Pigeon Forge: Famous Moonshine & Wine Tasting Tour

Pigeon Forge: Famous Moonshine & Wine Tasting Tour — A Flavorful Journey in the Smoky Mountains

If you’re heading to Pigeon Forge and want a taste of East Tennessee’s spirited side, this 4-hour tour is your ticket to sampling some of the region’s most beloved moonshine and wines. Starting in the iconic Apple Barn area, you’ll hop between carefully selected distilleries and wineries, tasting local products and learning about their history along the way. For around $70-$80 per person, you get to explore multiple stops — from Smith Creek Moonshine to Hillside Wine, and ending with Apple Barn’s famous ciders and apple wines.

What we love most about this experience are the quality of the tastings — especially the Black and Blue wine made from local berries, and the real working moonshine still at Tennessee Shine Co., which adds an authentic touch. Also, the friendly guides make the trip lively, informative, and tailored to ensure everyone feels comfortable.

A small consideration is that the tour route can change depending on traffic and group size, which might affect the number or type of stops. Plus, since alcohol is sampled at each location, you’ll want to eat well beforehand, especially if you plan to indulge in multiple tastings.

This tour is ideal for adults who appreciate local flavors and enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere. If you’re curious about Tennessee’s distillation traditions, love tasting new wines, or just want a fun outing with friends, this experience offers an enjoyable and authentic taste of the Smokies’ beverage scene.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Multiple stops in 4 hours offer a broad tasting experience.
• Authentic experiences include seeing a real moonshine still and learning about distillation.
• Friendly guides enhance the tour with insider knowledge and humor.
• High-quality tastings include local wines, moonshine, and ciders, with some stops offering discounts.
• Scenic routes through off-the-beaten-path roads provide a glimpse of the Smoky Mountains.
• Age restriction of 21+ and ID required ensure a responsible, adult-only experience.

Detailed Review of the Moonshine & Wine Tour

What to Expect from the Itinerary

Starting from the Apple Barn area, the tour sets a relaxed pace, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each stop. You’ll first visit Tennessee Homemade Wines, where Dave offers tastings of their signature homemade wines. Here, you’ll get a chance to sample some fruit wines and perhaps pick up a bottle at a discount if you’re so inclined. Multiple reviews mention the delicious fruit ciders—notably, those made from strawberries and other fruits, rather than overly sweet or artificial options.

Next, you’re off to Smith Creek Moonshine, a well-known distillery famous for its potent and flavorful moonshine. Lance, one of the guides, is described as an energetic “auctioneer” type—adding a lively element to the tasting. Here, you can see a working moonshine still in action, and if the still’s running, you might even sip some straight off the still, a truly authentic experience. Several reviews praise the variety and quality of moonshine, with some saying they enjoyed the pickle shot or flavored varieties.

Following that, you’ll explore Hillside Wine, famous for its Black and Blue wine, made from locally sourced blackberries and blueberries. This is a highlight for many, as it combines local ingredients with handmade craftsmanship. It offers a sweet but balanced flavor, perfect for those wanting to try something different from typical wines.

The tour then doubles back to Tennessee Shine Co. and Shine Wine, housed in the same building. Here, you can taste moonshine and wine, gaining a layered understanding of Tennessee’s distilling craft. Guides share insights into the distillation process, making this stop educational as well as flavorful. Some guests appreciated the knowledgeable guides, as one reviewer noted, “Jack was the best driver you could ask for! He was funny, helpful, patient, and knowledgeable.”

Finally, your journey concludes at the Old Forge Distillery in the historic Old Mill District, known for its craft spirits, including rum and special liquors like cream liquors. This stop provides a more diverse spirits tasting, rounding out the day.

The tour wraps up back at the Apple Barn, where you can sample their famous hard ciders and apple wines—a sweet ending to this spirited adventure.

The Experience and Atmosphere

Throughout the tour, the atmosphere is friendly and informal. The guides, especially those mentioned in reviews like Wild Bill and Big Sexy, add humor and charm, ensuring everyone feels relaxed. We appreciated how each stop was welcoming and eager to share their story, often offering special discounts for tour participants—an added bonus for those wanting to purchase souvenirs.

The scenic drives between locations offer glimpses of off-the-beaten-path roads, making the trip more than just a tasting; it’s a small excursion into rural East Tennessee. The vehicle is described as comfortable, and the entire experience is designed to be leisurely rather than rushed.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adults 21 and over who enjoy tasting local spirits and learning about distillation. It’s well-suited for groups of friends, couples, or anyone interested in authentic Tennessee flavors. The informal and fun approach appeals to those who appreciate humor, friendly guides, and a relaxed atmosphere.

However, if you’re expecting a food pairing or a sit-down meal, note that there’s no food included during stops, so eating beforehand is recommended. Also, because the route can vary, some days may have more or fewer stops, which can influence how much you drink and experience.

Value and Practicalities

At roughly $70-$80 per person, the tour offers a lot of value—you get to visit multiple locations with tastings, see a working still, and gain insights from local guides. Plus, the discounts available for purchase can make the cost worthwhile. The 4-hour duration strikes a good balance, providing enough time to enjoy each spot without feeling rushed.

Keep in mind the ID requirement (ages 21+), and that the tour route might change depending on traffic or group size. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon if you’re curious about Tennessee’s craft spirits or looking for a fun, social activity during your visit.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re a spirits enthusiast, looking to sample and learn about Tennessee moonshine and wines, this tour delivers a tasteful overview in a short amount of time. It’s ideal for groups of friends who want a lively, engaging experience, or couples seeking a fun bonding activity. History and craftsmanship lovers will also appreciate the insights into distillation.

It probably isn’t suited for pregnant women or those under 21, and if you prefer a full meal or more structured tasting, you might want to plan accordingly. Finally, if you’re only interested in scenic views or outdoor activities beyond tastings, this tour may not fit your itinerary.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, this tour is strictly for guests 21 years and older, as alcohol is sampled at every stop and ID is required.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, though it can be longer or shorter depending on traffic, group size, and the day’s route.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your schedule shifts.

What should I bring?
Bring a valid passport or ID card to verify your age. It’s also wise to eat beforehand and have some water, as there are no food stops on the tour.

Are meals included?
No, the tour does not include meals. You’ll want to eat prior or plan to purchase snacks or additional drinks at your stops if available.

Can I buy products at the stops?
Yes, most stops offer the opportunity to purchase wines, moonshine, or ciders, often at a discount for tour participants.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, a comfortable tour vehicle will take you between locations, with the driver also serving as your guide.

What if the route changes?
The route may vary depending on traffic conditions, which can affect the number and type of stops, but all are designed to be enjoyable and authentic.

Final Thoughts

This Moonshine & Wine Tasting Tour in Pigeon Forge offers an engaging, authentic glimpse into Tennessee’s craft spirits and local wines. With friendly guides, educational stops, and delicious tastings, it’s a fantastic way to spend part of your day exploring the culinary heritage of the Smoky Mountains.

It works best for adults eager to sample and learn about distillation, particularly those who enjoy social, relaxed outings. The tour’s value for the price, combined with the opportunity to see a real moonshine still and savor local flavors, makes it a worthwhile addition to your Pigeon Forge adventure.

Whether you’re a spirits novice or a seasoned connoisseur, this tour provides insights, laughs, and plenty of tasting—a true taste of Tennessee’s spirited soul.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby