Gatlinburg: Wine and Moonshine Walking Tour with Tastings

If you’re planning a trip to Gatlinburg and considering a taste of its famous local spirits, the Wine and Moonshine Walking Tour with Smoky Tours might catch your eye. Promising a blend of history, VIP tastings, and scenic walks, it’s quickly gaining praise for giving visitors a flavorful glimpse into Tennessee’s storied Appalachian alcohol scene.

We love how this tour combines educational moments with relaxed tastings, making it engaging without feeling rushed. Plus, the behind-the-scenes access at distilleries adds a layer of authenticity you won’t find just anywhere. On the flip side, it’s important to note that it involves some walking, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate-paced strolls.

This experience is especially good for those curious about local spirits’ production or anyone who appreciates a good story along with their drink. If you’re looking for a laid-back, informative excursion that offers a taste of Gatlinburg’s heritage without the hefty price tag, this tour could be a solid pick.

Key Points

• Educational and fun: Learn about Appalachian wine and moonshine history while enjoying tastings.
• Behind-the-scenes access: Get exclusive insights into distillation processes.
• VIP experiences: Enjoy special tastings at wineries and distilleries.
• Scenic walk: The tour involves about 0.7 miles of walking through Gatlinburg.
• Age and health considerations: Not suitable for pregnant women, those under 21, or people unable to walk or stand for a few hours.
• Cost-effective: At $54, it offers good value for a 3.5-hour guided experience with multiple tastings.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Gatlinburg Wine and Moonshine Walking Tour

This tour strikes a fine balance between education, entertainment, and tasting. It’s designed to give visitors a deeper appreciation for Appalachia’s unique alcohol traditions without overwhelming you with technical details. Instead, it’s about enjoying the process, understanding the heritage, and sampling some of Tennessee’s finest.

Starting Point and Orientation

You’ll kick things off at a covered pavilion just outside of downtown Gatlinburg, across from Ol Red. It’s a convenient spot with easy parking, which is nice because you’ll want to arrive ready for a relaxed walk. Here, you’ll check in, meet your guide, and get a quick overview of what’s ahead, including the history of Appalachian wine and moonshine.

The First Distillery: Behind-the-Scenes Access

The first stop is a working distillery, where you’ll see how moonshine and spirits are made firsthand. This is where the tour stands out—getting a peek behind the curtain at the distillation process, which many visitors find surprisingly fascinating. After the tour of the distillery’s inner workings, you’ll enjoy a custom tasting lineup curated specifically for the group.

According to reviews, guides are knowledgeable and engaging. One guest noted, “Our guide was lovely,” and highlighted the fun variety of locations and tastings. This suggests that the group size remains manageable, and guides tend to make the experience both informative and personable.

A Scenic Walk to the Winery

Next, you’ll take a short, scenic walk to a well-known local winery. This part of the tour is relaxed, letting you enjoy Gatlinburg’s sights and atmosphere. At the winery, you’re treated like a VIP with a selection of Tennessee’s renowned sweet wines. It’s a chance to savor locally crafted wines that reflect the region’s climate and style.

Guests often mention the value of the VIP experience here, with one reviewer emphasizing, “Loved a lot of the different moonshines and wines we tasted.” The walk also offers a chance to soak in the surroundings, making the experience feel less rushed and more intimate.

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Second Distillery and a Homemade Cocktail

The final part of the tour takes you to another distillery, where you’ll continue to enjoy VIP treatment. Here, you might get an exclusive back-of-house tour if available, or simply hear from guides about the moonshine-making process. The highlight is sipping a homemade cocktail crafted from spirits produced on-site, adding a personal touch and tasting experience.

Many reviews praise the guides’ patience and understanding, making the experience welcoming even for those new to spirits. The tour wraps up at the distillery, conveniently located in the heart of Gatlinburg for those who want to explore more.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At $54 per person, the tour offers a solid value, especially considering the VIP tastings and behind-the-scenes access. For 3.5 hours, you’re getting more than just a tasting; it’s an educational experience with a friendly guide who adds personality and insight.

The inclusion of multiple tastings—spanning moonshine, wine, and cocktails—means you’re likely to leave with a better understanding of what makes Appalachian spirits unique. Plus, the relaxed pace and scenic walking make it an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon or evening in Gatlinburg.

However, keep in mind that it involves about 0.7 miles of walking and standing for a few hours. It’s not ideal if you have mobility issues or prefer a seated experience. Also, the tour is limited to those 21 and over and not suitable for pregnant women, as you might expect.

Authentic Insights From Past Participants

Multiple reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides as a key part of the experience. One shared, “She was patience and understanding,” which speaks to the personable nature of the tour leaders. Guests also appreciate the good variety of locations and the chance to learn about both the history and production of spirits.

Many say they found the value for money to be excellent, especially given the VIP treatment and access to exclusive areas. One person happily exclaimed, “It was so much fun! And definitely loved our guide she was the absolute sweetest.” The overall tone is that this tour is both fun and educational, with a good dose of local flavor.

Practical Details

• Duration: 3.5 hours, usually in the evening
• Price: $54 per person
• Includes: Guided tour, tastings at distilleries, VIP winery experience, homemade cocktail
• Not included: Personal expenses and transportation
• Meeting Point: Covered pavilion across from Ol Red, just outside downtown Gatlinburg parking garage
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, but involves walking
• Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours in advance

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour appeals most to those curious about local spirits and heritage, as well as anyone wanting to enjoy Gatlinburg through a relaxed, guided walk. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with moderate walking and enjoy tasting and learning in a friendly environment.

It’s especially suited for adult travelers who enjoy spirits, history buffs, and social groups. If you have mobility concerns or prefer seated experiences, this might not be the best fit.

Final Thoughts

The Gatlinburg: Wine and Moonshine Walking Tour offers a well-rounded, genuine look into Appalachian alcohol traditions without feeling overly commercialized. The combination of behind-the-scenes access, tastings, and scenic walking makes it a memorable experience for those wanting to add a flavorful twist to their Gatlinburg trip.

With friendly guides, good value, and a chance to learn about regional heritage, it’s a tour that’s worth considering. Just be prepared for some walking and an adult-only environment, and you’ll likely leave with new knowledge and a few favorite drinks in hand.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is only for those over 21 because it involves alcohol tastings and is not suitable for minors.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 3.5 hours, usually in the evening, giving enough time for multiple stops and tastings.

Do I need to prepare or bring anything?
You should wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking. Since it involves some standing and walking, think about your mobility needs.

Are there vegetarian or special dietary options?
The tour doesn’t specify dietary accommodations, so if you have special needs, it’s best to contact the provider directly.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but keep in mind there is some walking involved.

Can I cancel once I book?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

Where do I meet for the tour?
You’ll meet at the covered pavilion across from Ol Red, just outside of downtown Gatlinburg Parking Garage. It’s a convenient spot with easy access.

If you’re eager to explore Gatlinburg’s spirits scene in a relaxed, friendly way, this tour could be a memorable highlight of your trip. It combines learning, tasting, and walking—what’s not to love?

You can check availability for your dates here: