Chattanooga Southern Food and Wine or Whiskey Tour with Tastings

A Taste of Chattanooga: Southern Food, Wine, and Whiskey Tour

If you’re craving a genuine taste of Chattanooga’s Southern charm, this 5-hour guided tour offers a satisfying blend of local wines, Tennessee whiskeys, historic sights, and hearty regional dishes. For $299.99 per person, you’ll visit some of the area’s most notable spots—like the Georgia Winery and the Chattanooga Whiskey Distillery—and finish with a dinner at the beloved Nick & Normans. The tour feels just right in length, offering enough to fill your day without feeling rushed, and it’s curated for those eager to experience Chattanooga’s authentic flavors and stories.

What we especially appreciate about this experience is how it combines educational tastings with casual sightseeing. You get a peek behind the scenes at a historic winery, followed by a whiskey tasting that highlights Tennessee’s long-standing tradition of spirits making. And the meal at Nick & Normans, run by folks with a cinematic twist, caps the day on a warm, welcoming note. The small group size—max 14 travelers—means you’ll get personalized attention, making the whole outing feel more like a memorable get-together than a cookie-cutter tour.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour requires some physical mobility—walking around historic sites and enjoying tastings—so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a bit of standing and walking. Also, with bookings often made about 20 days in advance, planning ahead guarantees your spot. Overall, if you love Southern flavors, historical settings, and friendly guides, this tour should very much be on your list.

Key Points

• Authentic Southern Experience: Combines wine, whiskey, and regional dishes for a well-rounded taste of Chattanooga.
• Expert-guided Tastings: Guided visits at the Georgia Winery and Chattanooga whiskey distillery, with tastings included.
• Historical & Cultural Sites: Visits to landmarks like the Chattanooga Choo Choo add local flavor beyond just food and drink.
• Small Group Atmosphere: Max 14 travelers for personalized attention and a more relaxed experience.
• High Satisfaction: Perfect for those who value knowledgeable guides and delicious, authentic cuisine.
• Good Value: Includes all tastings, dinner, transportation, and entrance fees, making it a comprehensive package.

Exploring Chattanooga’s Flavors and Heritage

This tour is designed for those seeking to blend culinary delights with a dash of local history. It’s particularly appealing if you’re curious about how Chattanooga’s past influences its present, especially through the lens of food and drink. From the moment you step into the Georgia Winery, you’ll notice the emphasis on local craftsmanship—a key ingredient for a memorable experience.

Visiting Georgia Winery

Your adventure begins at the Georgia Winery, one of the oldest vineyards in the Chattanooga Valley. The drive there is just enough to get you excited about tasting regional wines. The guided tour here takes about an hour, during which you’ll learn about the winemaking process and sample five wines. The highlight is the souvenir wine glass, which you’ll get to take home, along with a bottle of wine of your choice—an excellent keepsake that encapsulates the day’s experiences.

The winery’s setting is picturesque, and the guide’s insights make the tasting meaningful. As one reviewer noted, Ryan, our guide, was attentive, knowledgeable, and personable, making the visit feel like chatting with a friend who just happens to be an expert in wine. We loved the way the guide explained the nuances of the wines, making it accessible even for novices.

Chattanooga Choo Choo & Whiskey Tasting

Next, the tour takes you to explore the Chattanooga Choo Choo, a site with roots stretching back decades. While mainly a visual highlight, it’s a nice touch that connects Chattanooga’s history to your tasting experience. Following this, you’ll visit a local whiskey distillery—a highlight for spirits enthusiasts.

For about 1 hour and 30 minutes, you’ll participate in a guided whiskey tasting that showcases Tennessee’s reputation for quality spirits. The experience is both educational and sensory, with tasting notes and stories behind each pour. The opportunity to sip on 5 whiskey samples allows you to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle. As one reviewer remarked, the staff worked hard to ensure their guests had a good experience, which shows in the friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Dinner at Nick & Normans

The final stop is Nick & Normans, a restaurant brought to life by a Hollywood actor and a director—adding a charming, cinematic flair to your meal. Here, you’ll enjoy a hearty Southern dinner featuring local ingredients, in a cozy, inviting setting. The menu offers a chance to indulge in regional comfort food, completing your day of local discovery.

