Raise a Glass: Our Favorite Stops for Southern Spirits
Plan your next spirited weekend getaway with our guide to the South's best distilleries, wineries, and craft cocktail lounges. Image: Visit Auburn-Opelika
From the bluegrass of Kentucky to the mountains of Tennessee and the charming streets of Alabama, the South certainly knows how to pour a good drink. Whether you consider yourself a bourbon aficionado, a wine enthusiast, or someone who loves a perfectly crafted cocktail, our region is brimming with reasons to raise a glass. We’ve rounded up a few of our absolute favorite spots to sip Southern spirits and soak up true Southern hospitality.
Heaven Hill Distillery, Kentucky
Kentucky is famous for its legendary horses, but its true Southern spirit comes straight out of a bourbon barrel. No visit to the Bourbon Capital of the World is complete without a trip to Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky.
The Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience offers something for everyone. You don’t need to book a formal tour to soak in the history and heritage of this iconic, family-owned distillery. Simply wander through the Heaven Hill Gallery and enjoy complimentary tastings that highlight their famous legacy.
After exploring, grab a seat at Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen, an on-site restaurant serving up elevated, Southern-inspired dishes paired with a creative cocktail menu that spotlights the Heaven Hill brands. Whether you’re settling in for a nice long lunch or popping in for a handcrafted cocktail, it’s a culinary experience you won’t want to miss.
Before you hit the road, visit the expansive retail shop. This treasure trove for bourbon enthusiasts features an impressive lineup of unique merchandise and bottle offerings. Snag a meaningful gift or bring a little taste of Kentucky back to your own bar cart.
Tennessee Wines
Whiskey might be Tennessee’s most famous spirit, but wine is quietly having a moment. With nearly 100 wineries spanning the region, download the Tennessee Wine Trail passport to make it easy to sip your way through the Volunteer State.
Start your journey in West Tennessee at the picturesque Delta Blues Winery in Lakeland. Relax on the wide, wraparound porch and take advantage of daily tastings, live music, and breathtaking lakeside views as you discover your new favorite pour.
Continue through Middle Tennessee, where Belle Meade Winery offers a chic, historic escape just minutes from Nashville. Enjoy complimentary tastings included with your mansion tour, or elevate the afternoon with seasonal wine and food pairings. Every bottle you purchase supports the historic estate’s preservation and honors the legacy of the enslaved individuals who built it.
Nestled in East Tennessee, Apple Barn Hard Cider offers a cozy getaway for craft beverage lovers. After sampling the complimentary daily tastings, grab a growler of your favorite before strolling over to the neighboring Apple Barn Farmhouse Restaurant for a perfect Smoky Mountain afternoon.
Auburn-Opelika, Alabama
With an irresistible blend of Southern charm and modern energy, the sister cities of Auburn and Opelika offer one unforgettable destination for a spirited weekend getaway.
Start your tasting tour in historic downtown Opelika at John Emerald Distilling Company. This family-owned, small-batch distillery crafts premium spirits rooted in Southern heritage. Founded by father and son John and Jimmy Sharp, it’s best known for John’s Alabama Single Malt Whiskey — the first legally distilled whiskey in the state since Prohibition.
Then keep the vibe (and spirits) flowing at Sneak & Dawdle, a vintage-inspired cocktail bar known for its creative drinks and relaxed atmosphere. The menu is an inventive mix of house originals, timeless classics, and seasonal specials, all made with quality spirits and fresh ingredients. It’s the perfect place to kick back and unwind while enjoying authentic local flavor.
Cap off your evening’s adventures in downtown Auburn at Piccolo 241 Jazz & Cocktails, a sophisticated jazz lounge tucked inside the Hotel at Auburn University. This intimate gem blends smooth live music with an elevated cocktail menu for an immersive experience. The warm, cozy vibe invites you to settle in, savor your sips, and let the sounds of local jazz spirit you away.
Wines and Vines Trail, North Alabama
The Wines and Vines Trail of North Alabama gives you a fresh perspective on “Wine Country,” with self-guided tours of six Appalachian wineries. To make sipping simple, download the digital passport for easy navigation and the chance to earn a free gift.
Begin your adventure at High Country Cellars in Heflin for its signature charred wines. Next, sample sweet Muscadines at Fruithurst Winery Company. Enjoy European-style pours and mountain views at Wills Creek Vineyards in Attalla, or pair your wine slushies with wood-fired pizza at Jules J. Berta Vineyards in Albertville.
After a tasting at Cullman’s Sipsey Vineyard and Winery, explore Mother Nature in nearby Bankhead National Forest. Finally, visit North Alabama’s newest boutique addition, La Famiglia Vineyards and Winery in Toney.
To truly toast to the region’s winemaking heritage, don’t miss the Alabama Wine Festival at stunning Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden on September 18 and 19. Expect incredible local wine, live music, and plenty of Southern hospitality.
Every vineyard hosts wine tastings and offers bottles for purchase, making it easy to keep the wine flowing long after you leave.
Foundry Fieldhouse at Gaylord Opryland Resort, Tennessee
The Gaylord Opryland Resort is a popular destination for both locals and tourists for many reasons — not the least of which is the Foundry Fieldhouse Sports Bar & Taproom. With its bold design, elevated pub menu, and electric atmosphere, it’s the ultimate spot to catch the big game — or catch up with friends over a great drink.
The massive space features 550 indoor seats, an additional 168-seat seasonal outdoor area, a tasting room, a beer garden, and private dining rooms. It’s anchored by a two-story, 38-foot LED screen and 14 large-format TVs, which means you won’t miss a single play.
The real star of this show, however, might just be what’s on tap: a signature Tennessee Lager. Crafted in special collaboration with Tennessee Brew Works, this crisp, refined beer is a delicious nod to local quality and authenticity.
Whether you’re cheering on your team, sampling craft beer, or hosting an event, Foundry Fieldhouse hits it out of the park!
Here’s to your next great Southern getaway!
This article is sponsored by AO Tourism, Tennessee Wines, Heaven Hill Brands, Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, and Gaylord Opryland Resort
Bonny Osterhage
Bonny Osterhage is a professional journalist with more than 25 years of experience in both print and digital media. An avid fitness fanatic, when she isn't exploring the next trending topic, Bonny can be found cycling, running, and leading classes at SolidCore. Find more of her work at Mind Body Green, The List, Business Insider, and more.