Agritourism Experiences Provide a Taste of Tennessee

Agricultural businesses across Tennessee have embraced agritourism as a means of expanding their reach and providing unique experiences for consumers in the community.

In Maury County, locals and tourists alike have a variety of agritourism experiences from which to choose, from family-owned wineries to community markets packed with local produce.

This article first appeared on Livability.com.

Grinder’s Switch Winery: From Passion to Business

Grinder’s Switch Winery started out as a passion project that grew into a thriving family business.

Jodie Morgan, general manager and co-owner, knew her father’s hobby had reached the next level when her parents opened the original winery in her childhood home.

“They turned the living room into a tasting room,” Morgan says.

Now located in Centerville, with additional tasting rooms in Columbia and Nashville, Grinder’s Switch Winery offers a casual environment for locals to enjoy wine. Self-guided tours are held at an easygoing pace; visitors can enjoy wine by a fire pit, share a charcuterie board with friends or pack a picnic.

“We’re trying to take the intimidation out of wine and provide a much more casual atmosphere and something more fun,” Morgan says. “A lot of people are very intimidated about learning about wines. And so, we’re trying to change that point of view [in Columbia].”

While Tennessee may not yet be synonymous with grape growing, the number of vineyards is steadily increasing, as unique microclimates offer areas where grapes can thrive.

“It’s wonderful to be able to be in the community and offer a unique product, because it’s still fairly unique in the state,” Morgan says.

See more: Top Tennessee Agriculture Facts From the 2024 Census of Agriculture

Center for Profitable Agriculture

For businesses looking to expand into agritourism, the Center for Profitable Agriculture (CPA) has been a constant support throughout its 25 years. With county extension agents across the state, the CPA has helped farmers in each of Tennessee’s 95 counties as interest in agritourism has expanded.

“Agritourism has become its own sort of micro-industry in the agricultural environment over the past 25 years,” says Rob Holland, director and extension specialist at the CPA. “That has definitely been the case in Tennessee. … It’s seen tremendous growth.”

The CPA is a department within the University of Tennessee that works with farmers, farm families and rural agricultural entrepreneurs across the state to educate and create networking opportunities within the industry. Workshops, seminars and conferences allow opportunities for farmers to connect and find new avenues for growth.

The CPA also consults with farmers directly to assist in research or offer advice for the development of value-added products and agritourism enterprises. According to Holland, census records indicate that there are around 715 agritourism ventures across the state, but the true number is likely higher as farmers continue to find innovative ways to expand their businesses.

Maury County Markets Are Keeping It Local

As a hub for local products, the Farmstead Community Market, with locations in Leiper’s Fork and Columbia, makes it easy for customers to find everything they need in one place.

The Community Market supplies locals with fresh produce from agricultural producers and artisans in their community, from organic vegetables to meats and eggs. Shoppers can sneak away to the second floor of the Columbia location to enjoy some of Farmstead’s own local wines.

“Agritourism has become its own sort of micro-industry in the agricultural environment over the past 25 years.”

– Rob Holland, Center for Profitable Agriculture

See more: Explore West Tennessee Wine Country at These Local Vineyards

Community Support for Maury County Agritourism

With the rising popularity of agritourism and a growing interest in locally grown foods and products, Maury County businesses have continued to support each other’s endeavors.

“We all work together as opposed to competing with each other,” says Gabe Zaunbrecher, general manager of Amber Falls Winery and Cellars in Hampshire.

When his parents originally purchased the property, which was a tobacco farm at the time, they had intended to transform it into a retreat center for mission work that would bring people in the community together.

The pivot to winemaking has resulted in a thriving business. Amber Falls wines can be found in liquor stores across Middle Tennessee, along with satellite stores in Opry Mills Mall in Nashville and CoolSprings Galleria in Franklin.

“People in the area are very supportive of local products,” Zaunbrecher says.