Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

Masters & Makers Trail: Experience Whiskey, Wine + Beer in Franklin

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Whiskey is a part of Tennessee’s heritage that runs deep, well below the springs from which many of the distilleries source their water. And yet, it’s surprising that no one has plotted out an official route in Bourbon Trail fashion, connecting the intoxicating beverages of the region—including both wine and beer in Franklin. Until the Masters & Makers Trail in Franklin came along.

This post was last updated March 2022.

About the Masters & Makers Trail

Just 14 miles south of Nashville—and the seat of Williamson County, home to such celebrities as Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher, Sheryl Crow and, soon, Justin Timberlake, too—Franklin also serves as the epicenter for this brand new five-stop, craftsman-inspired tour of Middle Tennessee comprising a brewery, one winery and a pair of homegrown distilleries. It’s also located conveniently close to the heart of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

This is a great route to drive with friends in town or when you have a weekend and are looking for a day trip from Nashville. We frequent many of these spots as it is, but SVV and I drove the Masters & Makers Trail over a two-day period, and while you can drive it in any order, here’s how I suggest tackling it, with frequent breaks for photos and snacks (obviously).

Day 1 in Williamson County

Stop 1: Company Distilling at Thompson’s Station (formerly H Clark Distillery)

Born with a North American flavor in the country wilds on the far from civil battlegrounds of Tennessee by Scots and Scotch-Irish immigrants, the cooking up of grains and letting them steep for a while before boiling off and collecting the fumes has been embedded in the culture of Middle Tennessee since the first bootstrapping European settlers found this land.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

Gushing with natural springs and fresh limestone filtered water, stills were scattered across the state until the late 1800s, when the rumblings of prohibition began to pick up speed and large-scale operations were frozen out by the Four Mile Law, which banned the sale of liquor within four miles of a rural school and essentially gutted the ability to make spirits in the state.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee
Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee
Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

This was compounded by the passing of the Adams Law, further state restrictions and eventual federal prohibition of the popular liquid (there were more than 14,000 registered distilleries producing 25 million gallons annually by the year 1810). The state eventually got back into the game in the late 1930s but with highly restricted guidelines that limited widespread production.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee
Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

Fast forward to 2007, when an entrepreneurial in-house lawyer began looking at the legislation on the books. Heath Clark realized that there were holes in the government’s oppressive statutes that should be taken into consideration regarding the actual manufacture of distilled spirits.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

He drafted a simple bill that raced through the General Assembly in four months. From three in 2009 to more than 75 independent distilleries across the state currently, Heath has continued to practice law, though he didn’t open his eponymous distillery until 2014.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

Though it didn’t happen right away—”I’m better at drafting bills than opening distilleries,” he quips—Heath’s own brand debuted five years after the bill passed as the first distillery in Williamson County since Prohibition. It occupies a 100-year-old, 1,200-square-foot granary building in historic Thompson’s Station and also doubles as the headquarters for his law practice.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

In 2022, H Clark became a part of Company Distilling, an ambitious project out of Townsend with a Williamson County presence, backed by some of the biggest names in the spirits industry. Heath’s team still gives tours of his facility (at least for now); and in my experience, the story behind the whiskey is half the fun—boy do Heath and his wife Becky have some stories to share.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

Stop 2: Arrington Vineyards in Arrington

There’s no prettier place to be in Middle Tennessee than Arrington on a warm spring day, and we lucked out with the weather the morning we headed east from Thompson’s Station to test our knowledge of varietals (and our balance, too, once we’d tasted our way through Arrington’s best blends).

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

Co-founded by Kix Brooks in 2007, this oasis just 25 minutes south of Nashville is not just a great wine experience for Tennessee, it’s a great wine experience, period, and can hold its own against the better known wine regions in the country like Northern California and Virginia.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

On weekends, it’s positively packed, and given its musical roots, there’s often live music on the docket, too. Usually, I’d arrive to Arrington Vineyards with a posse of friends in tow, stake our claim to a spot on the spacious lawn and not move all day long. 

