Wineries flourish in the foothills

There are more than a dozen wineries all flourishing in the Smoky Mountain foothills.

There must be a reason.

Experts say that the region offers a combination of suitable soil and climate conditions ideal for wine production.

Well-draining soils, like sandy or gravelly soils, are ideal for warmer climates to prevent waterlogging. In cooler climates, soils that retain heat, like clay, can help grapes ripen evenly. Climate-wise, regions between 30° and 50° latitude, both north and south of the equator, offer the best balance of warmth and sunlight for vine growth.

Rainfall and sunlight in the right amounts are important elements.

Wineries are interconnected with a variety of other businesses, forming a complex network that supports their operations and sales. These include distributors, retailers, restaurants, and businesses specializing in wine logistics, technology, and marketing. 

Winery tours are included in the new business clusters.

Does the fresh air, open landscape, and rolling hills make the wine-drinking experience richer? Make that a resounding, yes,

Does wine taste better in large crowds? Do you then tend to drink just a little more? Does it enrich your dinner?

Red wines, report health experts, improve longevity. They point to the French, who eat a lot of cheese and eggs, yet they have fewer heart attacks and strokes when compared to residents of the United States.

If this data makes you want to say, Pass the wine, you are not alone. Drink up. Take the tour. Taste the wine. Tell a friend, and come back again and again.

Cheers.