Wine Me, Shine Me, Dine Me – Must do tour

If you’re heading to Pigeon Forge and love the idea of sampling local spirits, wines, and enjoying a bit of Appalachian charm, the Wine, Shine, and Dine Tour might just be worth considering. This experience offers a blend of tasting, culture, and good company—all wrapped into a manageable three hour and forty-five minutes. It’s particularly appealing if you want to skip the hassle of driving yourself around and prefer a guided, relaxed day of indulging.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the expert guidance provided by passionate hosts who know their stuff and share lively stories along the way. Plus, the variety of tastings—from moonshine and whiskey to Tennessee wine—is impressive for the price. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour is a standing-only affair during tastings, which might feel a little rushed for some. It’s best suited for those who enjoy social experiences with a focus on drinks, great conversation, and local flavor.

If you’re a traveler looking for a casual, fun-filled day that combines good drinks with a taste of Appalachian culture, this tour probably ticks all the boxes. It’s especially good for couples, small groups, or anyone curious about Tennessee’s famed spirits and wines, without the need to navigate or organize multiple stops on your own.

Key Points

• Guided experience means no worries about transportation or driving.
• Includes a hearty lunch at Junction 35, making it good value for the price.
• Visits two local distilleries offering a range of spirits including moonshine, whiskey, and vodka.
• Tastings are generous, with over 36 moonshine flavors at the second location.
• Short duration leaves plenty of time for your evening plans.
• Small group size (max 20) offers a more intimate, personalized experience.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

The First Stop: Pigeon Forge Winery

The tour kicks off with a visit to a local winery in Pigeon Forge, a place celebrated for its sweet wines. We loved the way this stop highlights the regional preference for sweet wines, which is a big part of Tennessee’s wine scene. The tasting here takes about 30 minutes and is free, giving you a chance to try some of the best local offerings, including a couple of dry wines for those who prefer less sweetness.

One review mentions, “They had us stand for all the tastings. It would’ve been nice to have more time after to sit and enjoy our favorite drink,” which points to the quick pace but also the lively, social vibe of the stop. It’s a straightforward introduction to the local wine scene, perfect for those curious about Tennessee wines or just wanting an easy start to the day.

The Second Stop: The Mountain Mile

This is where the real fun begins. The group boards a luxury high-top van or limo bus, which immediately ups the style factor. The host, Jenn, and her husband Mike, are known for their friendly attitude and wealth of local knowledge. This part of the tour is packed with tasting spots, lively conversation, and some nice sightseeing as you hop from one location to another.

The biggest highlight here: visiting two distilleries, including one that produces spirits “grain to bottle.” You’ll sample vodka, moonshine, whiskey, and more than 36 moonshine flavors—talk about a flavor explosion. Reviewers rave about the authenticity, with one saying, “Jenn was so knowledgeable about the area and had a lot of history about moonshine in the area,” which makes the experience not just fun but informative.

The Lunch: A Step Above

Lunch at Junction 35 is a true standout. Unlike many tours that include a bagged lunch or fast food, this is described as “fresh and awesome” — a well-prepared meal that complements the tastings perfectly. Multiple reviews, including one stating, “Lunch was super delicious,” emphasize how much this adds to the overall value. You’re not just drinking; you’re enjoying a satisfying meal that rounds out the day nicely.

Final Stop: Another distillery with a vast array of moonshine flavors

The tour wraps up at a second location, which features both a winery and another moonshine distillery. Sampling over 36 different flavors, you’ll definitely find some favorites—whether you’re into traditional moonshine or something more unique.

The reviews consistently highlight the friendliness and knowledge of the bartenders, and the overall relaxed atmosphere. “Everyone was friendly and inviting,” sums up the vibe well. This last stop typically lasts about two hours and offers plenty of tastings, making it a full but fun-filled conclusion to your tour.

How the Experience Feels

One reviewer describes it as “a fun trip” and a “must do while you’re in town,” which reflects the general sentiment. The experience is designed to be social, with many mentioning the good company and friendly hosts. The size of the group (up to 20) helps keep it intimate and chatty, and the large variety of spirits is praised for its quality and diversity.

What’s clear from the reviews is that this isn’t a “sample a tiny sip” kind of tour. It’s about significant tastings, engaging conversations, and a chance to learn a little about the local alcohol scene. The guides are both knowledgeable and personable, making the day not just informative but genuinely enjoyable.

Practicalities

• The tour is about 3 hours 45 minutes long, which is a reasonable chunk of time that leaves your evening free.
• The price, $74 per person, compares well with other tasting tours, especially considering the included lunch and private transportation.
• Most travelers book around 28 days in advance, suggesting it’s popular, so planning ahead is smart.
• A valid, government-issued ID is required to participate in tastings, so don’t forget your driver’s license or passport.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $74 a person, this tour offers good value, especially when you factor in the included lunch, multiple tastings, and private transport. Considering the time spent and the quality of the experiences, most reviews suggest it’s worth every penny. The variety of spirits—moonshine, whiskey, vodka, wine—and the friendly, knowledgeable hosts go a long way toward making it memorable.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for those who enjoy tastings and socializing, and who prefer to have transportation taken care of. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone who wants a casual, fun introduction to Tennessee’s spirits and wines without the hassle of driving. Not so much for those seeking a low-energy or very relaxed sit-down experience, as tastings are standing-only at the stops.

It’s also suitable for travelers interested in local culture, as Jenn shares stories and background on the region’s alcohol history, making the experience more meaningful.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour involves alcohol tastings with a valid ID required. While children are allowed, they wouldn’t participate in the tastings and might not find the experience engaging. Service animals are permitted.

How much time do we spend at each stop?
The winery stop is about 30 minutes, and the main tasting stops at the distilleries last about two hours combined, including the meal. The overall tour is roughly 3 hours and 45 minutes.

What should I wear?
Comfortable casual clothing works well. Since tastings are standing-only, wear shoes suitable for a bit of walking and standing.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book around 4 weeks ahead, as the tour is popular and tends to fill up.

Are there any restrictions for participation?
Yes, a valid ID is necessary to taste. The tour requires most travelers to participate, but service animals are allowed.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers private transportation, tastings of spirits and wines, bottled water, and a full lunch.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
No, the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked. If canceled due to weather or insufficient group size, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Is the tour family-friendly?
While children can attend, they won’t participate in tastings and might not find it particularly interesting. It’s primarily an adult experience focused on alcohol.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a lively, well-organized tour that offers a good mix of local spirits, memorable food, and engaging hosts, the Wine, Shine, and Dine Tour in Pigeon Forge delivers. It’s a genuine way to experience a slice of Tennessee’s alcohol culture without any stress, and many past guests have raved about the friendly guides and quality tastings.

This experience is especially suited for those who value authenticity and good value. It’s not a fancy, high-end tasting, but rather a fun, approachable trip that combines education, sampling, and a hearty lunch—all in a short, manageable time frame. Whether you’re a couple celebrating, a small group of friends, or a solo traveler keen on making new acquaintances, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

In short, this tour might well become a highlight of your trip—if you’re into spirits, good conversations, and a touch of Appalachian charm.