Slow Down for Fall - and Wine - at Knoxville’s Market Square Farmers Market

KNOXVILLE - “Don’t skip the very best time of year to visit farmers markets,” says Amy Tavalin, farmers markets specialist with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

“From now until the first hard freeze is easily the most abundant season of the year in Tennessee,” says Tavalin. “We have a long growing season, so not only are all of summer’s favorites enjoying a last hurrah, but everything from fresh apples to Indian corn is elbowing into farmers market aisles across the state. Fresh, local produce will be here until sometime in October.”

This Saturday, September 20, Pick Tennessee Products will host a fall produce media day at the Market Square Farmers Market in Knoxville. Participating media can interview farmers and area officials in attendance, get footage and photographs of visitors and receive a “goody bag” including digital images and information about local foods and farms.

Additionally, the Vineyard Association of Tennessee (VAT) in collaboration with Nourish Knoxville is hosting “Tennessee Wine on Market Square,” a tasting event to feature local Tennessee farm wines and wineries that sell wines made from at least 95 percent Tennessee fruit.  From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Market Square stage, patrons can try a variety of wines from a number of East Tennessee wineries, as well as purchase bottles of wine to take home. Grape growers and wineries will have the actual grape varieties to sample along with the wines made from them. Tasting tickets are $10.

September is the peak harvest month for grapes with some harvesting continuing through October.

“Fall has it all,” says Tavalin, “so don’t rush it. Just slow down, have a glass of Tennessee wine and take advantage of all the great things that come from our farms this best time of year.” 

Contact TDA marketing specialist Amy Tavalin at 615-837-5163 or amy.tavalin@tn.gov for more information.

Who: All media are invited. Local officials are also encouraged to attend.

When: Saturday, September 20, 9 a.m. to 2 pm. Media day activities will begin at 9:30 a.m. local time.

Where: Downtown Knoxville between Wall Avenue and Union Street on the square.

Market Contact: Charlotte Tolley, Market Manager

Market Manager Cell: (865) 405-3135

Email: charlottetolley@hotmail.com