Tennessee Wine and Grape Board
The Tennessee Wine and Grape Board was established by legislation and signed into law by Governor Bill Lee in May of 2019. The Board was established to support the growth of the wine industry and was allocated funds that must be used to:
•Increase the number of wineries in the state
•Improve the quality of wine produced by wineries
•Promote with wine industry and viticulture
•Implement and maintain a wholesaler rebate program for Tennessee wineries
The Board is comprised of seven members including representatives from the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Tourist Development as well as five other members appointed by the Governor. The board is attached to the Department of Agriculture for administrative purposes.
Bill Sanderson
White Squirrel Winery, Kenton
Rick Riddle
The Winery at Seven Springs Farm, Maynardville
Kix Brooks
Arrington Vineyards, Arrington
Cary Cox
Tslai Notch Vineyard, Madisonville
Dr. Tony Johnston
Professor, Middle Tennessee State University’s Fermentation Science Program
Melanie Beauchamp
Assistant Commissioner, Department of Tourist Development
Andy Holt
Assistant Commissioner, Department of Agriculture
Tennessee Farm Wine Growers Alliance
Laura Swanson, Executive Director
tennesseewines.com
Middle Tennessee State University
Fermentation Science Program
Dr. Tony Johnston
mtsu.edu/programs/fermentation/
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture
Agricultural and Resource Economics
Dr. David Hughes
ag.tennessee.edu/arec
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture
Plant Sciences
Dr. David Lockwood
plantsciences.tennessee.edu/
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture
Center for Profitable Agriculture
Rob Holland
cpa.tennessee.edu/
A Quick Start Guide for Budding Tennessee Wineries
This guide is meant to help you navigate the many decisions faced and steps taken when starting a winery in Tennessee. This guide is...
- Help discovering what kind of winery you want to be (Section 1)
- A how-to on State laws, licenses, permits, and taxes (Sections 2, 3, 4, 5)
- A roadmap of State and local industry resources that are eager to help(Section 8)
- Helpful tips to guide your business plan including strategy, marketing,and finances (Sections 6 and 7)
William O. Beach Award
The William O. Beach Award is given to the top wine made in Tennessee using 100% Tennessee sourced fruit.
2019
- Beachaven Winery 2015 Judge’s Choice Chambourcin
2018
- Hillside Winery 2017 Muscadine Spumante
Are you interested in submitting your wine for consideration for the William O. Beach Award? Please submit your wine to Wines of the South for consideration.
Tennessee Governor's Cup
The Tennessee Governor’s Cup Trophy recognizes the best Tennessee Appellation Wines from East, Middle and West Tennessee. Only Tennessee Appellation Wines, those wines made from at least 75% Tennessee fruit, are eligible for this recognition.
2019
- East TN – Tennessee Wine Co. 2018 V3
- Middle TN – Beachaven Winery 2015 Judge’s Choice Chambourcin
- West TN – Century Farm Winery 2018 Vintage Muscat
2018
- East TN – Hillside Winery’s 2017 Muscadines Spumante
- Middle TN – DelMonaco Winery’s 2017 Concord
- West TN – Century Farm Winery’s 2017 Traminette
Are you interested in submitting your wine for consideration for the Tennessee Governor’s Cup? Please submit your wine to Wines of the South for consideration.
Tennessee Three-Star Medals
The Tennessee Three-Star Medals recognizes the top Tennessee Appellation Wine in each of the three Grand Divisions of the State: West, Middle, and East. Only Tennessee Appellation Wines, those wines made from at least 75% Tennessee fruit, are eligible for this recognition.
Tom Brown Decanter Award
The Tom Brown Decanter Award: Not a yearly award – only given when the Board of Directors feels it is deserved. The award can be given to any individual whose efforts in supporting/growing the Tennessee wine industry are substantial and far reaching. Awardees are selected by the Board of Directors.
2019 – Dr. David Lockwood
Award Information Courtesy of Tennessee Farm Winegrowers Alliance