When most people think of wine country, their minds go straight to California.
But tucked away in the hills of Tennessee, there’s a wine region that’s making serious waves and hardly anyone knows about it yet.
It’s got rolling plateaus, family-owned vineyards, and a growing list of award-winning bottles that are turning heads in the wine world.
Even better? You won’t find massive crowds, sky-high tasting fees, or tour buses clogging up the view.
Instead, you’ll get small-town charm, down-to-earth winemakers, and a chance to sip your way through a region that feels like it’s on the verge of being “discovered.”
Think Napa-level quality with a Tennessee twist, and you’ve got yourself a destination that’s about to become your new favorite wine getaway.
About Upper Cumberland AVA
The Upper Cumberland AVA sits in Middle Tennessee, stretching across parts of the Cumberland Plateau and Eastern Highland Rim, with limestone-rich soils.
Located between Nashville and Knoxville, this wine region covers portions of eight counties in Middle Tennessee, making it a significant American Viticultural Area in the Southeast.
It officially earned its AVA status in 2024, giving national recognition to an area that locals have been quietly enjoying for years.
The landscape here includes 55 commercial vineyards and 9 wineries, where grape varieties such as vinifera, muscadine, and hybrids thrive thanks to the plateau’s high elevation and cooler nights.
The Upper Cumberland AVA is a newly recognized wine region, now carving out its place on the U.S. wine map.
Why You Should Visit Upper Cumberland AVA
If you think Tennessee is all whiskey and country music, the Upper Cumberland AVA is here to change your mind.
This wine region is packed with reasons to visit, and it’s not just about what’s in your glass.
First off, the scenery is straight-up stunning.
We’re talking rolling plateaus, lush farmland, and dramatic cliffs that make every drive feel like a scenic road trip.
The AVA sits on the Cumberland Plateau, which is loaded with natural wonders like waterfalls, caves, and hiking trails.
Cummins Falls State Park has a 75-foot waterfall you can swim under, Burgess Falls drops a whopping 136 feet, and Fall Creek Falls State Park has the tallest single-drop waterfall in the eastern U.S. at 256 feet.
So yes, you can sip wine one moment and be standing under a massive waterfall the next.
Another reason? The wine scene here feels refreshingly authentic.
Instead of mega-tour buses and commercial crowds, you’ll find family-run vineyards where the winemakers themselves often pour your tasting.
It’s laid-back, welcoming, and ideal for travelers who enjoy discovering lesser-known spots.
Food is another big win.
The Upper Cumberland is known for its farm-fresh produce, with local markets and farms offering cheeses, grass-fed meats, and seasonal veggies that complement the region’s wines.
Plus, small towns like Cookeville and Sparta are dotted with diners, barbecue joints, and bakeries that make exploring between tastings a whole lot tastier.
History buffs will also have plenty to geek out on.
The area is full of historic towns, notable sites, and Civil War history, adding some extra depth to your trip.
And let’s not forget the location.
The AVA is located right in the middle of Tennessee, making it an easy weekend trip from Nashville, Knoxville, or even Chattanooga.
It’s the kind of place where you get a solid mix of outdoor adventure, small-town charm, and seriously good wine all in one go.
Bottom line? If you’re looking for a wine region that has scenic beauty, friendly vibes, and standout bottles without the Napa-level price tag or crowds, the Upper Cumberland should be at the top of your list.
The Rise Of Upper Cumberland’s Wine Scene
Tennessee might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of wine, but the Upper Cumberland AVA has been quietly building its reputation for decades.
The region’s winemaking roots trace back to 1980, when Highland Manor Winery—the Upper Cumberland’s first modern winery—opened.
It led the way with French-American hybrid and native grape varieties suited to the plateau’s hot summers and cooler nights.
Back then, the Tennessee wine industry was tiny, and the focus was more on local sales than national recognition.
Fast forward to the 2000s, and things really started picking up.
Tennessee’s wine industry grew steadily during this time, with more vineyards and wineries established across the state, including in the Upper Cumberland.
