Tennessee Wine Tour

a.k.a "Whatever Happened to Meriweather Lewis?" Tour

May 17, 2012

   Who knew? We all thought Tennessee was renowned for moonshine! Join us as we travel into the beautiful mountains of Tennessee, across the mysterious Natchez Trace, and visit two wineries renowned for something else - their wines and their hospitality!

  
Our luxury motorcoach departs from the Historic Huntsville Depot at 9 a.m. to our first stop, the Amber Falls Winery near Hampshire, Tennessee. After our samples of wine and a tour, we will enjoy a gourmet lunch on the grounds before heading to our next destination, the Grinder’s Switch Winery. This charming winery is inside a log cabin and we can enjoy our samplings in the pavilion outside. Visitors can take a hayride through the vineyards, so don’t sample too much until afterwards! We will take the time to browse the gift shop before our next stop. All wineries offer a 10% discount on their bottles (for those of you who can’t drink it all on that day).

  
You know Rhonda Ford and Jacque Reeves are all about mystery and intrigue, and you won’t be disappointed! We will drive to the location of the grave of the famous pioneer, Meriwether Lewis, located where he was found shot to death in 1809. His death has been discussed ever since that October night and the circumstances of his demise will never be known. Was it murder or suicide? Those of you who know his story will remember that it was Priscilla Grinder who gave the account of his death. Yes, that Grinder! The family left their inn soon after Lewis’ death and headed north to what is now known as Grinder’s Switch. We will hear the entire story, and perhaps feel the presence of a ghost or two, as we stand in the wagon ruts of the old Natchez Trace. Hey – maybe we’ll drink a toast in his memory!

   We will return to Huntsville around 6 p.m., hopefully, and probably put away our wine purchases until we can stand the sight of it again. But what a day! The cost for this trip is $70 per person. Make checks payable to: Historical Pursuit, c/o Rhonda Ford, 1505 Wind River Drive, Huntsville, AL 35802-3928. Call 256-527-2488 or 256-509-3940 for reservations. Seating is limited.