Tennessee: True Southern Wine

When you think of wine regions in the USA, perhaps Tennessee isn’t the first State or location that comes to mind. However, the Volunteer State’s history with wine goes all the way back to the 1800’s when vineyards were so prevalent, farmers believed grape-growing was the next big cash crop for Tennessee. This early enthusiasm for wine was short lived when prohibition came in 1919 and brought an end to the market.

Thankfully, that was not the end of wine making for Tennessee. By the end of the 20th century, wine making began making a comeback and today there are almost 50 wineries across the State producing close too 300,000 gallons of wine annually.

Because of the humid climate found in Tennessee, grapes can be susceptible to fungal diseases. So, wineries have focused on native grapes, such as the Muscadine, which is not only more resistant to these diseases but thrives in the Southern State.

You can be a winery in the South rather easily, just open a winery below the Mason-Dixon. But to be a true Southern Winery you have to make some great tasting Muscadine wine. – Doug Seitz, Master Winemaker for Mountain Valley Winery

Mountain Valley Winery In Pigeon Forge

One of the largest wineries in Tennessee, Mountain Valley Winery, was founded in 1991 when the wine making revival began for Tennessee. Today, Mountain Valley Winery is known for their French and German style wines. However, they have focused their efforts on producing award-winning sweet-fruit wines, taking advantage of the native muscadines that flourish in the Great Smoky Mountain region.

Work For Mountain Valley Winery: Assistant Winemaker

Mountain Valley Winery is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and is looking for an Assistant Winemaker to join their production team. The Assistant Winemaker will report directly to the Master Winemaker and be responsible for the day to day winery operations.

Assistant Winemaker Essential Duties At A Glance: 

• Assist in barrel & product evaluations
• Ensure quality standards & production plans
• Maintaining inventory
• Record keeping for State & Federal compliance regulations

Want to know more about this great opportunity to work in southern wine? See Assistant Winemaker job listing HERE for details and Online Application directions.