Wine & Hot Air Balloons … What could be better?

There’s just something about a hot air balloon that makes everyone stop and stare. Those vibrant colors, and the way they quietly float above the earth. And when you combine hot air balloons with Tennessee wine… now that’s something to celebrate!

The wineries of Nine Lakes Wine Country are attending two hot-air balloon festivals this fall in the Nine Lakes Region, serving up locally crafted Tennessee wines beneath these beautiful hot air balloons.

Both have a $10 tasting fee (must be 21 with valid ID), which includes a free tasting glass, samples from every winery, the chance to talk with winemakers and buy bottles of wine directly from them, and with every purchase, you get a free 6-compartment wine tote.

First, head to the Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival, Aug. 19, at the Visitor’s Center in Townsend, TN, 3 to 9 p.m.

Five wineries are proving the Wine Garden for the festival: Cades Cove Cellars, The Winery at Seven Springs Farm, Mill Bridge Winery, Goodwater Vineyard and Winery, and Wyile Cider. The festival will also feature live music, activities for children, craft vendors, food trucks demonstrators, an evening Balloon Glow, and more! This festival is a weekend prelude to the Total Eclipse on Monday, Aug. 21. Townsend will be a great place to watch it this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Then, head to the Muscadine Balloon Fiesta in Madisonville, Sept. 2-3, at Tsali Notch Vineyard, 140 Harrison Road, 2 to 10 p.m.

There are eleven Nine Lakes Wine Country wineries participating in the Wine Garden at this event: Tsali Notch Vineyard, Cades Cove Cellars, DelMonaco Winery & Vineyards, Hillside Winery, Goodwater Vineyards and Winery, Mountain Valley Vineyards, Mill Bridge Winery, Sugarland Cellars, The Winery at Seven Springs Farm, Highland Manor Winery and Chestnut Hill Winery.

The entire festival benefits CASA Monroe, and includes hot-air balloon rides (extra charge), live music, food, games, and an inflatable Kids’ Zone.  The Muscadine Balloon Fiesta is offering free tethered balloon rides to Wine Garden Volunteers, and there are few spots left!

For more information about any of these events, visit www.NineLakesWineCountry.com.