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee
Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

We did a special 90-minute tour that takes you through the barrel house, production facility and culminates with a tasting of cheeses, hors d’oeuvres and boozy chocolates.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

Our guide Allie was extremely knowledgeable about Arrington’s varied offerings, and we even got to taste a red blend literally from the barrel. Arrington also makes a pretty darn good sparkling wine, which was news to me, and we got to try it, as well.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee
Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

After the tour, which lasted roughly 45 minutes, Allie took us up to the Wine Loft in a separate building where the team had paired four of their wines and one sparkling with a complementary amuse-bouche.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee
Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

Oenophile or not, Arrington is a fun activity for groups and couples who either want to learn a lot more about wine or simply taste their way through the menu. 

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

When you’re done with your tour and tastings, you can stock up on bottles of wine to take home or drink by the (plastic) cup out on the picnic tables scattered across the hillside, as we opted to do.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

And before you head on your way to drink even more, you’ll want to fuel up. Lucky for you, Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint’s flagship store is right smack in the middle of Nolensville en route to your next stop, and its tantalizing pulled pork will lure you in with scents wafting through the town.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee
Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

Stop 3: Mill Creek Brewing Co. in Nolensville

Mill Creek has been one of the fastest-growing breweries in Tennessee in the last few years, and thanks to a very recent law changed in Nolensville that will allow this brewery to assume normal operating hours—it’s now open six days a week, including all day (noon to 9pm) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday—I’m sure it will only continue to flourish.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

The taproom itself is going on three years with a potential Franklin location in the works in Mantra Artisan Ale’s former spot. I’m a huge fan of one of their flagship beers—Lil Darlin, a citrus-infused wheat—but I highly encourage you to taste whatever seasonal brews is on tap during your visit.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

These days I might be an even bigger craft beer fan than I am of bourbon, so it was nice to mix things up: a little whiskey and some gin, followed by wine, followed by beer, followed by a nap! And if you’re still hungry—in which case, I’m not judging—there’s always a food truck parked inside of Mill Creek.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

Where to Stay in Leiper’s Fork: Pot ‘N Kettle Cottages

If you’re not local and want somewhere to lay your head for the night (or longer), there are plenty of big-brand hotels in Franklin and Brentwood, but I’m more drawn to this trio of cottages right off of the main drag in Leiper’s Fork, a Pinterest lover’s dream.



Booking.com

Owned by the same company, Leiper’s Fork Inn is another lodging option, and if you prefer to stay in downtown Franklin, there’s now the swanky boutique Harpeth Hotel, as well.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

Note: Curio Brewing Co. has since been added to Masters & Makers. You’ll need to visit it, as well, if you want to complete the entire trail.

Day 2 in Williamson County

Stop 4: Leiper’s Fork Distillery in Leiper’s Fork

As the saying goes, liquor before beer, right? You’re starting your second day off straight with the hard (yet delicious) stuff at Leiper’s Fork Distillery, which is one of the most entertaining tours you’ll take on the entire Whiskey Trail, this I promise you.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

I’ve been to dozens of distilleries in the 15 years since I’ve been of age, and I’m always in awe of how the vibe can differ from place to place. Leiper’s Fork Distillery is even newer to the game than H. Clark, and though just 11 miles separate the two, the experience couldn’t be more different—particularly if you catch Pops as your tour guide.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

Following Heath’s lead (and legislation), Lee Kennedy opened up shop in Leiper’s Fork in mid-2016—though he started meeting with legislators as early as 2012—making the distillery just the second in the county since Prohibition. Lee intends to be a whiskey-only distillery using all local grains and local water and will produce around 500 barrels a year. For perspective, this small yet prolific distillery produces less in a year than Jack Daniel’s does in one day!

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

The 5,000-square-foot distillery sits on 27 lush acres between Leiper’s Fork and Franklin; it doubles as an event venue that houses such regular happenings as the Still House Sessions, a live music series showcasing Tennessee’s musical roots. There’s also a 2,500-square-foot log cabin that was built in 1825 and is where the tastings occur and Rocky the Raccoon and the gift shop live.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee
Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

One thing that always strikes me about distillers is that, without fail, they’re the funniest, friendliest, most charming people I ever encounter (though if I tasted whiskey every day for a living, perhaps I would be in such spirits, too!). Lee was no different. I wanted to hang out after our tour and tasting to hear more of his stories.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

I can’t actually call myself a true whiskey aficionado, as there are very few that I drink straight without water. The stuff that Lee serves, like the Colonel Hunter’s Tennessee Select and Leiper’s Fork Distillery’s brand new rye, rank among that small selection.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

