perfect stop on a sunny afternoon, especially during cooler months when a warming whiskey sampler feels just right.
Finally, tucked away in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg, the Sugarland Cellars Winery offers visitors a chance to experience Tennessee’s wine country with mountain views. About an hour from Knoxville, this winery specializes in fruit-forward wines crafted from native and hybrid grapes suited to the Appalachian climate. The tasting room boasts panoramic windows framing the lush Smokies, giving a sense of place that blends nature’s beauty with the art of winemaking. Hiking the nearby Sugarland Mountain Trail before or after a tasting adds an invigorating touch, especially in autumn when the forest bursts into fiery color, turning the whole experience into a sensory celebration of Tennessee’s diverse landscape.
Each of these destinations offers a window into Tennessee’s rich and varied approach to craft beverages—whether through the hop-heavy IPAs of Nashville’s breweries, the storied whiskeys of Chattanooga, or the scenic vineyards scattered across the state’s rolling terrain. Together, they weave a flavorful narrative that invites visitors to sip, savor, and explore Tennessee’s spirited heritage.