NewsChannel 5.com - Nashville, Tennessee - Grapes May Help Boost Revenue At Mid-State Landmark

Grapes May Help Boost Revenue At Mid-State Landmark

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - An historic Nashville landmark is returning to its farming roots to save itself during these tough economic times. The Belle Meade Plantation will use Tennessee agriculture products to make some extra money.

The fall grape harvest begins at Keg Springs Winery in Hampshire, Tennessee just before daybreak.

"This will be the first year we'll get, what I would call, a very very good crop off of this vineyard," said Keg Springs Winery owner Gerald Hamm.

A Tennessee crop will be used to save a Tennessee landmark some 40 miles to the north.

The Belle Meade plantation in Nashville has survived 54 years on visitors and weddings, but now wine sales may boost its income.

"Looking at what other revenue sources develop, the winery idea became part and parcel of what we thought would enhance the experience of guest here and produce revenue," said plantation board member John Rochford.

The blackberry wine at Keg Springs was ready for bottles, and a machine poured it into the glass.

With wine label approval the only final hurdle, their ready to market it as a Tennessee keepsake.

"I think a lot of people would take a bottle of that home save as a remembrance of their visit to the plantation," said Rochford.

The plantation will only have a small display type vineyard on site for visitors, and you can buy your first bottle by Thanksgiving.