Vittles & Vines

It’s September and the grapes are ripe. Take a road trip to one of Tennessee’s fifty-two (yep fifty-two!) wineries for a day amongst the vines.

GRINDER’S SWITCH WINERY

About an hour southwest of Nashville in Centerville is Grinder’s Switch Winery, a family-owned winery that was the dream of Joey Chessor. Him and wife, Gail, built the log home that is now the tasting room and bar. It’s situated on seven acres that includes numerous porches and yards that make for great picnics. On your way home drive through Leipers Fork for a homestyle lunch at Country Boy Restaurant or up the road a stretch at Barbara’s for some fried chicken. Not in the mood for a lovely drive to the country? That’s strange, but you can conveniently enjoy the fruits of the Chessor family’s labor at their Marathon Village location. Unique to Grinder’s Switch: Zephyr, a fullbodied blend from a Cabernet Sauvignon and Touriga grape from the family’s estate.

Grinder’s Switch Winery & Vineyards | 931-729-3690 Grinder’s Switch—Marathon Village | 615-679-0646 gswinery.com

NATCHEZ HILLS

Three acres of gorgeous, this boutique family vineyard and winery lies about an hour southwest of Nashville, but also celebrates a nearer-to-town tasting room located at the Fontanel. If enjoying a day trip out to the winery, stop in Downtown Franklin on your way to pick up a to-go picnic lunch at Franklin Mercantile Deli—Mable’s Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich or the Wooley Chicken Wrap make a great portable lunch—or stay awhile and enjoy a hot panini and cup of soup. After getting your fill, head to Natchez Hills to sample a bit, sip on a glass, or enjoy a whole bottle with friends out on the porch. Unique to Natchez Hills: NaughTea, a “tea wine” that captures the delight of Southern Iced Tea.

Natchez Hills Winery & Vineyard | 931-285-2500 natchezhills.com

ARRINGTON VINEYARDS

Built upon what once was a hog farm, this familyfriendly winery 40 minutes outside of Nashville boasts 75 acres with a hilltop picnic area overlooking the vineyard. After your wine tasting or selecting a bottle, settle in to watch the sunset on the lawn or at one of the many tables provided. Bring a picnic basket of your own design, or purchase crackers, meats and cheeses, and chocolates on site. For a truly special picnic with zero packing or shopping required, reserve a gourmet basket for your visit from Simply Living Life. Enjoy live music on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Unique to Arrington Vineyards: Honeysuckle, a sweet white wine with apricot and honeysuckle notes.

Arrington Vineyards | 615-395-0102 arringtonvineyards.com

AMBER FALLS WINERY & CELLARS

Nestled in the rolling hills of Hampshire, Tennessee, 90 minutes outside of Nashville, is Amber Falls Winery, home to many award winning wines. If you take the leisurely drive on the Natchez Trace, stop at the Loveless for some Honey-Fire BBQ Chicken to-go (the special on Saturdays). Or wait until you get to the winery and enjoy the southern food from the Mt Pleasant Grille, served up from a portable grill. Music available from 4-8p.m. on weekends. Unique to Amber Falls: Sweet Dreams, a dessert wine with hints of caramel and roasted pecans.

Amber Falls Winery & Cellars | 931-285-0088 amberfallswinery.com

KEG SPRINGS WINERY

Over a decade of making wines has proved successful for Keg Springs Winery, located in Hampshire, Tennessee. Drive out midday and stop for a classic lunch at Mt. Pleasant Grille in historic Downtown Mount Pleasant that will please adults and kiddos alike (they have a candy and ice cream counter!), or bring a picnic lunch of your own creation. Head to Keg Springs where lush green hills and trees welcome you to the vineyards and tasting room, and enjoy the rest of the afternoon enjoying the scenery and unwinding with family and friends. Unique to Keg Springs Winery: Jaycee’s Cherry, a grape and cherry blended wine.

Keg Springs Winery | 931-285-0589 kegspringswinery.net