Exploring Local – The Hidden Gems of Tennessee Wine and Spirits
When people think about the global wine and spirits map, locations like the valleys of California, the hills of Scotland, or the fields of Mexico usually come to mind first. However, right here in our own backyard, Tennessee has quietly grown into one of the most vibrant, respected, and exciting craft beverage regions in the entire United States. From our legendary whiskey traditions to a rapidly expanding craft wine scene, local producers are turning heads on an international scale.
July is the perfect month to celebrate local craftsmanship. Whether you are welcoming out-of-town guests for a summer visit or looking to expand your own palate, drinking local is an incredibly rewarding experience. At Wine & Spirits Cellar in Maryville, we are immensely proud to showcase the incredible work of our state’s finest artisans. Let us look at what makes Tennessee beverages so special.
The Pride of the State: The Lincoln County Process
You cannot talk about Tennessee spirits without highlighting our unique whiskey heritage. While many people mistake Tennessee whiskey for standard bourbon, our state’s spirit undergoes a strict, legally mandated production step that sets it apart: the Lincoln County Process.
Before the freshly distilled spirit is placed into charred oak barrels for aging, it is slowly filtered through a thick, dense bed of sugar maple charcoal. This filtering process takes days to complete. As the liquid seeps through the charcoal, harsh oils and impurities are completely stripped away, leaving an incredibly smooth, mellow spirit with a distinct hint of sweet wood smoke. From historic, globally recognized names to exciting new small-batch craft distilleries, Tennessee whiskey offers unparalleled depth and smoothness.
Beyond Whiskey: The Rise of Tennessee Craft Spirits
While whiskey will always wear the crown, local distilleries have massively diversified over the last decade. Today, Tennessee artisans are producing world-class gins infused with native Southern botanicals, incredibly clean vodkas filtered through local limestone water, and even aged rums that rival traditional Caribbean expressions. Choosing a local spirit means supporting a community business while enjoying a unique, terroir-driven flavor profile that you simply cannot find anywhere else in the world.
The Evolving World of Tennessee Wine
If you haven’t explored Tennessee wine recently, you are missing out on a fantastic culinary revolution. Local winemakers have mastered working with native and hybrid grape varieties that thrive in our specific climate and soil, such as Muscadine, Chambourcin, and Traminette.
These grapes produce wines that are distinctly aromatic, crisp, and food-friendly. Whether you prefer a deeply sweet, nostalgic Southern fruit wine or a dry, sophisticated, European-style red blend, Tennessee vineyards are proving that great wine can flourish right here in the Volunteer State.
Shop Local at Wine & Spirits Cellar
There is something incredibly special about sharing a bottle of wine or a bottle of whiskey that was grown, distilled, and bottled right here in Tennessee. It connects us to our land, supports our local agricultural families, and tastes fantastic.
The next time you visit Wine & Spirits Cellar in Maryville, take a moment to explore our dedicated local sections. Our passionate staff is incredibly knowledgeable about our home-state producers and will gladly help you find a fantastic local bottle to add to your collection. Stop by today and discover the incredible flavors of Tennessee!