Last month a long-time friend hosted a picnic at Arrington Vineyards to introduce her new beau. It never occurred to me a vineyard or winery would be a location for hosting such an event, but now I know. Arrington Vineyards is nestled in the rolling hills between Franklin and Murfreesboro in the community of Arrington. The grounds are lovely, with a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape and rows of arbors. Acoustic music from local musicians enhanced our picnic which we packed and brought ourselves. However the vineyard has made arrangements with Hen Peck Market in Franklin to have picnic hampers available for purchase.
During the late 1800's, vineyards flourished in Tennessee. In the 19th century grapes became one of Tennessee's most important cash crops. However, Prohibition ended this promise in 1919, but within the past few years, grape growing (and wine making) have seen a remarkable recovery.
According to the "Pick Tennessee" website, "the Tennessee Viticultural and Oenological Society (TVOS) was founded in 1973 by seven individuals. From this small beginning, TVOS membership has grown by leaps and bounds to include both amateur and commercial grape growers and winemakers. By 1982, several commercial grower and winery members of TVOS organized the Tennessee Farm Winegrowers Association (TFWA) to encourage and support this new agribusiness development in Tennessee. The two organizations work together to coordinate and advance the efforts of all Tennessee grape interests."
During the past decade, many Tennessee wineries have taken gold, silver and bronze regional and international awards for their fine wines. Tennessee wineries have a wine for every taste and occasion, from sparkling wines to dry or sweet table varieties to dessert wines.
Most Tennessee wineries offer samples and provide tours, however you may want to call in advance to verify and make reservations. Just last month Arrington Vineyards hosted an Etta James concert and tickets were required for admission; tickets that could only be purchased through TicketMaster.
