Gatlinburg isn’t just about mountain views and cozy cabins — it’s also a surprising hub for wine and moonshine tasting adventures. Whether you’re interested in learning about Appalachian brewing traditions or sampling handcrafted spirits, Gatlinburg offers engaging tours that go beyond the usual wine tastings. You can walk through distilleries, share a drink with locals, and uncover stories rooted in Appalachia’s rich alcohol history. Among the options, the Top Rated Wine and Shine Walking Tour and the Gatlinburg: Wine and Moonshine Walking Tour with Tastings stand out for their unique approaches and highly favorable reviews.
This guide will help you understand what each tour includes, what makes them special, and who they’re best suited for — from curious first-timers to seasoned spirits enthusiasts. Expect details on pricing, duration, and the kind of samples you’ll taste. With this info, you’ll be ready to pick a tour that matches your interests, whether it’s a lively behind-the-scenes experience or a more relaxed tasting walk.
Quick Overview
The top two picks combine guided walking adventures with in-depth tastings. The Top Rated Wine and Shine Walking Tour focuses heavily on moonshine, offering behind-the-scenes access and a variety of samples, including cocktails. It’s perfect if you want a lively, small-group experience with lots of local flavor. The Gatlinburg: Wine and Moonshine Walking Tour with Tastings emphasizes Appalachian history, with VIP service, custom tastings, and a mix of sweet wines and spirits. Both tours are around 3 to 3.5 hours long, cost between $48 and $51, and are highly rated for their engaging guides and authentic experiences.
1. Top Rated Wine and Shine Walking Tour
This Top Rated Wine and Shine Walking Tour offers a lively, small-group exploration of Gatlinburg’s distilleries and wineries. For $51 per person, you’ll spend about 3 hours and 30 minutes walking through some of the most iconic local spots. Your guide takes you behind the scenes at a working distillery, like Tennessee Shine Company, where you’ll see how moonshine is traditionally made. The tasting lineup is robust — from 35-proof creams to 135-proof uncut moonshine — and you’ll get to try a moonshine cocktail along the way.
What makes this tour stand out is its personalized, VIP treatment. The small group size ensures you can ask questions and get detailed insights into the history and craft of moonshine. Guests consistently praise the guides’ entertaining style and in-depth knowledge. One reviewer summed it up: “It was a great experience. You learn stuff while drinking.” The variety of samples, coupled with the behind-the-scenes look, appeals to spirits enthusiasts and curious first-timers alike.
The price includes all tastings, making it excellent value for a comprehensive experience. The tour’s energetic pace makes it ideal for those who want a full flavor of Gatlinburg’s spirit culture with plenty of fun stories. Potential downsides? If you prefer a more relaxed experience without walking, this might be a bit active. But for an engaging, spirited adventure, it’s a top pick.
Bottom Line: For those wanting an entertaining, behind-the-scenes look at moonshine and local wineries, this tour delivers an authentic, high-quality experience with excellent reviews and a lively guide.
2. Gatlinburg: Wine and Moonshine Walking Tour with Tastings
This Gatlinburg: Wine and Moonshine Walking Tour with Tastings takes you on a 3.5-hour journey through the Appalachian spirits scene for $48. Starting at 520 Parkway, this tour emphasizes local history, with a focus on Appalachian wine traditions and moonshine. The experience includes VIP service at local distilleries and wineries, where you’ll sample custom lineups that highlight regional flavors.
What makes this tour distinct is its combination of behind-the-scenes access and tastings of unique flavors, including Tennessee’s renowned sweet wines. Guests get a chance to see how spirits are made, learn about the history of moonshine in Appalachia, and enjoy cocktails crafted from local spirits at one of the stops. Reviewers appreciate the patience and understanding of the guide, with one noting, “She was patience and understanding,” which hints at personalized attention.
This tour is ideal for travelers interested in Appalachian culture, small-group intimacy, and culinary stories behind spirits. The mix of wine and moonshine, along with the opportunity to indulge in a homemade cocktail, makes it appealing to those who want a well-rounded tasting experience. The only potential downside is the limited number of reviews, but those who experience it leave satisfied.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want an educational and flavorful walk through Appalachian spirits, with a relaxed pace and personal service.
How to Choose
When deciding between these tours, start by considering your interests and budget. If you’re fascinated by moonshine history and want a more active, behind-the-scenes experience, the first option offers robust tastings and lively guides, ideal for spirits enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed, historical focus with custom tastings and appreciation for Appalachian wine, the second tour provides a slightly longer, more intimate experience.
Think about your physical comfort — both tours involve walking, but the first emphasizes a more energetic pace. For booking, it’s wise to reserve early, especially during peak seasons like summer and fall, when Gatlinburg’s spirits tours are particularly popular.
Finally, match your timing and budget. The first tour, at $51, is slightly more expensive but offers a more comprehensive experience, while the second, at $48, offers good value with its focus on Appalachian traditions and VIP service.
Final Thoughts
Gatlinburg offers a surprising variety of spirits tours that go beyond simple tastings. The Top Rated Wine and Shine Walking Tour provides a high-energy, behind-the-scenes look at moonshine with plenty of samples, making it perfect for those eager to learn and taste. The Gatlinburg: Wine and Moonshine Walking Tour with Tastings offers a deeper dive into Appalachian culture, with a focus on local wines and spirits in a more relaxed setting.
For spirits lovers, both tours promise memorable experiences, meaningful stories, and lots of tasting opportunities. If you’re traveling with friends who enjoy a lively atmosphere, the first tour’s energetic vibe will suit you. If you prefer a more cultural, laid-back approach, the second tour’s focus on Appalachian traditions will resonate.
Be sure to book early, especially if your trip coincides with busy months. These tours give a genuine taste of Gatlinburg’s spirit scene and are well worth adding to your Tennessee itinerary. Cheers to your adventure — and don’t forget to pace yourselves!
Enjoy exploring Gatlinburg’s rich spirit heritage—these tours are a great way to turn a mountain getaway into a flavorful journey.