Pigeon Forge: Moonshine and Wine Tour with Local Cuisine

Pigeon Forge: Moonshine and Wine Tour with Local Cuisine — A Down-to-Earth Look

If you’re heading to Pigeon Forge and are curious about the local drink scene, this Moonshine and Wine Tour with Local Cuisine might just be worth considering. It’s a guided trip that takes you through some of the area’s most notable distilleries, with exclusive tastings and a chance to taste Appalachian moonshine, sweet muscadine wine, and regional spirits. Plus, the tour includes a fresh, locally-sourced lunch that complements the flavors of the South.

What we genuinely like about this experience is how it combines education with tasting—your guides, Mike and Jenn, are said to be knowledgeable and friendly, making the stops engaging. Another highlight is the exclusivity: you get tastings and discounts that aren’t available to everyone, giving you a sense of insider access. On the flip side, a possible caveat is that the tour leans heavily into sweet moonshine, which might not appeal to everyone, especially if you’re expecting strong whiskey flavors.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy local spirits, appreciate regional cuisine, and want a laid-back, informative look at Appalachian culture. If you’re into tasting new drinks and trying regional flavors, it might be a solid choice for your time in the Smokies.

Key Points

• Authentic local experience: The tour highlights Appalachian moonshine and wines, providing genuine taste samples.
• Inclusive meal: The lunch is locally sourced and designed to showcase regional flavors.
• Knowledgeable guides: Mike and Jenn are praised for their explanations and friendly approach.
• Exclusive tastings: Special discounts and tastings aren’t available to the general public, adding value.
• Flexible itinerary: You can choose to visit either a winery or another distillery after lunch.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for those wanting an educational, flavorful experience with a relaxed vibe.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Tour

Starting across from The Island in Pigeon Forge, you’ll meet your guides for the day, Mike and Jenn. They kick things off with a quick overview of the itinerary—think of it as setting the scene for a fun, relaxed day. The group size seems to range around 12 to 17 people, which is generally comfortable for mingling but worth noting if you prefer smaller groups.

Visiting a Local Distillery

The first stop is a renowned local distillery known for its “grain to bottle” spirits. Here, you’ll get to sample a variety of vodkas, moonshines, and whiskeys. The distillery is praised for its craftsmanship, and the tasting is designed to give you a real sense of the process and the flavors. Expect to try a playful array of moonshines, from sweet to potent, with reviews mentioning favorites like a Choco MOOOO-SHINE and a formidable 135-proof Straight Off the Still.

This part of the tour is particularly appreciated for learning about how spirits are made—not just tasting, but understanding the process. As one reviewer noted, they enjoyed the explanations about moonshine making, which added depth to the experience.

The Lunch Break

Next, you’ll stop for a fresh, locally-sourced lunch that highlights regional cuisine. The food is described as excellent—an important consideration because, often, tours don’t include such a substantial meal. The lunch provides a nice break after the tastings and is a chance to relax and swap stories with your fellow travelers. One reviewer called the lunch “awesome,” and mentioned it was a highlight of the day.

Afternoon Tasting Options

Post-lunch, the group splits into two possible options—either visiting a local winery owned by a well-known wine family or heading to another moonshine distillery. This flexibility is great because it allows you to tailor the experience slightly depending on your preferences. The winery offers sweet muscadine wines, which are a regional specialty, often celebrated in country songs and local lore.

The final stop is a heritage-owned moonshine distillery, located in the backwoods. Here, the moonshine variety is broad—ranging from playful, sweet flavors to more potent brews. The tour emphasizes exclusive tastings and discounts, thanks to the guides’ strong relationships with these local producers.

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Authentic Appalachian Culture

Throughout the tour, you’ll hear stories and insights into the culture of Pigeon Forge and the surrounding Appalachians. The guides’ explanations are frequently highlighted as a reason to appreciate the experience—reviewers consistently mention how knowledgeable they are about the history and production of the spirits.

Practical Details

The tour lasts about 3.5 hours, usually offered in the morning. Transportation is included, making it easy to relax and enjoy without worrying about driving. The meeting point is at Lot F, behind the Residence Inn, which is straightforward to find. The price is $72 per person, which seems reasonable given the tastings, lunch, and exclusive discounts.

How Travelers Feel About It

Feedback from guests is overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 based on five reviews. Travelers appreciate the quality and variety of tastings, with one noting that the lunch was “awesome” and that this was their first tour to include a meal and free water—adding extra value. Many mention how much they enjoyed the friendly guides and the stories behind each spirit.

One reviewer pointed out that the tour was more moonshine-oriented than whiskey, which reflects the local flavor but might be a surprise if your expectations are different. The group size, sometimes larger than advertised, was also noted; if you prefer smaller, more intimate groups, this might be a consideration.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $72, the tour offers a fair amount of value. You get tastings at multiple distilleries, a full lunch, transportation, and exclusive discounts—all of which contribute to a memorable experience without overpaying. For those interested in local spirits and regional culture, it’s a good way to spend a few hours that go beyond just sightseeing.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits adults curious about Appalachian spirits, food lovers wanting regional cuisine, and those who enjoy guided, educational outings. It’s not a wild party tour, but rather a relaxed, engaging way to learn about local traditions. Travelers who appreciate stories behind the drinks and a bit of history will find it especially rewarding.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in Pigeon Forge and want to see a different side of the region—beyond the theme parks and mountain views—this moonshine and wine tour offers a genuine taste of local flavor. The combination of knowledgeable guides, exclusive tastings, and a hearty lunch makes it a well-rounded outing. It’s especially great if you like discovering how regional spirits are crafted or if you simply want to enjoy a leisurely, flavorful day out.

While it’s very moonshine-heavy, that’s part of the charm for many who want an authentic Appalachian experience. Just keep in mind that if you’re not into sweet spirits, this might not be your top pick. But for a genuine, fun look at Pigeon Forge’s local alcohol culture, it delivers.

FAQ

How long does the tour take?
It lasts about 3.5 hours, usually scheduled in the morning, making it a manageable half-day activity.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides transportation, so you can relax and enjoy without worrying about driving.

Where do I meet the guides?
The meeting point is Lot F, behind the Residence Inn in Pigeon Forge.

What’s the price?
It’s $72 per person, which covers tastings, lunch, transportation, and some special discounts.

Can I choose the stops after lunch?
Yes, after lunch, you can opt to visit either a local winery or another moonshine distillery.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Reviewers consistently praise Mike and Jenn for their explanations and friendly demeanor.

Is this suitable for families?
The tour is geared towards adults interested in spirits and regional culture; it’s not designed as a family activity.

What kind of spirits will I taste?
Expect a variety of vodkas, moonshines, and whiskeys, with a focus on sweet and traditional Appalachian-style drinks.

Is there a refund if I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in planning.

This tour offers a taste of Pigeon Forge’s local spirit scene with a genuine, relaxed vibe. If you’re after an authentic, educational, and tasty experience, it’s definitely worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: