There is a side of Middle Tennessee that often gets overshadowed by the bright lights of downtown Nashville. Just beyond the city, the roads begin to wind through rolling hills, horse farms, and vineyards where life seems to move at a slower pace. It’s the kind of place where an afternoon can be spent lingering over a picnic, listening to live music, and enjoying the beauty of the countryside.
When family came to visit, we decided to leave the bustle of the city behind for a few hours and head to Arrington Vineyards. Tucked among the hills south of Nashville, this local favorite offered exactly what we were looking for—a relaxing afternoon filled with beautiful scenery, good music, and a chance to experience another side of Tennessee.
At A Glance: Arrington Vineyards
- Location: Arrington, Tennessee
- Distance From Nashville: about 30-40 minutes south of downtown
- Best For: couples, girls weekends, families, picnics, live music, scenic drives
- Time Needed: 2-4 hours
- Highlights: award-winning wines, rolling vineyards, Music in the Vines, picnic areas, beautiful Tennessee countryside
- Worth It?: Absolutely. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful afternoon outside the city, Arrington Vineyards is one of the best day trips from Nashville.
A Different Side of Nashville
When most people picture Nashville, they imagine bright neon lights, Broadway honky-tonks, and country music pouring out onto the sidewalks.
Just thirty minutes south of the city, however, you’ll discover an entirely different side of Middle Tennessee. Here, rolling hills replace skyscrapers. Rows of grapevines stretch across the countryside. Families gather around picnic tables while live music drifts through the warm Tennessee air.
When family came to visit, we wanted to spend a relaxing afternoon somewhere that felt uniquely Tennessee without the crowds of downtown. Arrington Vineyards turned out to be the perfect place.
The Story Behind Arrington Vineyards
Arrington Vineyards was founded by country music star Kix Brooks of the legendary duo Brooks & Dunn, along with winemaker Kip Summers and entrepreneur John Russell.
Rather than opening another restaurant or bar in downtown Nashville, Brooks envisioned creating a place where people could slow down, enjoy locally crafted wine, and spend time together surrounded by the beauty of Tennessee’s countryside. That vision became Arrington Vineyards.
Today the vineyard produces a variety of award-winning wines while welcoming visitors from across the country to experience Tennessee wine culture in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
It’s less about rushing through a tasting and more about lingering a little longer.
First Impressions
After parking, we were greeted by one of the vineyard staff who invited us aboard a golf cart for a tour of the property. It was the perfect introduction.
We drove past rows of carefully tended grapevines climbing the gentle hillsides while learning about the different areas of the vineyard. Scattered throughout the property were picnic tables, shady gathering spots, and wide open lawns where visitors could spread out blankets and enjoy the afternoon.
The entire property immediately felt warm, welcoming, and refreshingly unpretentious. Instead of feeling like an exclusive winery, Arrington felt like somewhere you were encouraged to relax, stay awhile, and enjoy yourself.
More Than Just a Winery
Although the wine is certainly the star of the show, Arrington Vineyards offers much more than tastings.
Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic, making it an ideal place to spend several leisurely hours with family or friends. If you don’t feel like packing lunch, the market offers a selection of snacks along with bottles of wine to enjoy during your visit.
Inside the gift shop you’ll also find locally inspired gifts, home décor, and of course plenty of bottles to take home.
One item that especially caught my eye was Kix Brooks’ cookbook featuring recipes inspired by his Louisiana roots. I seriously considered bringing it home, but decided my adventures in Cajun cooking could wait for another day.
Music in the Vines
One of the things that makes Arrington Vineyards feel so special is its live music program.
Known as Music in the Vines, performances take place throughout the season on multiple stages around the property. Depending on when you visit, you might hear bluegrass, folk, country, or acoustic artists filling the vineyard with music.
On our visit we settled in near the large red barn and spent the afternoon listening to a bluegrass group while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Every now and then Kix Brooks himself even performs, adding another special touch to an already memorable experience.
Between the music, the scenery, and the relaxed atmosphere, it became one of those afternoons where nobody was in a hurry to leave.
Why Visit Arrington Vineyards?
There are plenty of wineries throughout the country. What makes Arrington different is the experience. It’s not simply about tasting wine. It’s about spending time together. It’s about finding a quiet spot beneath the Tennessee sky.
It’s about slowing down enough to enjoy the music, the scenery, and the people you’re with.
Whether you’re planning a romantic afternoon, a girls’ getaway, or simply looking for something different after exploring downtown Nashville, Arrington Vineyards offers a beautiful escape into the countryside.
Know Before You Go: Arrington Vineyards
- Arrington Vineyards is about a 30-40 minute drive from downtown Nashville.
- Check the vineyard’s calendar before visiting if you’d like to enjoy Music in the Vines performances.
- Feel free to bring your own picnic or purchase snacks at the market.
- Arrive early on weekends to find your favorite picnic spot, especially during live music events.
- Comfortable walking shoes are helpful since you’ll likely spend time exploring the grounds.
- Even if you’re not a wine drinker, the beautiful scenery and relaxing atmosphere make Arrington worth the visit.
FAQ: Arrington Vineyards
- Is Arrington Vineyards worth visiting?
Absolutely. It’s one of the best places near Nashville to slow down, enjoy beautiful scenery, and experience Middle Tennessee beyond Broadway.
- How far is Arrington Vineyards from Nashville?
The vineyard is approximately 30 to 40 minutes south of downtown Nashville.
- Can you bring your own food?
Yes. Visitors are welcome to bring picnic lunches and enjoy them throughout the property.
- Is Arrington Vineyards family friendly?
Yes. While wine tastings are available for adults, families are welcome to enjoy the grounds, picnic areas, and live music.
- Does Arrington Vineyards have live music?
Yes. The popular Music in the Vines series features local and regional musicians throughout much of the year.
- Do you need reservations?
Reservations are generally not required for visiting the vineyard, although special events and tastings may have different requirements.
Sometimes the best travel memories don’t come from checking off famous landmarks.
Sometimes they come from slowing down.
Arrington Vineyards gave us exactly that kind of afternoon. Between the rolling hills, rows of grapevines, live bluegrass music, and time spent laughing with family over a picnic, it became one of those simple experiences that stays with you long after you’ve gone home.
If you’re looking to experience another side of Middle Tennessee beyond the bright lights of downtown Nashville, Arrington Vineyards is a wonderful place to spend a relaxing afternoon. It’s proof that Tennessee’s charm isn’t limited to its music—sometimes it’s found in a quiet vineyard where good company, beautiful scenery, and a slower pace come together perfectly.
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Thanks for coming along on this visit to Arrington Vineyard. May your summer breeze carry the sound of music and the taste of wine.
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