Gatlinburg: Wine and Moonshine Walking Tour With Tastings

Gatlinburg’s storied past as a hub for moonshine production has inspired a unique walking tour that blends history and flavor. Over three and a half hours, visitors can explore the region’s distillation traditions, taste award-winning local wines, and sip cocktails crafted from on-site spirits. With insights into Appalachian culture and a behind-the-scenes look at the distillation process, this tour offers a delightful way to uncover Gatlinburg’s spirited heritage.

This experience made our article of 2 Best Wine Tours In Gatlinburg.

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Key Points

A 3.5-hour walking tour in Gatlinburg highlighting Appalachian wine and moonshine, offering insights into their history, production, and tastings.
Features a VIP experience at a local winery with sweet wine tastings, and a homemade cocktail crafted from on-site spirits at a distillery.
Provides exclusive access to a working distillery, with a guided tour explaining the intricacies of the moonshine production process and custom tasting flights.
Combines the region’s history and entrepreneurial spirit with modern tasting experiences, blending Appalachian traditions and rugged self-reliance.
Offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, starting at $53.78 per person.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Gatlinburg Wine and Moonshine Tour offers a 3.5-hour walking experience that allows visitors to savor the unique flavors of Appalachian wine and moonshine.

Enjoy the captivating flavors of Appalachian wine and moonshine on this 3.5-hour walking tour in Gatlinburg.

Priced from $53.78 per person, the tour includes behind-the-scenes looks at distillation, custom tastings, and insight into the history and production of moonshine.

Participants will also indulge in Tennessee’s renowned sweet wines at a local winery and sip on a cocktail crafted from on-site spirits at a second distillery.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and travelers can reserve now and pay later.

Into exploring Gatlinburg on foot? Check out these other walking experiences we've looked at

Experience Highlights

Savor unique flavors of Appalachian wine and moonshine as the tour takes visitors behind the scenes of distillation and custom tastings.

The experience offers:

Insight into the rich history and production of moonshine, a prominent part of Tennessee’s heritage.
Indulgence in the renowned sweet wines at a local winery, providing a VIP experience.
Enjoyment of a homemade cocktail crafted from on-site spirits at another distillery, along with a possible exclusive back-of-house tour.

The tour blends the region’s storied past with its vibrant present, offering an immersive and flavorful journey through the world of Appalachian spirits.

Tour Itinerary

The tour begins at a covered pavilion, where guests check in and receive an overview of Appalachian wine and moonshine history.

They then visit a working distillery for a behind-the-scenes look and custom tasting lineup.

Next, the group walks to a local winery for VIP treatment and a selection of sweet wines.

During the scenic walk, they learn about the historical significance of moonshine.

The tour concludes at another distillery, where guests enjoy a homemade cocktail and may receive an exclusive back-of-house tour.

Appalachian Wine and Moonshine History

Appalachian wine and moonshine hold a rich history deeply rooted in the region’s agrarian traditions. The production of these spirited beverages was often a means of survival, with farmers distilling their excess crops into potent potables.

Moonshine’s history is steeped in secrecy and evasion of federal taxation, leading to a legendary outlaw status.
Appalachian wines, meanwhile, showcase the area’s diverse terroir, with sweet and fruity notes reflecting the local bounty.

Together, these time-honored traditions provide a unique window into the rugged self-reliance and entrepreneurial spirit that defined Appalachian culture.

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Behind-the-Scenes Look at Distillation

As visitors step into the working distillery, they’re granted an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the captivating process of moonshine production.

A guide leads them through the various stages, explaining the intricacies of distillation. Guests witness the copper stills in action, observing the transformation of fermented mash into the distinctive spirit.

The guide highlights the importance of temperature control, water quality, and aging, providing insights into the art and science behind crafting the perfect moonshine.

Visitors savor custom tasting flights, exploring the nuanced flavors that emerge from this time-honored tradition.

There's plenty more to explore in Gatlinburg

Tennessee’s Renowned Sweet Wines

After exploring the captivating process of moonshine production, the tour takes guests to a local winery where they can indulge in Tennessee’s renowned sweet wines.

Here, visitors enjoy VIP treatment and a selection of the region’s finest sweet vintages. The experience evokes a sense of:

Delight, as they savor the rich, luscious flavors of these award-winning wines.
Appreciation, for the skilled winemakers who capture the essence of Tennessee’s terroir.
Relaxation, as they sip and savor in the serene winery setting.

The sweet wines provide a delightful contrast to the bold flavors of moonshine, offering a well-rounded tasting tour of Appalachian spirits.

Cocktail Crafted From On-Site Spirits

The tour concludes at another distillery, where visitors are treated to a homemade cocktail crafted from the on-site spirits. The bartender artfully mixes the spirits, showcasing their unique flavors. Guests can sit back and enjoy the refreshing drink while taking in the distillery’s ambiance.

| Cocktail | Ingredients | Description |

| — | — | — |

| Tennessee Sour | Moonshine, lemon juice, simple syrup | A classic sour cocktail with a moonshine twist |

| Peach Bellini | Peach wine, sparkling wine | A bubbly and fruity cocktail |

| Blackberry Julep | Blackberry moonshine, mint, crushed ice | A Southern-inspired refresher |

| Apple Cider Mule | Apple moonshine, ginger beer, lime | A seasonal spin on the Moscow Mule |

| Salted Caramel Espresso Martini | Salted caramel moonshine, coffee liqueur, espresso | An indulgent after-dinner sipper |

FAQ

Can I Bring My Own Food or Drinks on the Tour?

The tour does not allow participants to bring their own food or drinks. Bringing outside consumables is generally prohibited on walking tours to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests. Participants are expected to consume the tastings provided as part of the tour experience.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

The tour operator offers discounts for group bookings, though the exact discount amount isn’t specified. Travelers should inquire about group rates when booking to see if they qualify for any savings.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Activity During the Tour?

The tour allots approximately 1 hour for each activity, including a behind-the-scenes look at a distillery, tasting wines at a local winery, and enjoying a cocktail at another distillery. The total duration of the tour is 3.5 hours.

Is There a Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?

There is no specific dress code, but comfortable walking shoes and casual clothing are recommended. Participants should avoid wearing anything too formal or restrictive, as the tour involves walking and standing for extended periods.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Accommodations Available?

The tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s not suitable for pregnant women or individuals under 21. Specific dietary restrictions or accommodations aren’t mentioned, so guests should plan to enjoy the tastings as offered.

Sum Up

The Gatlinburg Wine and Moonshine Walking Tour with Tastings offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and flavors of Appalachian moonshine and local wines. From VIP tastings to behind-the-scenes insights, this tour provides a delightful journey through the region’s spirited past and vibrant present. Whether you’re a history buff or a spirit enthusiast, this tour is a must-experience for visitors to Gatlinburg.