Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery
Historic plantation estate with a renowned winery, offering tours, tastings, and beautiful grounds just outside Nashville.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic plantation estate with a renowned winery, offering tours, tastings, and beautiful grounds just outside Nashville.
"A perfect blend of history, beauty, and wine – a must-visit in Nashville!"
🎯 Book Tastings Ahead
Wine & bourbon pairings are popular! Book in advance to secure your spot.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the grounds and inside the mansion.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Mansion Tour
Main House
Step back in time exploring the opulent rooms and learning about the influential families who lived here.
Wine & Bourbon Tastings
Winery
Savor unique local wines and bourbons, often paired with delicious bites. A true taste of Tennessee!
Beautiful Estate Grounds
Gardens and Exterior
Wander through manicured gardens, admire historic carriages, and enjoy the picturesque Southern scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Timing is Key for Photos & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tastings Ahead
Wine & bourbon pairings are popular! Book in advance to secure your spot. +1
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the grounds and inside the mansion.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
The grounds are stunning! Capture beautiful shots, especially outside the mansion.
🧐 Ask About History
Guides are knowledgeable! Don't hesitate to ask questions about the families and history.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tastings Ahead
Wine & bourbon pairings are popular! Book in advance to secure your spot. +1
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the grounds and inside the mansion.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
The grounds are stunning! Capture beautiful shots, especially outside the mansion.
🧐 Ask About History
Guides are knowledgeable! Don't hesitate to ask questions about the families and history.
🍇 Try the Blackberry Wine
Many visitors rave about the unique Blackberry wine! +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery for its beautiful grounds, informative mansion tours, and enjoyable wine tastings. Many highlight the knowledgeable guides and the unique experience of blending history with local flavors. Some note that the mansion tour may not be ideal for very young children due to delicate artifacts.
"We almost passed this tour up and I am glad we did not! The home was lovely, and our guide, Bella, did a wonderful job in telling the beautiful stories of the family’s history. The wine tasting was very nice and we walked away with three bottles of wine and a bottle of their bourbon. The grounds have the largest, most beautiful magnolias I have ever seen. We had a nice, relaxing day!"
Beth Andersen
"My visit to Belle Meade was overall very enjoyable. The mansion tour was very informative—our guide spoke well and shared a lot of interesting history about the Jackson / Harding family. That said, I wouldn’t recommend it for families with young children. Since most of the furniture are originals, there’s nowhere to sit. During our tour, there were two young kids in the group: a baby who cried often and a toddler who whined and constantly asked about sitting down. As each room was very small, it made it difficult for the group to hear the tour guide and fully enjoy the tour.
Outside of the mansion, the grounds were fun to explore and the horses act as a nice backdrop. While you can’t take photos inside the mansion, there are plenty of nice photo spots outside.
The highlight for me was the wine tasting included with the mansion tour. The wines leaned on the sweeter side, but they were all unique and enjoyable to try."
Dani
"Great place to add to your Nashville itinerary. We did the mansion tour with Samantha and she was great. All the artifacts and original furniture were beautiful to see (especially after you find out how much work has gone into re-buying them over the last decades). The grounds are beautiful and we spent a few minutes happily watching a wedding rehearsal in one of the gardens. The backyard games area is a fun extra attraction and the addition of the winery really rounds out the experience. We enjoyed watching the horses roll in the dirt and all the greenery in general. Beautiful collection of carriages. The tour and grounds do a good job of acknowledging the enslaved people who made Belle Meade a success and the terrible conditions they lived in during both the ante and post bellum periods. If you like history, peaceful outdoor surroundings and/or wine this is a great spot."
Mary Langan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery is conveniently located just outside of downtown Nashville, making it an easy drive. Many visitors use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, which are readily available. Driving yourself is also an option, with ample parking on-site.
Public transportation options to Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery from downtown Nashville are limited. It's generally recommended to use a ride-sharing service or drive your own vehicle for the most convenient access.
The drive from downtown Nashville to Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery typically takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Yes, Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery offers ample parking for visitors. You'll find designated parking areas upon arrival.
Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery is not typically within walking distance of most major downtown Nashville attractions. It's best to plan for transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the tour and tasting experience you choose. It's best to check the official Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery website for the most up-to-date pricing and package options.
