Licensing & Permitting
Tennessee Farm Winery License
A Farm Winery permit allows a farm to transport produce grown on their farm to a TABC licensed winery for the manufacture, bottling and labeling of unfortified wine from that produce. The bottled wine will then be returned to the farm, where it can be sold in sealed containers. The farm winery can also offer single servings of its wine for complimentary tasting. A farm winery can also offer single servings of its wine with or without charge as tastings and can sell their wine by the drink or by the bottle for consumption on premise.
Tennessee Direct Shippers License
A Direct Shipper license allows any person, firm or corporation who holds a federal basic permit to manufacture, bottle or rectify wine, to ship that wine by common carrier to its consumers in the State of Tennessee who are over the age of twenty-one (21) and have purchased the wine directly from the direct shipper.
Tennessee Winery License
A winery license allows a facility to manufacture, bottle and sell alcoholic vinous beverages. A winery can also offer complimentary tastings of its wine at the winery, and may sell at retail in sealed containers, but not for consumption on the premises.
Federal Wine Permit
Anyone wishing to operate a wine premises (bonded winery (BW or BWN), bonded wine cellar (BWC) or taxpaid wine bottling house (TPWBH) must first apply to TTB and receive permission to start operations. Winery, bonded wine cellar and/or taxpaid wine bottling house operations may not begin until approval is given.
Tennessee ABC FAQs
TABC Rules for Wineries
Startup & Business Operation
Research & Studies
Research – University of Tennessee:
- Tennessee’s Wine Industry: Consumer Perceptions, Quality Assurance Programs, and Marketing Strategies
- Wine and Grape Industry Trends
- Grape Production Budgeting
- Growth Prospects for Tennessee Wine Industry
- Growth Prospects for Tennessee Wine 2016
- Starting Your Own Wine Business
- Grape Growing in Tennessee
- So You Want to Grow Grapes in Tennessee?
- Market Development for Specialty Crops 2002
Educational Resources & Blogs:
Grants & Funding
A majority of Federal Grants will require you to be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) and also to have a Unique Entity ID (UEI). Neither of these applications cost money, but they can take time so be sure to take care of this right away. If you are already registered with these systems, you do not need to do it again.
Value-Added Producer Grant
The Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of new products. The goals of this program are to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income.
TAEP Grant
TAEP is a cost-share program for Tennessee’s Agricultural community. Participation allows producers to maximize farm profits, adapt to changing market situations, improve operation safety, increase farm efficiency and make a positive economic impact in their communities.
Agricultural Enterprise Fund (AEF)
The Agricultural Enterprise Fund (AEF) is an incentive program that supports Governor Lee’s priority of job creation and economic development by facilitating agricultural development in Tennessee. It is administered by the Department of Agriculture in conjunction with the Department of Economic and Community Development.
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBG)
The purpose of this grant is to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).” Projects must show a benefit to the specialty crop industry. This program is not designed for start-ups or projects that only benefit one operation.