The Tennessee Viticultural and Oenological Society (TVOS)
In 1973, seven individuals interested in viticulture and enology gathered around Judge William O. Beach’s (future owner of Beachaven Winery) kitchen table in Clarksville. They organized The Tennessee Viticultural and Oenological Society (TVOS). From its small beginnings, TVOS encouraged the growth of Tennessee wines. Wines were studied. Grapes were grown. Improving Tennessee’s winemaking. They are still cultivating wine enthusiasts with a passion for the vine today. They are instrumental in the development of the professional wine industry in the state.
By 1982, numerous wineries opened up across the state.
At this point there needed to be a separate organization dedicated to the needs (legal, financial, marketing and other) to the newly revitalized Tennessee wine industry. We, the Tennessee Farm Winegrowers Alliance (TFWA), formed as an offshoot of TVOS. We promoted the growing of grapes and the sale of Tennessee wine.
Additionally, in 1985,
Governor Lamar Alexander and the state legislature formed the Viticulture Advisory Board (VAB).
The VAB assessed the potential, established the priorities, and determined the proper direction for the growth of the Tennessee grape industry. (Tennessee Viticulture Policy Act, TCA 43-30-101.) There were nine members of the board bringing together representatives from UT Institute of Agriculture, Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, TFWA, TVOS, two members representing the grape growers and two members representing the grape processors. This board eventually gave way to the 2019 creation of the Wine and Grape Board.
Today we are spearheading
the efforts for advancing Tennessee grape interests, including promotion, education, and legislation.
We have worked hard to grow this into a major agri-business in Tennessee. We grew from just 24 wineries in 2001 to over 90 winery licenses today. Our growth and production of the industry stretches from Memphis in the west to Mountain City in the east, with major concentrations in Sevier, Lewis, and Davidson counties.
Furthermore, successes from 2013 through 2019 have greatly reduced barriers of entry to our industry as well as creating new opportunities for business growth. These successes are, in part, ascribed to the expansion of winery satellites, changes in shipping laws, and the creation of the Wine and Grape Board. We ask you to please consider supporting our cause by frequenting your local winery/vineyard!
This site is managed by the Tennessee Farm Winegrowers Alliance, advocating for wineries and vineyards across Tennessee. Tennessee also has a governor’s Wine and Grape board, which you can learn more about here.