Search
Resorts & LodgesVacation RentalsDeals & PackagesTravel Guides
List Your Property

A One-of-a-Kind Wine Experience High Above the Tennessee River

Nestled between the Cumberland Plateau and the Appalachian Mountains, Chattanooga is a naturally beautiful and attraction-packed destination perfect for your next Tennessee adventure. The Scenic City’s River Walk is a must for all visitors, stretching for 13 miles along the Tennessee River featuring riverboats, restaurants, shops, and attractions. Featuring a variety of local vendors selling just about everything under the sun, visitors won’t want to miss visiting the Chattanooga Market.

 

Wine Over the Water has been Chattanooga’s premier wine experience for more than two decades, and it will take place October 6-8 on the Walnut Street Bridge. The event will feature over 300 wines from more than 100 wineries from around the world. Serving a variety of meals and snacks, 15 popular local restaurants will showcase their culinary creations. Regional musicians including Clare Donohue and Monday Night Social will perform live on two stages. This years event will also include some great activities that are away from the bridge including Best Cellar Wine Tasting and Auction and the MLK Brewery and Bites Tour. The event’s proceeds will go to Cornerstones, Inc. an organization that works to save historic structures around Chattanooga. We interviewed Amanda Carmichael, a representative of the event, to learn about this oenophile's dream.

 

RAL: How long has the event been running?

AC: This is the 23rd year.

   

RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?

AC: Organizers anticipate about 3,500 attendees (Half are locals and half come from outside Chattanooga).

   

RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Families? Couples?  

AC: This is the perfect event for couples and groups of friends.

   

RAL: What makes this event unique?  

AC: The unique foods and wines combined with live music and friends create a fun and unique environment. Plus, we are adding Off the Bridge events this year, so more of the fun you'd expect from Wine Over Water can now be found at events starting on Thursday and going through Sunday.

 

RAL: Take me through the activities of a day at the event.

AC: There will be 200 different wines, 15 different restaurants, and five different bands.  

   

RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?

AC: Yes, chefs from 15 local restaurants will be on-hand cooking and talking with patrons.

   

RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?  

AC: Food will be available for purchase ($5 small plates) from 15 local restaurants, and Bluff View Bakery will provide free bread. Also, Publix will provide the complimentary charcuterie.

 

RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?

AC: Yes! Tourists come from all over the country for the event and spend money at a variety of local businesses.

   

RAL: Does the event support a particular cause in the community?

AC: Yes! We donate to Cornerstones, Inc., a historic preservation organization. All profits go toward saving historic structures in Chattanooga; the Walnut Street Bridge itself was saved in part by Cornerstones 23 years ago.

   

RAL: Why should people come to your event?

AC: While there may be more events like this one around the country now, we were the first (and we think the best)! There isn't another pedestrian bridge in the US as long as the Walnut Street Bridge. Chattanooga's food scene keeps getting bigger and better, and you will be able to experience so many of our best restaurants all in one place! Plus, the Off the Bridge events will allow you to check out more of Chattanooga's food and drink scene.


For more information about Wine Over the Water, please visit the event website.