Spirits and wine along the Natchez Trace Parkway have a long and treasured history. Landlocked farmers needed a port to ship their produce to markets. Corn and grapes were too precious to make the two month long, wet journey by river raft to Natchez. Corn was made into liquor, or white lightning and grapes were turned to wine, both out of necessity and its fabled medicinal benefits. Barrels of spirits were easier to transport than hundreds of pounds of easy to spoil corn or the ever fragile grapes.
These barrels were off loaded and sold at the notorious Natchez under the Hill and the Spirits added to the reputation of bawdiness of this river town. Once sold, these barrels of spirits turned into hard to come by currency. Now the adventure took a dangerous turn; a three month long trek home along the Natchez Trace. Outside the long arm of the law, highwaymen and criminals knew those heading north had money in their pockets and were easy prey. For those that made it home the money went to plant more corn and grapes.
Today the adventure continues along the Natchez Trace Wine Trail. Relive the history and romance of the Trace while enjoying the same wine that added to the reputation and traditions from this unique chapter in American History.
For the most up-to-date hours and information, please contact Natchez Trace Wine Trail directly.
