Wine and Moonshine tastings are around every corner here in Gatlinburg and choosing which ones to visit could be a hard decision. Moonshine dates all the way back to the 18th century here in the Smoky Mountains and it got its name because it was made and enjoyed at night so that those who enjoyed partaking in this illegal liquor could avoid being caught. It definitely has some history here. Trying to decide which ones to visit might feel like a daunting task. So we have put together some of our top choices of wine and moonshine tastings spots to hopefully help make your decision a little easier.
Ole Smoky Moonshine
Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery, The Holler was not only the first legal distillery in Tennessee, but it is also the most visited distillery in America! They have 3 locations in the area, 2 of which are right here in Gatlinburg; “The Holler” and “The Barrelhouse” and the third one, “The Barn” in Pigeon Forge (at The Island). For just $5 you can enjoy a sample tasting of 7 of their signature flavors of ‘shine. They offer several flavors and have a flavor for everyone. Their most popular flavor is probably the Apple Pie Moonshine.
If Apple pie isn’t your preference, try one of their other flavors like Blueberry pancake which seems fitting for here in the Smokies. Everywhere you look there is a pancake house here. They have too many flavors to list, but just to name a few – Original, White Lightnin’ and my personal favorite is the Mountain Java.
Sugarlands Distilling Co.
Sugarlands Distilling Co. is another favorite here in the Smokies. They opened their downtown distillery in 2014 and offer a full tasting experience. Here they also charge a $5 sampling fee, but you will receive a voucher for $5 off your purchase in their store. Sugarlands Distilling Co. is open 364 days a year and closed on Christmas. Sugarlands is the official Moonshine of NASCAR. Their list of flavors is quite impressive. Here you have choices like Cinnamon, Root Beer, Maple Bacon, Peanut Butter and Jelly and Chipper Jones’ Sweet Tea Moonshine just to name a few! Make sure to add Sugarlands Distilling Co. to your list of things to do while visiting here in Gatlinburg.
Tennessee Shine Co.
The Tennessee Shine Co. offers a one of a kind tasting tour. The tour is free and they share the history of moonshine, how it’s made and how it’s intertwined with NASCAR. There are four locations in the Gatlinburg area and offer much more than just moonshine tastings. Have someone in your party that isn’t into tasting the ‘shine? Tennessee Shine Co. also offers whiskey and wine tastings. Here they offer several flavors that aren’t offered at some of the other distilleries. Some of their flavors include Cotton Candy, Nanner Puddin’, ChocoMoo Shine, Small Batch Apple Pie and Blue Houdini just to name a few. Next time you’re in the area, make sure to stop and give them a try for your wine and moonshine tastings.
Old Forge Distillery
The Old Forge Distillery is located in Pigeon Forge near the Old Mill. The Old Mill was built in 1830 and is still in operation today. They stone grind their quality grains to begin the process and combine that with the old fashioned methods to create their award-winning, distinguished moonshine. They also offer a wide variety of flavors of their moonshine. Though they do not offer tours, they do however offer free tastings! If you are looking to try something other than just the regular ol’ shine, try some of their other flavors. Including, but definitely not limited to, coffee, french toast, banana’s foster, cola and oatmeal cookie.
Tennessee Homemade Wines
Here at Tennessee Homemade Wines they pride themselves in using local fruit and local craftsmanship. They offer free tastings and are open seven days a week, so squeezing in a visit is easy. If you’re looking for wines on the sweeter side, then this is the place for you. If you find yourself loving their wines, but aren’t local, be sure to join their wine club! They have a wine club package to suit your needs. Tennessee Homemade Wines does offer shipping to certain states here in the US, so check their list to see if shipping is available to you.
Gatlinburg Wine Cellar
Gatlinburg Wine Cellar opened their doors in 2017 here in Gatlinburg, TN with two locations. They offer free wine tastings of their locally made wines and are open every day of the week to accommodate your busy schedule. Here they also offer shipping and a wine club that doesn’t require a membership fee. Wine club members can choose from 3 different packages that offer discounts. Gatlinburg Wine Cellar offers some very unique flavors, including their World-Famous Cotton Candy Wine! Next time you’re in for a visit; make sure you stop by to try their one of a kind flavors!
Sugarland Cellars
Sugarland Cellars is located right on the strip in downtown Gatlinburg and offers tours and free tastings daily. At Sugarland Cellars they take pride in their heritage, which is why their wines are named with a specific location, key figure or a fact about the local area. Mountain Laurel, Hellbender, Elkmont and my personal favorite, Wiley Oakley are just a few of their wines. The winery is built from local barn wood that was acquired from local farms where the barns weren’t able to stand any longer. Stop in and take in some of the history, sample some delicious wines and be sure to sign up for their wine club while you’re there.
Bootleggers Wine
Bootleggers Wine is located in the heart of Gatlinburg. It all started with two country sisters that shared the love of wine making. As a result, Bootleggers Wine evolved. They use the same small batch recipes that have been used for years and there is no need for big machinery or fancy equipment since they hand bottle their wines. Stop in for some free wine tastin’ as they call it. If you make a visit during the holidays, try one or both of their holiday wine flavors.
Little Bear Winery
Little Bear Winery is one of Gatlinburg’s newest wineries located on the Parkway just across from the Village in Gatlinburg. Not only do they offer wine, but they offer cider as well. Stop in for a free tasting and stay awhile and enjoy their outdoor seating or have dinner at their on-site restaurant. Little Bear Winery offers some delicious flavors of wines; like their Two Berries, Sweet Watermelon, Grape Expectations and of course you can’t go wrong with a simple Pinot Grigio.
Mill Bridge Winery
Mill Bridge Winery is located in The Old Mill Historic District in Pigeon Forge overlooking the Little Pigeon River. You can sit on their outdoor patio, watching the river run while sipping on your wine or one of their hand crafted ciders. They offer free tastings daily like most of the local wineries in the area. They have a nice selection of wines for you to enjoy.
What better way to end a day of moonshine and wine tastings than taking some of those delicious souvenirs back to your cabin. Sit by the fireplace and take in the beautiful mountain views while you sip your wine with your family or friends. Let us help make your stay more enjoyable and book one of our luxury cabins right here in Gatlinburg. Our cabins are filled with everything you need to make your stay feel like a home away from home.
