However, Prohibition ended this promise in 1919. It is only within the last quarter century that grape growing and wine making have seen a recovery. From this small beginning, TVOS membership has grown to about 200 amateur and commercial grape growers and winemakers. In 1978 the Farm Winery Act was passed, allowing grape growers to make wine, sell up to 20,000 gallons on site, and allow taste testing at the wineries. Since that time, the law has changed to increase that figure to 40,000 gallons.
Wineries are a good outlet for entertainment and tourism.
In 1980 there was only one commercial winery in Tennessee, but by 1982 several wineries became licensed across the state and those members of TVOS saw the need to establish an organization for commercial growers and wineries. Now the two organizations work together to coordinate and advance the efforts of all Tennessee grape interests, including promotion, information, and legislation. Its nine members are appointed by the governor to advise and report on the potential and proper direction for the growth of the Tennessee grape and wine industry. Both TVOS and TFWA have a representative on the board. Lockwood is the educational advisor to TVOS, which promotes the industry through brochures placed in interstate welcome centers.