Updated May 2, 2019

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has proclaimed May as Tennessee Grape and Wine Appreciation Month, just one month after he signed a bill to ease some restrictions on wineries.

Leaders in Giles County and the Tennessee wine industry hope these efforts and others will continue to encourage the state’s small but growing wine industry.

Designating  May as Tennessee Wine and Grape Appreciation Month builds on the efforts we have been pursuing,  said Rhonda Moody, president of the Tennessee Farm Winegrowers Alliance.

SB1353 was signed by the governor on March 28 allowing small wineries to open up to two satellite facilities without the previous restriction of first going through a licensed wholesaler to distribute wines. This legislation will particularly benefit small rural wineries and farm wineries such as Giles County.

The wine organizations are working with the United States Department of Agriculture and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to increase consumer awareness and develop brand identity of the many award winning Tennessee wines.