Cool jazz at Arrington Vineyards

It took out-of-town visitors to bring it about, but we finally visited Arrington Vineyards.

That one trip convinced us that “wow, we have really been missing out.”

Just a quick trip on state route 840, the vineyards are so beautiful, peaceful, but lively. You have to visit to understand what we’re talking about.

To top it off, Music in the Vines is free. Yep, there’s no charge for an afternoon or evening of beautiful music on the rural hillside of little Arrington, a small community between Murfreesboro and Franklin.

And it is not just a one-time, spring event. Arrington Vineyards plays host to Music in the Vines every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through mid December. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sundays rain or shine.

Jim Michie filled the cool spring day with melodic jazz … all beautiful and bright.

We got there early before the lines for the wine tasting got too long. We got to choose four flavors. I selected two white wines and two reds. Betty Lou selected four whites. I liked the Stag’s White 2009 best, while she preferred the May wine of the month, the Riesling 2009.

Naturally, after tasting the wines, we just had to buy a bottle and some other knick-knacks. Hey, after all, we were playing tourists along with Betty Lou’s “auntie” Virginia and her friend Judy who were visiting from Michigan.

It was the perfect end to a day of antiquing.

Because it had been so rainy early in the day, we had opted not to take a picnic meal along with us. So we instead enjoyed some great cheese and crackers along with a bottle of Riesling.

Country music artist Kix Brooks of Brooks and Dunn fame founded the vineyard. While we didn’t see him, he is often present at Arrington events.

Brooks and Ronnie Dunn are the biggest selling duo in the history of country music with sales topping 23 million records. Earlier this year, Brooks and Dunn announced they were going solo.

We were early enough to land a spot on the winery’s deck, but the area is surrounded by picnic tables and tree swings. All of which are perfect to enjoy an afternoon or evening of music and fun.

For cooler weather, a nice, native stone fireplace heats the deck and there’s a bonfire available in a huge, nearby pit.

With the music and conversation, the vineyard is a tranquil, but fun-filled place that’s perfect for family groups and romantic couples.

Next time, we’re packing a picnic and spending the evening listening to jazz.