Westbend's vineyard was established in 1972. It became an official commercial winery in 1988, back when a lot of experts didn't think you could make wine from vinifera (European) grapes in North Carolina. Westbend was the first winery to prove the experts wrong.

A proposal to allow retail food stores to sell wine in Tennessee if approved by local voters took a huge step forward during the General Assembly's 2013 session. And although the measure fell short of gaining full approval, supporters of the legislation should be encouraged by the progress that was made.

Voters in the town of Bladenboro could soon be seeing another petition circulating that, if successful in collecting enough signatures, would put the issue of bringing beer and wine sales to town on the November ballot.

A narrow margin separated the proponents and opponents of legal liquor and beer sales in Tishomingo County after Tuesday voting, with machine votes and absentee ballots counted and 67 affidavit ballots to be counted today.

While some counties already permitted wine sales at farmers markets, a new law to take effect June 1 will establish a statewide permit for wineries that removes county-specific restrictions.

When browsing through the local wine selections, one might be used to seeing a Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon or an Australian Shiraz on the shelves, as they are both popular choices in wines. Although we love our imported wines from other countries, it turns out the feeling is mutual.

Although Kinkead Ridge Winery is for sale, owners Nancy Bentley and Ron Barrett want the public to know they are still tending the vineyard, making wine and open for business starting Memorial Day weekend.

Head to one of Tennessee's many wineries this summer and take in a deep breath of country air.

It is expected to add 10 new jobs over the next three years as well as boost state and local tax coffers and see as many as 40,000 visitors annually.

Beginning June 1, The Maryland Department of Agriculture will implement a new permit process removing county-by-county restrictions and limits to the number of markets, or days, a winery can attend. The change also drops the requirement for farmers' market managers and property owners to sign paperwork to enable wineries to participate.