It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially for popular tours like the wine and bourbon pairings, as they can sell out. +1
The mansion tour typically includes a guided exploration of the historic house, learning about its architecture, the families who lived there, and its significant history.
Yes, Belle Meade offers various tour options, including mansion tours, wine tastings, and specialized wine and bourbon food pairing experiences. +1
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's always a good idea to check the official Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery website for their current hours of operation before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Beyond the mansion tour, you can enjoy wine and bourbon tastings, explore the beautiful grounds and gardens, see historic carriages, and sometimes participate in yard games.
Photography is generally not permitted inside the historic mansion to preserve the original artifacts and furniture. However, the grounds offer numerous beautiful photo opportunities.
While the grounds are enjoyable for all ages, the mansion tour might be challenging for very young children due to the delicate artifacts and the need for quiet. The outdoor spaces and potential for games offer some family-friendly aspects.
Yes, there is typically a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs, wine, bourbon, and other items related to Belle Meade.
The wine tasting at Belle Meade offers a selection of their wines, often leaning towards sweeter profiles. It's a great way to sample their offerings and learn about their production.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Belle Meade often offers food options, including charcuterie boards that pair well with their wines, and sometimes lunch services. Check their website for current offerings. +1
Outside food policies can vary. It's best to check with Belle Meade directly or review their visitor guidelines to confirm if outside food is permitted, especially for picnics on the grounds.
Yes, the Belle Meade area and nearby Nashville offer a wide variety of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments.
The food and wine pairing experiences at Belle Meade are highly regarded, offering a curated selection of wines and bourbons expertly paired with delicious small plates.
Absolutely! You can purchase bottles of the wines and bourbons you enjoyed during your tasting to take home with you. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the mansion, the expansive grounds, the gardens, and the historic carriages all offer fantastic photo opportunities. The natural light in the late afternoon is particularly beautiful.
Professional photography and drone usage may require special permits or advance arrangements. It's best to contact Belle Meade directly to inquire about their policies.
As mentioned, photography is typically not allowed inside the mansion. Always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding photography.
Engagement photoshoots, wedding photography, and general scenic photography are very popular due to the beautiful architecture and grounds.
Yes, Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery is a highly sought-after location for wedding photos, offering a romantic and historic backdrop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
However, older children might find the history of the horses and the grandeur of the estate engaging. The outdoor games area can also be a fun diversion. Planning your visit around the outdoor activities and ensuring children understand the need for quiet inside the mansion will help create a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
🥂 Couples & Wine Enthusiasts
+1 Consider booking a private tasting or a food pairing experience for a truly special occasion. For wine lovers, the opportunity to sample unique local wines, like the popular Blackberry wine, is a major draw.
🐎 History Buffs & Horse Racing Fans
+1Fans of horse racing will appreciate learning about the legendary horses bred at Belle Meade, such as Bonnie Scotland and Iroquois, and their contributions to the sport.
The collection of historic carriages also offers a tangible link to the past, showcasing the transportation methods of a bygone era. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History: The Belle Meade Story
+2The site also thoughtfully acknowledges the complex history of the enslaved people who lived and worked at Belle Meade, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the plantation's legacy. This dual narrative is crucial for appreciating the full scope of the site's historical significance.
Beyond the mansion, the estate grounds themselves tell a story of Southern grandeur and agricultural innovation. The beautiful gardens, historic carriages, and the legacy of horse racing all contribute to the rich tapestry of Belle Meade.
The Wine & Bourbon Experience
For those who prefer something stronger, the bourbon offerings are equally impressive. Belle Meade is known for its wine and bourbon food pairing experiences, where expert sommeliers guide you through expertly matched flavors.
Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious newcomer, the tasting experiences at Belle Meade provide a perfect way to relax and savor the flavors of Tennessee. It's a chance to connect with the local terroir and enjoy the hospitality that the South is known for.
Photography Opportunities at Belle Meade
The expansive grounds and manicured gardens are equally photogenic. From blooming flowers in spring to the vibrant foliage in autumn, the scenery changes beautifully with the seasons. Historic carriages, ancient trees, and sweeping lawns create a romantic and timeless atmosphere, making it a popular spot for engagement and wedding photography.
+1For those interested in aerial views, drone footage can capture the full scale of the estate, showcasing the mansion nestled within its sprawling landscape.
Remember to check Belle Meade's policies regarding professional photography and drone usage before your visit to ensure compliance. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit