Wine adventures abound around Memphis, whether you have one, two or three days to get away. You will encounter delicious wines, beautiful vineyards and lively stories from the people who grow the grapes and are passionate about wine. Your next wine getaway is within reach, with travel times ranging from an hour drive to a 2 hour plane ride.
One Day Adventures
There are two standout vineyards outside of Memphis that are perfect for a day trip. Both utilize grapes that work well in our climate. Some grapes, like Chardonel, Vidal Blanc and Chambourcin, are hybrids, while others are from warmer climates like Italy, Spain and the South of France. Of course, in addition to dry wines, there are sweeter wines made from fruits like Muscadine, apple, strawberry, plum and more.
Century Farm Winery, Jackson, TN (one hour drive)
Named for its designation as a “Tennessee Century Farm”, the vineyard began as a passion project for winemaker Carl O’Cain and his wife Jo and quickly grew to a commercial endeavor. Century Farm Winery is now led by Jo’s son, Bart Horton, and is a great day trip to taste wines that are serious as well as fun.
White Squirrel Winery, Kenton, TN (two hour drive)
Owner Bill Sanderson combined his love of farming and interest in wine by founding White Squirrel Winery. A visit there is not just delicious; speaking to Bill about the vineyard and his love of wine is worth the trip tenfold. You don’t have to worry about driving back. If you have the time, the vineyard has an overnight loft rental.
Two Day Adventures
Prior to prohibition, Missouri was the beating heart of wine country in the United States. It was, and still is, one of the favorite places for the American hybrid grape, Norton, to grow. Winemakers in Missouri use the success of the past to inform their winemaking practices today, making wines that surprise and delight.
St. James Winery, St. James, MO (five hour drive)
The Hofherr family opened this winery with the vision to revive pre-prohibition winemaking. They make small production, dry wines that showcase hybrid wine styles suited to the Missouri terroir like Vignoles, Chardonel, Aromella, Chambourcin, Norton and more. They also offer fruit based wines, slightly sweet sparkling wines and dessert wines. Situated in the Ozarks, this is a great stop for wine and relaxation.
Stone Hill Winery, Hermann, MO (five and half hour drive)
Hermann is important in the world history of wine: winemakers here were responsible for saving European grapes from the Phylloxera epidemic in the mid-1800s. By grafting European vines to Norton rootstock, they protected the vines from the root eating insect. Stone Hill Winery, once the nation’s second largest vineyard, has over 192 acres under production. Their sparkling wines are outstanding, and Norton bottles are exceptional. Buy a bottle made from Norton vines planted during the civil war; your tastebuds will thank you.
Three Day Adventures
If you have more time and would like to explore winemaking areas in the United States that are off the beaten path, here are several tasty options.
Marked Tree Vineyard, Flat Rock, NC; tasting room Asheville, NC (7.5 to 8.5 hour drive)
Located on the Eastern Continental Divide, this Blue Ridge winery makes wines that are fresh and innovative using hybrid and non-hybrid varietals. Standouts are the Grüner Veltliner and, when available, their skin contact wine. The winemakers start their process in the vineyard, ensuring that each varietal grows in its optimal site. The tasting room is a great afternoon stop in Asheville.
Lightwell Survey/Commonwealth Crush, Waynesboro, VA (11 hour drive or short flight to Washington, DC and two and half hour drive)
Lightwell Survey sits in an old textile mill in Waynesboro, VA, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. Grapes are sourced across the Shenandoah Valley; there is no dedicated vineyard. The wine is made at Common Wealth Crush, the custom crush facility co-founded by Lightwell Survey. Their unique wines are blends that include American and European varietals, both white and red, and they are simply delightful.
Slate Theory Winery, Fredericksburg, TX (11 hour drive or short flight to Austin and one hour drive)
Slate Theory is a family project that delivers on taste, style, and fun. The wines are made exclusively with Texas grown fruit, unique in Texas wine country, and are focused on varietals that love heat and arid conditions, such as Rhone blends and Spanish varietals. The wineroom has the vibe of a club with unique cellar tastings available, as well.
Pedernales Cellars, Stonewall, TX (11 hour drive or short flight to Austin and one hour drive)
Focused on varietals that thrive in Texas, Perdenales makes outstanding wine in an Old World style. Their tasting staff is knowledgeable, and the tasting room and surroundings include a stunning vista of Texas wine country.
Enjoy your next wine adventure. For additional details or planning support, connect with @SommethingFun on Instagram.