With the growth of Nashville’s culinary scene, talk of restaurants seems to be on the tip of everyone’s tongues. But it isn’t only the food options that are growing. At breweries, wineries and distilleries, the conversations are all about the alcohol — and okay, sometimes the food. Conversations cover the flavor profiles and the brewing, winemaking and distilling process. You don’t just drink the beverage; you discuss it, question it and learn about it. You taste the bitterness of a pale ale. You understand the sweetness of a Tennessee wine. You appreciate the burn of a local whiskey. You sip your beer, wine or spirit while understanding what defines its character. And you do it with friends, in a lively setting, on a fall day — at least we do, and we think you should, too. If you are looking for something to do on a Saturday (or really any day of the week), visit these nearby breweries, wineries and distilleries for a day of drinking.
There are more than a handful of breweries, distilleries and wineries that happily welcome you to learn more about the process and taste the beverages they are crafting. The list of places to visit is long, so we created a guide for each category that will help you navigate the top spots in Nashville and across Tennessee. Whether you are a beer aficionado or a wine newbie, you will love a visit to these Tennessee breweries, wineries and distilleries.
Nashville Breweries
Nashville has quickly grown into a beer town, and the city’s reputation for good beer is catching on thanks to local breweries that have honed their craft. From 12South to East Nashville and from Downtown to Wedgewood Houston, you can find a brewery in just about any Nashville neighborhood. Find a table in a cozy brewery, or hang out in an outside beer garden to see what the beer buzz is all about. The options for where to go to get good beer are plentiful, and the options of what to drink at each spot are different and delicious. Most breweries offer tours, plus a menu of delicious eats to help soak up the brews. Pick a day, and test out what Nashville’s craft breweries have to offer. It is going to be a hard decision of which to visit first, but we put together a list of 19 spots where you can’t go wrong. See the full list here.
Is there anything better than spending a fall day outside with a cold beer in your hand? Not likely! First stop: The Ranch at Jackalope Brewing
RELATED: 3 New & Delicious Reasons to Revisit Wedgewood Houston
Tennessee Distilleries
Small batch spirits are nothing new to Tennessee. The tradition of distilling has held its place in our state’s economy and culture since the 18th century and continues to flourish today. Of course, Tennessee knows a thing or two about whiskey; a handful of folks are putting their own twist on this well-loved spirit while honoring its traditions. But you might be surprised to know that local distillers go beyond whiskey, with spirits like gin, rum and vodka. A visit to a Tennessee distillery will educate you on the history and process of distilling, plus you get to taste the final product. You’ll find a handful of distillers in Nashville, but it is worth your time to visit those outside the city limits, as well. Start with the list of 12 Tennessee distilleries we think you should check out.
Leiper’s Fork Distillery sits on 27 acres of land in Williamson County. When exploring, be sure to visit the 200-year-old log cabin that houses the retail store and tasting room. Image: Leiper’s Fork Distillery
Tennessee Wineries
Many don’t know that Tennessee is not only home to beer- and whiskey-making, but also to wine-making. While it tends to be on the sweeter side, Tennessee wine pleases palates of all types. Tennessee wine country stretches across the state, with clusters of vineyards in West, East and Middle Tennessee. Grapes are grown on our state’s rolling hills, and master winemakers turn the fruit into something sip-able. Take a trip on one of Tennessee’s wine trails, which will help you navigate the different regions of the state and check a handful of wineries off your list at one time. There are six trails, including the High Country, Great Valley, Upper Cumberland, Natchez Trace, Rocky Top and West Tennessee trails. Along the way, you will discover family-run operations that are eager to introduce you to their products, and while you are enjoying their offerings, you can soak in the beauty of the Tennessee landscape. Start by learning about some of the top wineries in Tennessee, and then begin your wine-tasting journey.
At Grinder’s Switch Winery, you can pair your wine with cheese for a full tasting experience.
RELATED: A Delightful and Uniquely Nashville Tasting Experience
We urge you to drink responsibly and always ride with a sober driver.
*****
Now that you have had an opportunity to sip brews, spirits and wines, fill up at Nashville’s local restaurants. Learn more about the ones we love here.