Wineries in towns like Baxter, Sparta, and Cookeville have helped showcase the Upper Cumberland’s winemaking potential, with places like DelMonaco Winery & Vineyards in Baxter gaining recognition and drawing wine lovers from beyond Tennessee.
The real turning point came in 2024, when the Upper Cumberland officially became a federally recognized American Viticultural Area.
That designation finally gave the region legitimacy on the national stage, highlighting the plateau’s unique terroir of limestone soils, high elevations, and wide temperature swings.
It also positioned the area for more winery investment and tourism growth, with the new AVA status expected to draw greater attention to Tennessee wines.
Today, the Upper Cumberland is home to 9 wineries and 55 vineyards across 71 acres of vines within the AVA.
More vineyards are planting grape varieties suited to Tennessee’s climate, such as Chambourcin, Vidal Blanc, and Cabernet Franc.
Best Wineries In Upper Cumberland AVA
Meet the four must-visit wineries of the Upper Cumberland AVA with each bringing something special to the table.
Chestnut Hill Winery
Address: 78 Chestnut Hill Rd, Crossville, TN 38555, United States
Chestnut Hill Winery sits right off I-40 in Crossville, making it one of the easiest stops in the Upper Cumberland.
Inside, you’ll find a massive tasting room with a wide selection of wines, from dry reds to sweet fruit wines.
They’re especially known for their gold medal winning and best selling Blackberry wine, which pairs perfectly with the laid-back, welcoming vibe of the place.
DelMonaco Winery & Vineyards
Address: 600 Lance Dr, Baxter, TN 38544, United States
DelMonaco Winery & Vineyards in Baxter feels like you’ve stepped onto an Italian estate, with its grand brick building and rows of grapevines stretching across the hills.
This winery focuses on European-style wines, with standouts like their Chardonnay and Riesling.
It’s also a popular spot for weddings and events, so don’t be surprised if you catch a bride and groom wandering the vineyard while you sip.
Highland Manor Winery
Address: 2965 S York Hwy, Jamestown, TN 38556, United States
Highland Manor Winery in Jamestown has bragging rights as Tennessee’s oldest licensed winery.
The rustic building, with its countryside-inspired design, gives visitors the feeling of stepping into a vineyard retreat far from the city.
They have a huge range of wines from Cabernet Sauvignon to Merlot, but their White Muscadine is a best seller.
Stonehaus Winery
Address: 2444 Genesis Rd #103, Crossville, TN 38571, United States
Stonehaus Winery in Crossville is one of the region’s most visited wineries, with a cozy tasting room that doubles as a country store.
They’re best known for their sweet wines, especially the Blackberry Summer and Red Muscadine, which are crowd-pleasers for first-time tasters.
You’ll also find a shop filled with local cheeses and homemade fudge, making it the perfect spot to stock up for a picnic after your tasting.
Grape Varieties & Flavors
The Upper Cumberland AVA is all about grapes that thrive in Tennessee’s unique mix of hot days, cool nights, and limestone soils.
You’ll find French-American hybrid varieties, which produce smooth reds and crisp whites with plenty of character.
Muscadine grapes are a big deal here too, known for their bold, sweet flavors that have become a Southern classic.
Vinifera varieties are being planted in the region, adding to the growing lineup of dry reds with earthy, peppery notes.
When To Visit Upper Cumberland AVA
Spring in the Upper Cumberland AVA is all about wildflowers, mild temps, and vineyards waking up for the season.
It’s the perfect time for hiking to waterfalls like Burgess Falls or Cummins Falls before sipping something crisp and refreshing.
Summer brings longer days and plenty of green across the plateau.
This is prime time for outdoor activities and patio tastings, though you’ll want to plan for warm afternoons and cooler evenings.
Fall is hands-down the most popular season, thanks to winery events and those gorgeous Tennessee colors splashed across the hills.
Winter is the quiet season, but that’s part of the charm.
Crowds thin out, tasting rooms feel extra cozy, and you can snag some great holiday wines (Stonehaus’s spiced wines are a local favorite).
So whether you’re chasing waterfalls in spring, festival fun in summer, vineyard colors in fall, or a peaceful winter getaway, the Upper Cumberland AVA delivers something special year-round.
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