Since bourbon takes years to age, Leiper’s Fork just started releasing aged product within the last month, meaning white whiskey is no longer your only option. And as is often the case for new distilleries, Leiper’s Fork also has their own select blend, Colonel Hunter’s Select Barrel Tennessee Bourbon Whiskey, that they picked out themselves and named for Colonel Henry Hunter, a veteran of the War of 1812 and who owned the property where the distillery now resides.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

The distillery is open for general tours on Tuesday through Sunday; the experience takes about 45 minutes and costs $10. If you want the full shebang—the Distiller’s Tour with Lee (and trust me, you do)—those are available upon request for groups of 10 or more at $25 a person.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

Even if you don’t have time to do the full tour, the distillery has a great gift shop that stocks artisan goods from makers throughout the state.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

When you’re done with your second afternoon of drinking, you can head on over to Gray’s on Main in downtown Franklin and toast to a day well spent.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

Pro Tip: Franklin Travel

Give yourself plenty of time between stops—particularly if you’re trying to make a specific tour time—as there are plenty of photo opps along the way. This is a trail best tackled at a leisurely pace.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

Transportation in Williamson County

You know what I’m going to say next: Drink responsibly, and don’t drive yourself around. Lyft services the area if you simply need rides point-to-point, but if you’re going hard all day, you’d be wise to hire a chauffeur via Nashville limo company Signature Transportation Services, which is ideal for the group who wants to indulge and hit every stop on the trail.

Extend Your Stay

Before there was whiskey, Franklin was most well-known for its Civil War battlefields. Planning to stick around Williamson County beyond the time it takes you to drive the trail? Consider checking out Franklin’s historic downtown square, as well as the site of the Battle of Franklin and myriad other attractions scattered throughout the city.

Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee
Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee

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Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee
Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee
Masters & Makers: Driving the Whiskey Trail in Franklin, Tennessee
COMMENTS
  • May 18, 2017

    Ahhh you’ve got me fangirling over every post lately! I love the kitty cats at Leipers Fork Distillery.

    Also, my hubby is a brewer at Mantra. 🙂

    • July 5, 2017

      Really? That’s an awesome coincidence! Which one is he? Not Chad or Derrick, right?

      • July 5, 2017

        His name is Dan, he’s got a beard and a sleeve of tattoos. He was the brewmaster back when Turtle Anarchy was in that same space, then he went to Yazoo for a year, now he’s at Mantra! So we’ve been in the local craft beer family for about 4 years now.

  • May 18, 2017

    Wow, that looks like a great trip. We have friends in Nashville and by the looks of it we should tag this onto our next trip down that way. Great photos!

    • July 5, 2017

      You definitely should! When are you coming to Nashville? You could, in theory, do this in a day—or just pick one side of the trail to focus on—if you have limited time. The state-wide TN Whiskey Trail just launched, as well, so you have plenty of options there!

  • May 20, 2017

    Oh wow… that car is a beauty! I wish I liked whiskey… I tried an Irish distillery, didn’t like. I tried multiple Scottish distilleries, didn’t like it. I think my next stop is Tennessee to see if I like it there 😉

    • July 5, 2017

      I think that’s the only way to weed it out…who knows, you might (probably) like it! 😉

      Personally, I’m not a huge fan of Irish or Scottish whisky but it’s all personal preference, isn’t it? Bourbon and TN whiskey tend to be a little bit sweeter.

  • May 20, 2017

    You have such a knack for this type of photography! Booze tour? Ha! What a speciality 😉

    • July 5, 2017

      I’m trying, girl! Definitely a niche 😉

  • May 23, 2021
    Joan Crowley

    Hello! We were there last October and did the tour. Unfortunately the tee shirt offered was out of stock and we didn’t get ours. We will be back next weekend. We noticed one brewery that was on the list then isn’t now. I think they were in Franklin and had beer and coffee. We bought a few bags of coffee which was delicious! Are they victims of Covid? We’re looking forward to the tour again!

    • May 27, 2021

      Hi Joan! I know Mantra was once on the trail but it moved to Murfreesboro and merged with Hop Springs (which is super cool if you’re ever over that way). In the past year, Curio Brewing Co. has opened and been added to the Masters & Makers Trail, too: https://visitfranklin.com/see-and-do/masters-makers. That might be what you’re thinking of!

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