Set on 90 scenic acres in Kenton, White Squirrel Winery offers far more than a typical winery visit. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and berry fields, this family-owned destination is known for producing award-winning wines crafted from locally grown grapes and fruit. Guests can stroll through the picturesque property, sample a variety of handcrafted wines in the tasting room, and take in peaceful countryside views that make every visit feel like a relaxing escape.
Depending on the season, fresh berries add another layer of charm, showcasing the farm’s agricultural roots alongside its celebrated wines. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a beautiful day trip, White Squirrel Winery combines Tennessee hospitality, scenic landscapes, and exceptional local flavors into an experience that’s well worth the drive.
Bill Sanderson’s Warm Welcome Sets The Tone
Walk through the doors at White Squirrel Winery and you’ll likely meet Bill Sanderson himself, the owner who’s become legendary for making every visitor feel like old friends. His gift for conversation isn’t just small talk—he genuinely wants to know your story and share his passion for winemaking. Guests consistently rave about how he takes time to explain the craft, offer personalized recommendations, and create an atmosphere that feels more like visiting a neighbor than a commercial tasting room.
Bill’s hands-on approach extends beyond the counter. He’s been known to personally deliver wine club selections to members’ homes when schedules get tight, and he’ll walk you through the vineyards to show you exactly where the grapes for your favorite bottle were grown. This kind of dedication doesn’t happen at corporate wineries, and it’s exactly what keeps people coming back season after season.
The entire Sanderson family shares this commitment to genuine hospitality. From Margie’s thoughtful touches in the décor to Tina’s expert guidance during tastings, every family member contributes to the welcoming vibe that makes first-timers feel like regulars. They’re not just selling wine—they’re building a community of people who appreciate quality, authenticity, and good conversation over a well-crafted glass.
Even the four-legged greeters get in on the action. The winery’s adorable dogs have earned their own fan club among visitors, adding an extra layer of charm to an already delightful experience. One reviewer specifically mentioned the “most adorable door greeter” with paws, proving that Southern hospitality sometimes comes with a wagging tail and a wet nose.
Tennessee’s Largest Wine Grape Vineyard Stretches Before You
Standing at White Squirrel Winery, you’re looking at Tennessee’s largest wine grape vineyard—90 acres of carefully tended vines that produce the fruit behind every bottle. The sheer scale is impressive, especially when you consider that Bill Sanderson hand-selected the varietals and designed the layout to maximize the unique qualities of West Tennessee soil and climate. During summer months, the vineyard transforms into a sea of green that stretches to the horizon, a sight that’s left more than one visitor speechless.
The grapes grown here aren’t just for show. White Squirrel specializes in muscadine varieties that thrive in Southern conditions, producing wines with distinct character you won’t find in typical California-style bottles. The Red Muscadine has developed a cult following among regulars, who consistently cite it as their go-to selection and the perfect introduction for newcomers unsure where to start their tasting journey.
Vineyard tours offer an insider’s perspective on the winemaking process from vine to bottle. Bill walks guests through the rows, explaining how Tennessee’s weather patterns influence grape development and why certain varietals perform better than others in this specific microclimate. You’ll gain appreciation for the patience required—grapevines don’t produce quality fruit overnight, and the attention to detail shows in every harvest.
The vineyard serves as more than just a production facility. It’s become the scenic backdrop for the entire property, visible from the tasting room windows, the outdoor seating areas, and even the upstairs Airbnb loft. Guests staying overnight wake up to million-dollar views of the vines, a perk that turns a simple wine country getaway into something truly memorable.
Award-Winning Wines That Surprise Every Palate
White Squirrel Winery has racked up an impressive collection of awards, but you won’t find Bill bragging about them—the bottles speak for themselves. Every wine on the menu has been carefully crafted to showcase what Tennessee terroir can produce when paired with expertise and dedication. From sweet to dry, there’s genuinely something for every taste preference, even for visitors who walk in claiming they “aren’t wine people.”
The tasting experience starts with Tina or another knowledgeable staff member asking about your flavor preferences rather than just pouring a standard flight. This personalized approach means you’re not wasting time on wines you won’t enjoy. Instead, you’re guided toward bottles that match your palate, whether you prefer fruit-forward sweetness or more complex, drier profiles.
First-timers often leave surprised by how much they enjoyed wines they never would have chosen on their own.
The Red Muscadine stands out as the fan favorite, mentioned repeatedly in reviews as the must-try selection. Its balance of sweetness and body makes it approachable for casual drinkers while still offering enough complexity to satisfy serious wine enthusiasts. Many visitors end up purchasing multiple bottles to take home, and it’s consistently the top seller among wine club members who’ve tried the entire lineup.
Beyond the classics, White Squirrel experiments with unique offerings like “Sweet Heat,” which adds an unexpected twist to traditional wine flavors. This willingness to innovate while respecting traditional winemaking techniques keeps the selection fresh and gives repeat visitors new options to explore. The quality remains consistent across the range—reviewers consistently praise the craftsmanship, noting they’ve “yet to try a bottle that wasn’t perfectly crafted.”
