Distilleries, Wineries and Microbreweries in Tennessee
Many people associate Jack Daniels Distillery, located in Lynchburg, to Tennessee but you may be surprised to learn that Tennessee is also home to some award winning wineries, like Grinders Switch Winery in Centerville and Holly Ridge Winery in Livingston. Tennessee also has some pretty good beers brewed at a variety of microbreweries including Hellas Lager brewed by Calhoun’s Microbrewery in Knoxville.
Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Lynchburg, TN
The oldest registered distillery in the country is tucked away in the southern portion of Middle Tennessee in a small town off the main road. In the quintessentially Southern town of Lynchburg, you’ll find the whiskey distillery that made it famous the world over. This is where Mr Jack first crafted his recipe for Old No. 7, and where every drop of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Sippin’ Whiskey is still made to this day. Why not go on a once in a lifetime, personally guided tour to experience the true ambience and see where this popular Tennessee whiskey is produced and matured in handcrafted white oak barrels.
Distillery tours are available daily from 9:00am through to 16:30 (except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day), and you now have a choice of 5 unique and exclusive tours to choose from. Each tour usually last around an hour and a half, with selective tours offering a memorable Jack Daniel’s tasting experience. These are walking tours which require you to climb and descend stairs throughout the distillery, whilst the majority of the tour takes place outdoors. Although there are no age restrictions to visitors of Jack Daniel’s Distillery, certain tours do require you to be a minimum age of 18 years old, although you will need to be 21yrs+ to enjoy the smooth taste of Jack’s Tennessee Whiskey. No pushchairs are allowed on the tour (due to access restrictions). No pets are allowed on tours or in the Visitors Centre, however service animals are permitted.
The cost for the Jack Daniel’s Distillery tours start at just $15.00 plus tax, per person. The Dry Country Tour also accepts children at a cost of $7.00 plus tax with under 9yrs going FREE. There are a selection of special sampling tours now available at the distillery to people of legal drinking age (21 years old in the US). Everyone taking a tour is required to present an ID showing you are 21 years of age or older. These tasting tours start at $20.00 plus tax, per person.
Tours available (except bank holidays):
Monday–Thursday
10:30, 12:20, 13:30, 14:30
Friday & Saturday
10:30, 12:30, 14.30
Tours are available on a first come, first served basis so please arrive early! Visit www.jackdaniels.com for further information.
George Dickel Tennessee Whisky Distillery, Normandy, TN
Tour the George Dickel distillery in Normandy, Middle Tennessee to discover their award winning whisky and its time honoured traditions. The Dickel Distillery is nestled halfway between Nashville and Chattanooga, close to the Cascade Springs providing fresh, clear running water making it the perfect spot for a distillery. George A. Dickel discovered that whisky made during the winter months was smoother than whisky made in the summer, so George Dickel is the only Tennessee whisky chilled before it goes into the charcoal mellowing vats. And in keeping with the Scotch whisky tradition, George Dickel decided to spell the whisky in George Dickel Tennessee Whisky without an ‘e’ because his whisky was as smooth as Scotch.
Read about the The Jack Trail, also featuring the George Dickel distillery, to learn more about the distilleries and take you on an adventure through Tennessee.
Grinders Switch Winery, Centerville, TN
Grinder's Switch Winery is located just off the scenic Minnie Pearl Memorial Parkway on a picturesque 105-acre estate in Centerville, Middle Tennessee. Make a day of it and take a picnic to this beautiful setting in the peaceful countryside of Hickman County. This winery is home to some of Tennessee's best wines including the Blondy wine, a gold-medal winner and a sweet white wine. Another gold-medal winner is their Chardonnay; an unoaked, clean and crisp white wine that can be sampled in the tasting room. Also available are local arts and crafts making perfect gifts.
The Calhoun Microbrewery, Knoxville, TN
Calhoun’s is famous for its barbecue and other delicious food, but they are also successful at producing handcrafted beers. The Calhoun Microbrewery is located on Bearden Hill, Knoxville in East Tennessee. Using a custom-built, steam-heated microbrewery, a selection of flagship favourite beers brewed are the highly rated Velas Helles, Cherokee Red and Tuckaleechee Porter.
Holly Ridge Winery, Livingston, TN
Holly Ridge Winery & Vineyard in Livingston, Middle Tennessee is a family-owned farm winery specialising in American and French hybrid wine among its 30 wine choices and also offers free wine tasting.