Many guests find that the dinner is a perfect way to wind down and reflect on everything they’ve learned and tasted. The warm atmosphere and flavorful dishes make this a highlight for food lovers.

What Sets This Tour Apart

Beyond the stops and tastings, what truly makes this experience stand out is the personalized guidance and authentic local flavor. The reviews highlight guides like Ryan, who are attentive and eager to share their knowledge, making the whole experience feel genuine rather than commercial. For example, one guest raved, “Ryan was hands down the most attentive, knowledgeable, friendly guide we’ve ever had,” underscoring how much a good guide can elevate a tour.

On top of that, the quality of tastings—from the wines to the whiskey—offers excellent value. The inclusion of a bottle of wine and multiple tastings means you’re not just paying for sightseeing but for a tangible and memorable connection to Chattanooga’s local producers.

The Food and Drink Quality

The Southern dinner at Nick & Normans is often praised for its hearty, local ingredients. This isn’t fine dining in the traditional sense, but rather a comforting, flavorful meal that embodies Chattanooga’s culinary soul. The use of regional ingredients makes the experience more than just eating out—it’s tasting a bit of the city’s culture.

The Price and Overall Value

At $299.99, this tour might seem a bit steep at first glance, but when you consider the all-inclusive nature—transportation, tastings, dinner, entrance fees—it’s quite reasonable. For a full afternoon and evening of guided experiences, it offers good value, especially given the small group size that ensures personal attention.

Possible Drawbacks

The main thing to consider is the fixed schedule—you’ll need to be ready to meet at 1:00 pm and commit to the entire five hours. Also, some walking and standing are involved, so it might not be ideal for those with mobility issues. Lastly, since the tour generally books about 20 days in advance, last-minute plans might be tricky.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for food and drink enthusiasts eager to learn about Southern wines and Tennessee whiskey. It’s also perfect for those interested in local history and small-group adventures. If you’re after a relaxed, informative day that mixes tasting with storytelling and scenic stops, this tour hits the right notes. It’s a great choice for couples, small groups of friends, or anyone celebrating a special occasion in Chattanooga.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The price includes all tastings (wine and whiskey), a souvenir wine glass, a bottle of wine, dinner at Nick & Normans, private transportation, and entrance fees for the winery and distillery.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, starting at 1:00 pm and ending back at the meeting point.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, private transportation is included throughout the tour, making it easy to move between stops comfortably.

Are all travelers able to participate?
Most travelers can participate, but some walking and standing are involved, so those with mobility issues should consider this.

What is the tour’s cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers peace of mind if your plans change.

Can I book this tour last-minute?
Booking about 20 days in advance is recommended, as it’s when most travelers secure their spots.

What kind of guide will I have?
Guides like Ryan are praised for being attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly, making your experience engaging and personable.

Is the dinner at Nick & Normans included?
Yes, the dinner is part of the package and features regional, hearty dishes.

What makes this tour special compared to other Chattanooga outings?
The combination of local wine, Tennessee whiskey, historic sights, and a warm dinner makes it a well-rounded, authentic experience.

Can I customize the experience?
This tour is set, but given the small group size, guides are often flexible in sharing stories and insights.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for an engaging, authentic way to explore Chattanooga’s culinary heritage, this Southern Food and Whiskey Tour is a solid choice. It blends tastings with storytelling, all wrapped in a friendly, small-group environment. The focus on local producers, history, and regional flavors makes it more than just a tasting—it’s a genuine taste of Chattanooga’s soul.

While the price might make you pause, the inclusive nature and quality of experiences justify it. It’s especially suited for food and drink lovers, small groups, or those celebrating a special day. The knowledgeable guides and authentic stops ensure you’ll leave with both new knowledge and a few delicious souvenirs.

In the end, this tour offers a meaningful way to savor Chattanooga’s flavors, stories, and warm Southern hospitality—making it a memorable highlight of any trip to this vibrant city.