Beer, Wine & Spirits in Clarksville

When visitors walk between the 1853 Greek-revival mansion’s six solid-cut stone pillars, onto the portico, and through the heavy wood door, they might tour the rooms or learn to cook in its original kitchen. Originally founded by John Harding in 1807 for thoroughbred-horse breeding, the rolling grounds of Belle Meade Plantation now welcome seasonal tours and events ranging from book signings to art shows. Knowledgeable guides in period costumes lead tour groups through the building’s parlors and bedrooms and down a long central hallway to ascend the three floors via a circular cherry-wood staircase.

As groups wander the mansion and cross the grounds, guides divulge facts about famous visitors, such as President Cleveland and General Ulysses S. Grant, including the fact that they probably got scared of the dark just like normal people. During special tours, the staff demonstrates Southern cooking techniques and walks visitors through an herb garden or serves them lemonade or hot wassail with desserts. In an on-grounds winery, winemakers hold tastings of red and white varietals made from Tennessee grapes. Visitors can also clink wineglasses over Southern-style cuisine at the Harding House restaurant, located on the plantation grounds.

Since tapping its first beer almost twenty years ago, Blackstone Brewery has continued to brew an ever-evolving selection. Now a decorated purveyor of fine ferments, Blackstone has collected 17 awards to date, including a gold medal at the 2010 World Beer Cup for its Chaser Pale brew, and its St. Charles Porter became the most awarded brown porter in the Great American Beer Festival's history. Its intimate brewery space tempts thirsty patrons to attend a variety of tastings or view the beer tanks and engage in an up close and personal hug. Along with their craft brews, Blackstone cooks up a diverse menu, including plates of chipotle pork tenderloin with smoked gouda grits, fresh salads, and hearty pub grub such as shepherd's pies and baby back ribs. For those who wish to experience the brewery's offerings outside of the brewpub, Blackstone recently opened a Nashville facility that brews and distributes bottles daily throughout middle Tennessee.