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Blackberry Farm resort in Tennessee tops Food & Wine Tastemakers list

Blackberry Farm Resort in Tennessee Claims Top Spot on Food & Wine's Prestigious Tastemakers List

In a resounding endorsement of Southern hospitality fused with culinary excellence, Blackberry Farm Resort in Tennessee has been crowned the number one destination on Food & Wine magazine's inaugural Tastemakers list. This accolade, unveiled in a recent feature, highlights the most exceptional food and wine experiences across the United States, as selected by a panel of renowned industry experts. The list celebrates venues that not only tantalize the palate but also embody innovation, sustainability, and immersive storytelling through their offerings. For Blackberry Farm, this top honor underscores its evolution from a humble family retreat into a world-class epicenter of gastronomic delight, nestled in the misty foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Blackberry Farm, located in Walland, Tennessee, about 30 miles south of Knoxville, spans over 4,200 acres of lush, rolling terrain that feels like a portal to a bygone era of Appalachian elegance. Founded in 1976 by Kreis and Sandy Beall, the resort began as a modest inn but has since blossomed into a luxurious haven that attracts food enthusiasts, wine connoisseurs, and nature lovers from around the globe. What sets it apart, according to the Tastemakers panel, is its unwavering commitment to farm-to-table principles, where nearly everything served is sourced from the property's own gardens, orchards, and livestock. This hyper-local approach isn't just a buzzword here—it's a way of life that infuses every meal with authenticity and freshness.

At the heart of Blackberry Farm's appeal is its dining program, led by acclaimed chefs who draw inspiration from the region's bounty. The resort's flagship restaurant, The Barn, is a rustic yet refined space housed in a century-old structure, where guests can indulge in multi-course tasting menus that change with the seasons. Imagine starting with heirloom tomato salads plucked that morning, followed by wood-fired trout from nearby streams, and culminating in desserts featuring blackberries foraged from the property's namesake bushes. The Tastemakers list praises The Barn for its "seamless blend of Southern traditions and modern techniques," noting how dishes like sorghum-glazed duck or buttermilk biscuits elevated with house-made preserves capture the essence of Tennessee's culinary heritage while pushing boundaries.

But Blackberry Farm's excellence extends far beyond the plate. Its wine program is equally legendary, boasting one of the most extensive cellars in the South, with over 160,000 bottles curated by master sommeliers. The resort even produces its own wines through Blackberry Farm Winery, focusing on small-batch varietals that reflect the terroir of the Smoky Mountains. Guests can participate in guided tastings, vineyard tours, and blending sessions, learning about the nuances of Appalachian viticulture. The panel highlighted this integration of education and indulgence, calling it a "masterclass in wine appreciation" that demystifies the often-intimidating world of oenology.

Adding to the allure is the resort's brewery, which crafts artisanal beers using ingredients grown on-site, such as heirloom grains and wild yeasts. This trifecta of farm, winery, and brewery creates a holistic experience where visitors can trace the journey from soil to sip. Activities abound to complement the feasting: foraging expeditions in the woods, fly-fishing in pristine streams, horseback riding through meadows, and even artisanal cheese-making workshops. For those seeking relaxation, the Wellhouse Spa offers treatments incorporating local botanicals, like blackberry-infused scrubs and herbal teas from the garden.

The Tastemakers list, compiled by Food & Wine in collaboration with a diverse group of chefs, sommeliers, and food writers, evaluated destinations based on criteria including innovation, sustainability, hospitality, and overall impact on the culinary landscape. Blackberry Farm edged out stiff competition to claim the top spot. Coming in at number two is The Inn at Little Washington in Virginia, a Relais & Châteaux property renowned for its theatrical dining experiences and Michelin-starred cuisine under chef Patrick O'Connell. The list's third place goes to SingleThread Farm in Healdsburg, California, where Kyle and Katina Connaughton's farm-driven tasting menus emphasize Japanese influences and zero-waste practices.

Further down the rankings, highlights include Blackberry Mountain, a sister property to Blackberry Farm, which ranked highly for its wellness-focused retreats and adventure dining. Other notable entries feature urban gems like Canlis in Seattle, celebrated for its Pacific Northwest seafood and panoramic views, and rural retreats such as The Restaurant at Meadowood in Napa Valley, where wine pairings are as meticulously crafted as the dishes themselves. The list also spotlights emerging talents, like a hidden gem in New Orleans known for its Creole fusion, and a sustainable farmstead in Vermont that pairs heirloom vegetables with rare cheeses.

What makes Blackberry Farm's victory particularly noteworthy is its role in elevating Tennessee's profile on the national food scene. Long overshadowed by coastal culinary powerhouses like New York or California, the Volunteer State is experiencing a renaissance, with Nashville's hot chicken joints and Memphis barbecue pits gaining acclaim. Blackberry Farm serves as a bridge between these grassroots traditions and high-end gastronomy, proving that luxury doesn't have to come at the expense of soul. Guests often describe their stays as transformative— one anonymous reviewer in the Food & Wine feature recounted a dawn hike to the farm's henhouse, followed by a breakfast of eggs so fresh they "tasted like sunshine." Such anecdotes illustrate how the resort fosters a deep connection to the land, encouraging visitors to slow down and savor the moment.

Sustainability is another pillar of Blackberry Farm's ethos, which resonated strongly with the Tastemakers panel. The resort employs regenerative farming practices, composting all food waste, and partnering with local conservation groups to preserve the surrounding wilderness. This commitment extends to its community initiatives, such as educational programs for local schools on agriculture and nutrition. In an era where diners increasingly prioritize ethical sourcing, Blackberry Farm stands as a model for responsible luxury.

For those inspired to visit, Blackberry Farm offers a range of accommodations, from cozy cottages with fireplaces and private porches to expansive estate homes ideal for groups. Rates start at around $1,000 per night, inclusive of meals, activities, and that signature Southern warmth. Reservations are highly competitive, especially during peak seasons like fall when the mountains erupt in fiery foliage. The resort also hosts special events, including wine festivals and chef collaborations, drawing luminaries from the food world.

In topping the Tastemakers list, Blackberry Farm not only affirms its status as a culinary destination but also signals a broader shift toward experiential travel. As Food & Wine's feature suggests, the future of dining lies in places that nourish both body and spirit, where every bite tells a story of place and passion. Whether you're a seasoned epicurean or a curious novice, Blackberry Farm invites you to rediscover the joy of eating well amid nature's embrace. This recognition is more than a accolade—it's a testament to the enduring power of thoughtful hospitality in an ever-evolving food landscape.

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Read the Full USA Today Article at:
[ https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/dining/2025/04/02/blackberry-farm-resort-in-tennessee-tops-food-wine-tastemakers-list/82775517007/ ]