A Brief History of
Grape Growing and Winemaking in Tennessee

During the late 1800s, vineyards were flourishing in Tennessee, mostly in areas that were believed to be unsuitable for other agricultural uses. At the time, it appeared that grape-growing would become one of Tennessee's most important cash crops. However, Prohibition all but ended this promise in 1919. It is just within the last quarter of this century that grape growing (and winemaking) has seen a remarkable recovery.

In 1973, seven individuals interested in viticulture and oenology gathered around a kitchen table in Clarksville and organized The Tennessee Viticultural and Oenological Society (TVOS.)  From this small beginning, TVOS membership has grown by leaps and bounds and includes both amateur and commercial grape growers and winemakers.

By 1982, several commercial wineries had been licensed across the state and those members of TVOS saw the need to establish an organization for commercial growers and wineries. Soon after, the Tennessee Farm Winegrowers Association (TFWA) was organized to encourage and support this new agri-business in Tennessee.

Now the two organizations work together to coordinate and advance the efforts of all Tennessee grape interests, including promotion, information, and legislation.

In 1985, TVOS and TFWA jointly sponsored a. bill in the state legislature which ultimately created the Viticulture Advisory Board (VAB). Its nine members are appointed by the Governor to advise and report on the potential and proper direction for the growth of the Tennessee grape and wine industry. TVOS and TFWA each have a representative on this important board.