Hand-Crafted Tasting Room With Open-Air Design
Bill Sanderson didn’t just buy a building and slap a sign on it—he designed and hand-crafted the White Squirrel Winery tasting room himself, creating a space that perfectly balances rustic charm with functional elegance. The standout feature is the massive sliding doors that open completely, allowing Tennessee’s gentle breezes to flow through the building and blur the line between indoor comfort and outdoor beauty. On pleasant days, the entire space transforms into an airy pavilion where you can sip wine while surrounded by vineyard views.
Inside, the décor reflects thoughtful attention to detail without feeling overly designed. White squirrel artwork adorns the wine labels and decorative elements throughout the space, giving the brand a cohesive visual identity that’s memorable without being kitschy. The layout provides ample seating whether you prefer bellying up to the tasting bar for conversation or settling into a more private corner with your group.
The building’s construction quality shows in every beam and corner. This isn’t prefab construction—it’s the kind of craftsmanship that comes from someone who genuinely cares about creating a lasting space. The open floor plan accommodates everything from intimate tastings for couples to larger events like the candle-pouring classes and fashion shows that the winery hosts throughout the year.
Outdoor seating extends the usable space, giving visitors the option to grab a bottle and settle onto the grounds with direct views of the vineyards. This flexibility means the winery never feels cramped, even during busy weekend afternoons when locals and tourists alike flock to the property. The picturesque scenery combined with the comfortable setting makes it easy to lose track of time, which is exactly the point.
Fresh Berry Picking Adds Farm-Fresh Appeal
Beyond the grapevines, White Squirrel Winery cultivates fresh berries across the 90-acre property, adding another dimension to the farm experience. Depending on the season, visitors can pick their own berries straight from the plants, connecting with the agricultural roots that make this place special. There’s something deeply satisfying about selecting your own fruit, especially when you’re already surrounded by the vineyard landscape and enjoying a glass of wine made just steps away.
The berry operation complements the winery’s farm-to-table philosophy. Everything produced here comes from Tennessee soil, tended by people who live on and care for the land year-round. This commitment to local agriculture resonates with visitors who appreciate knowing exactly where their food and drink originate, especially in an era when most products travel thousands of miles before reaching consumers.
Fresh berries also appear in various winery offerings throughout the year. Whether incorporated into special wine releases, featured at events, or simply available for purchase by the pint, the fruit adds variety to what you can take home. Families particularly appreciate this aspect, as it gives kids something to do and enjoy while parents focus on wine tasting.
The presence of berry bushes alongside the vineyards creates visual interest across the seasons. Spring blossoms give way to summer fruit, then autumn colors, ensuring the landscape offers something beautiful no matter when you visit. This agricultural diversity sets White Squirrel apart from single-crop wineries and reinforces the authentic farm atmosphere that makes the property feel like a genuine working agricultural operation rather than just a tourist destination.
Upstairs Airbnb Loft Extends Your Stay
Why rush your visit when you can spend the night? White Squirrel Winery offers an upstairs Airbnb loft that transforms a day trip into a full wine country retreat. Guests are greeted with fresh-cut flowers and wake up to what multiple reviewers have called “million-dollar views” of Tennessee’s largest wine grape vineyard spreading out below.
The loft includes a private bedroom, bathroom, and sitting area, giving you comfortable space to relax after your tasting.
Staying overnight means you can enjoy wine without worrying about the drive home. Sample more generously during your tasting, grab a bottle to enjoy on the grounds as the sun sets over the vines, and wake up refreshed for a morning stroll through the vineyard before checkout. Bill has even been known to provide breakfast for overnight guests, adding yet another personal touch to an already special experience.
The loft’s location directly above the tasting room puts you at the heart of the action while still providing privacy when you need it. You’re not staying at some distant hotel miles away—you’re literally sleeping where the wine is made, surrounded by the vineyards that produce it. This immersive experience appeals to serious wine enthusiasts who want to fully absorb the winery lifestyle, even if just for a night.
Booking the Airbnb often includes a private tasting and vineyard tour, giving you dedicated time with Bill to learn about the operation without competing for attention with day visitors. Past guests rave about this personalized experience, noting that the combination of accommodation, tasting, and tour creates a complete wine country package. The loft stays booked well in advance during peak season, so planning ahead is essential if you want to secure this unique overnight experience.
Year-Round Events Keep Things Interesting
White Squirrel Winery doesn’t just open the doors and wait for visitors—they actively create reasons to come back through a rotating calendar of events. Cornhole tournaments bring out the competitive spirit on sunny afternoons, combining outdoor games with wine in a relaxed social atmosphere. Fashion shows featuring local boutiques turn the tasting room into an unexpected runway, proving that wine and style make excellent companions when paired with Southern creativity.
Candle-pouring classes have become particularly popular, offering hands-on workshops where participants create custom scented candles while sipping wine. These events attract both locals looking for unique date nights and visitors wanting to try something beyond standard wine tasting. The combination of craft activity and wine creates a memorable experience that stands out from typical winery visits.
