Silver Springs Vineyards Has Good Wine and Great Food in a Beautiful Setting

Visitors to McMinn County have a delicious opportunity to enjoy fresh Greek dishes, live music, and carefully-crafted spirits at Silver Springs Vineyards. The winery is open daily for visitors, with diverse menu options ranging from classic Greek dishes to brunch.

We place a very high importance on quality,” say George and Michele, the founders of Silver Springs. “If you start with good ingredients, it’s easy to make good food.”

Silver Springs Vineyards can accommodate large events, including birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate gatherings. It’s also a favorite place for McMinn County locals to spend their evenings and an increasingly popular spot for visitors. Learn more about what makes this winery special. 

The Winery and Distillery are a Passion Project

Michele and her husband, Georgios Gialelis, have lived in McMinn County for more than a decade. They previously lived in Atlanta, where Georgios owned a bakery. Demand for their cakes and pastries was so high (and Atlanta traffic was so bad) that Georgios often slept on pallets in the bakery overnight. The couple eventually found a home in Riceville, where they enjoy the beautiful Tennessee scenery while fulfilling Georgios’ promise to his father to open a winery.

“This is the best place on Earth,” says Georgios, who is originally from Sparta, Greece. “I told my wife I wanted to die here.”

The initial plan to open the winery expanded into a tasting room, Greek café, event space, and distillery. Georgios is currently working to make brandy and also brings Greek spirits to McMinn County, making it a hub in the region for liquors like ouzo.  

Silver Springs Serves Healthy Food With Quality Ingredients

The dishes at the Greek café are developed with both health and flavor in mind. Michele and Georgios source local, organic ingredients as often as possible to support their dishes. Georgios also tries to develop healthy options that taste just as good (if not better) than traditional Greek classics.

For example, customers can order the eggplant or chicken parmesan when they visit the Silver Springs Greek café. However, Georgios doesn’t use a fryer to make these dishes. The baked alternatives are some of the most popular dishes on the menu.

“We put our hearts into the quality of what we do,” he says. “This isn’t about making money, we want to provide a healthier alternative to restaurants and wineries in the area.”

On top of offering good food, Silver Springs Vineyards also provides a clean dining space. Michele has a background in nursing, which she applies when training her staff. She prepares them for busy periods that would overwhelm other restaurants and ensures every part of the winery is spotless.

Georgios also emphasizes the importance of supporting local friends and neighbors when sourcing ingredients. This practice builds up the McMinn County community as a whole. 

The Event Spaces Fill Up Fast

Reservations aren't necessary for the Greek Cafe at Silver Springs Vineyards unless the staff needs to accommodate a large group. The winery also has two options for booking events: the banquet room above the Winery, and the large group room in the Greek café in the Parthenon Pavilion. Silver Springs is a popular option for rehearsal dinners and holiday events. Its weekends in December are already booked for 2025, but there is availability on the weekdays.

Silver Springs Vineyards is so popular that Tennessee Governor Bill Lee recently ate there. This speaks to its reputation beyond McMinn County. 

Silver Springs is an Essential Stop in McMinn County

Silver Springs Vineyards is a must-visit whether you are a wine aficionado, an ouzo fan, or a foodie. You can enjoy a delicious meal and relax while listening to local live music. The Greek café is open most days, and there are flexible hours to sample different wines and visit the distillery. Their website makes it easy to plan your visit before you arrive.

Outside of Silver Springs, there are plenty of things to see and do in McMinn County. Learn about other places to eat and drink during your visit, like the famed Tennessee Scoop Loop. Find activities for families, couples, or solo travelers ready to relax. Discover McMinn makes it easy to plan your visit and have an unforgettable time in the heart of the Overhill Region. We can’t wait to see you.