Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery
5025 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN, 37205
Located just west of downtown Nashville, the Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery is a 19th-century thoroughbred horse farm that now functions as a museum and culinary destination. Visit the Greek Revival mansion, which is filled with original furnishings and period antiques, to learn about its history and the Antebellum and Reconstruction eras, or stop by the on-site winery, the oldest in Nashville.
The Basics
First bought in 1806 and continually expanded throughout the 19th century, the Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery became world renowned as a first-rate thoroughbred horse-breeding establishment. Visiting the Greek Revival mansion reveals Belle Meade’s rich history and offers insight into the distinct Southern culture of the Antebellum and Reconstruction eras. Guided tours cover the mansion’s first and second floors, which are filled with original furnishings and period antiques. Book your visit online in advance to guarantee entry or visit as part of a tour from Nashville.
Things to Know Before You Go
All visits are by tour only, led by a costumed tour guide.
Mansion tours are offered every 30 minutes throughout the day, with the last tour beginning at 4pm.
The grounds and the first floor of the mansion are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery is located about nine miles west of Nashville, about 15 to 20 minutes by car. The No. 5 bus runs from downtown Nashville to the attraction, stopping just a short walk from the grounds.
When to Get There
The Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery is open year-round, but feels particularly festive when its halls are decked with Christmas decorations beginning in early November. If you do not purchase tickets online in advance, arrive first thing in the morning—on-site tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis.
Exploring the Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery
Your ticket to Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery includes access to the mansion, gardens and other historic buildings, including a dairy, horse stable, log cabin, carriage house, and mausoleum. There is also a winery where you can enjoy a complimentary wine tasting before sitting down to dinner at the Harding House restaurant.
Ways to explore
Book your visit online to guarantee entry or visit as part of a tour from Nashville. There are several tours on offer, including the Mansion Tour, which covers a century of Belle Meade’s history from the perspective of the Harding and Jackson families, and the Journey to Jubilee Tour, which focuses on the estate’s enslaved people, telling their story both before and after emancipation. Each tour comes with a complimentary wine tasting.
In addition, the property offers wine, bourbon, and mixology experiences, or you can purchase a grounds pass to explore the outdoor areas and visit the winery independently.
Accessibility
The ground floor of the mansion is accessible to wheelchairs, but the upper floor is not.
Age limits
Some tours are only available for kids 12 and up; you must be 21 or older to take part in one of the wine or bourbon experiences.
What to pack
Camera and battery pack, insect repellent, hat, sunscreen
What to wear
Comfortable shoes, layers
Not allowed
All visitors must purchase a grounds pass to access the property, and outside food and beverages are not permitted.
Amenities
Visitor center, restrooms, dining outlets, souvenir shop
AddressÂ
The Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery is located about 9 miles (14 kilometers) southwest of Nashville, and it is easy to get there by car, rideshare, taxi, and public transportation.
Driving
From downtown Nashville, take US Route 70S/West End Avenue southwest for about 15 to 20 minutes until it turns into Harding Pike. Turn left onto Leake Avenue to access the parking area.
Public transportation
Belle Meade is reachable on the WeGo Public Transit bus; take route 3 West End from downtown Nashville to the Harding Pike/Post Road stop, and walk about 10 minutes to reach the estate.
Best times to visit
Belle Meade Mansion tours depart every 30–45 minutes from 9:30am to 4pm, while other tours depart several times a day.
Best days to visit
Tours and tastings tend to book up on weekends, while weekdays are better for a quieter visit.
Best months to visit
Visit in the spring and fall to enjoy the grounds in the milder seasons. The mansion is open year-round for guided tours.
Special events
Belle Meade holds several themed events for adults and kids. Check the official website for upcoming dates.
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