The Sanderson family also hosts fundraising events throughout the year, using their platform to support community causes and local organizations. This commitment to giving back reinforces their connection to West Tennessee and demonstrates that White Squirrel operates as more than just a business—it’s an active community member invested in the region’s wellbeing. Attending one of these fundraisers means you’re enjoying great wine while supporting worthy causes.
Event schedules change seasonally, so checking their website or social media before visiting ensures you don’t miss something special. Some visitors plan entire trips around specific events, while others stumble upon them serendipitously and find their casual tasting turned into a full afternoon of entertainment. Either way, the events add energy and variety that keep the winery feeling fresh even for frequent visitors who’ve already tried every wine in the lineup.
Wine Club Membership Builds Lasting Connections
Joining White Squirrel’s wine club transforms you from a visitor into family, at least according to Bill’s responses to reviews where he welcomes new members into the “White Squirrel Winery family.” Membership includes quarterly wine selections featuring both favorites and new releases, ensuring your home bar stays stocked with Tennessee-made bottles you can’t find anywhere else. The club has retained members for years, a testament to both wine quality and the personal relationships built through the program.
What sets this wine club apart is the flexibility and personal service. Can’t make it to the winery for pickup? Bill has been known to personally deliver selections to members’ homes, turning what could be a logistical hassle into another opportunity for connection.
This level of service is virtually unheard of in the wine industry, where most clubs ship via impersonal carriers and call it a day.
Club members also get first access to limited releases and special event invitations, creating VIP perks that extend beyond just receiving wine. You’re building a relationship with the winemaker and his family, learning about new releases directly from the source, and gaining insider knowledge about Tennessee winemaking that casual visitors never receive. It’s education and entertainment wrapped into one membership.
The club appeals particularly to people who’ve moved away from the area but want to maintain their connection to Tennessee. Several reviewers mention visiting from states like Florida and Illinois, using their membership as an excuse to return regularly. For locals, it’s a convenient way to always have quality wine on hand while supporting a business that actively invests in the community through employment and charitable events.
Gift Baskets And Local Crafts Round Out Shopping
White Squirrel Winery stocks more than just bottles—the retail selection includes locally crafted items that make perfect gifts or personal souvenirs. Handmade soaps and candles fill the air with wonderful scents, offering sensory experiences that complement the wine tasting. These aren’t mass-produced products shipped from warehouses; they’re quality items from Tennessee artisans, carefully selected to match the winery’s commitment to supporting local makers.
Custom gift baskets have become a specialty, particularly popular during holidays and special occasions. Customers can select specific wines and pair them with artisan goods to create personalized packages that get shipped directly to recipients. This service has made White Squirrel a go-to source for meaningful gifts that showcase Tennessee products while supporting small-scale producers who prioritize quality over quantity.
The white squirrel artwork that adorns the wine labels appears throughout the gift selection, creating cohesive branding that’s charming without being overwhelming. You’ll find the distinctive squirrel design on various items, making it easy to assemble themed gifts or collect memorabilia from your visit. The artwork itself has become recognizable enough that wine club members and repeat visitors feel a sense of connection when they spot the logo.
Shopping at the winery supports multiple layers of the local economy. Your wine purchase obviously benefits the Sanderson family and their employees, but buying the additional crafts supports other Tennessee small businesses that supply the retail selection. This interconnected support system strengthens the entire regional economy, making each purchase more meaningful than just acquiring another bottle or bar of soap.
Easy Access With Ample Parking Makes Visiting Simple
Located at 4385 45 W in Kenton, White Squirrel Winery is surprisingly easy to find despite its rural setting. Clear signage guides you off the main road, and there’s plenty of parking once you arrive—no circling lots or fighting for spots like you’d encounter at more crowded tourist destinations. The accessibility makes it feasible for a spontaneous visit rather than requiring elaborate planning and navigation.
Operating hours are weekend-focused, with Friday afternoon through Sunday evening availability that accommodates both locals wrapping up their work week and tourists exploring the region. Friday hours run 3-6 PM, Saturdays stretch from 1-6 PM, and Sundays offer 1-5 PM—giving you multiple windows to stop by. The winery stays closed Monday through Thursday, allowing the family to focus on production, vineyard management, and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps everything running smoothly.
The rural location works in the winery’s favor, creating the peaceful atmosphere that visitors consistently praise. You’re not fighting city traffic or navigating crowded entertainment districts. Instead, you’re driving through Tennessee countryside, arriving at a genuine working farm where the focus stays on wine, hospitality, and the simple pleasure of slowing down.
This setting appeals particularly to people seeking escape from urban chaos.
Phone reservations aren’t mandatory for tastings, though calling ahead (731-796-1713) can be smart for larger groups or if you want to ensure someone’s available for a detailed tour. The casual drop-in policy reflects the winery’s approachable nature—you don’t need appointments or memberships to enjoy the experience. Just show up during operating hours, and the Sanderson family will welcome you like they’ve been expecting you all along.