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SB 927

Wine & Wineries - As introduced, requires the Tennessee wine and grape board to coordinate with wineries across this state in an effort to create a statewide wine trail. - Amends TCA Title 57.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Todd Gardenhire

Requires Tennessee wine board to coordinate statewide winery trail development to boost wine tourism and rural economic activity.

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate State and Local Government Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 927

Legislative bill overview

SB 927 mandates the Tennessee wine and grape board to work with wineries statewide to develop a coordinated wine trail initiative. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 57, which governs the wine and grape industry. This represents a directive for state-level coordination of what would essentially be a marketing and tourism infrastructure project.

Why is this important

Wine tourism generates significant economic activity in regions where it's developed, attracting visitors and supporting rural economies. Creating a unified statewide wine trail could increase visibility for Tennessee wineries and boost agritourism revenue. The bill codifies this effort rather than leaving it to voluntary or ad-hoc coordination between private entities and state agencies.

Potential points of contention

  • Unfunded mandate concerns: The bill doesn't specify funding allocation, leaving unclear who bears costs for trail development, signage, marketing, and maintenance
  • Board authority and scope: Questions about whether the wine and grape board has adequate resources and expertise to coordinate across the state, and whether this expands its mission beyond traditional regulatory functions
  • Regional disparities: Some areas may lack sufficient wineries to create viable trail segments, potentially creating unequal economic benefits across the state
  • Private sector role: Ambiguity about how much private wineries must participate versus coordinate voluntarily, and liability questions for the board

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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