Top Rated Wine and Shine Walking Tour

Discover the Charm of Gatlinburg’s Wine and Shine Walking Tour

Imagine strolling through the charming streets of Gatlinburg, with the aroma of fermenting mash and fresh wine guiding your way. For about three and a half hours, this guided Walking Tour offers an authentic taste of local spirits and wines, visiting three popular spots: the Tennessee Shine Company, Little Bear Winery, and Sugarlands Distilling Company. Priced at just $51 per person, it’s a well-balanced mix of tasting, learning, and fun — perfect for those eager to explore the area’s craft drink scene without the fuss of driving.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the behind-the-scenes access at Sugarlands Distilling Company gives you an insider look at how moonshine is traditionally made. Second, the small group setting ensures personalized attention from guides who are both knowledgeable and entertaining. A couple of potential considerations: some guests note that the tour can feel a bit fast-paced at times, especially at Sugarlands, and if you’re not a big fan of walking or standing for extended periods, it may require some planning.

This tour is ideal for curious travelers who love authentic local experiences and enjoy tasting their way through a new city. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a spirits lover, or just someone looking for a lively way to spend an afternoon, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. Now, let’s dig into what this experience really offers.

Key Points

• Authentic behind-the-scenes access at Sugarlands Distilling Company provides insight into moonshine production.
• All tastings of moonshine, wine, and cocktails are included, making it easy to indulge without extra cost.
• The tour is small and personalized, ensuring you can ask questions and get detailed info.
• Timing and pacing can be quick, especially at the last stop, so be prepared for a lively but busy schedule.
• It’s perfect for those who appreciate local craftsmanship and want a fun, social experience.
• Suitable for most travelers, but not recommended for those with mobility issues or under 21.

An In-Depth Look at the Gatlinburg Wine and Shine Walking Tour

Starting Off at Tennessee Shine Company

The tour kicks off at the Tennessee Shine Company, right in downtown Gatlinburg. Here, you get a solid introduction to moonshine, sampling flavors ranging from sweet, cream-based concoctions at 35 proof to the potent 135-proof “off the still” moonshine. The hour-long visit offers a chance to taste a variety of flavors, and the experience is heightened by the lively atmosphere and friendly staff. One guest shared that their guide, Wild Bill, made the tasting particularly memorable with his entertaining storytelling and knowledge about the spirits.

This first stop sets the tone: you’re here to learn, taste, and enjoy without the rush. It’s a good way to gauge your preferences early on — whether you prefer smooth cream liqueurs or the more robust clear spirits — and to get a feel for the local moonshine culture. Some reviews, however, note that the tastings at this first stop are quite extensive and that you could do similar tastings on your own if you’re not interested in a guided experience. Still, the added value lies in the commentary and the VIP treatment.

Moving to Little Bear Winery

A pleasant walk takes you to Little Bear Winery, where you’ll experience a true VIP treatment with an opportunity to sample multiple wines in a relaxed setting. This stop lasts about an hour, and many guests highlight the quality of wines and the personal attention they received. The exclusive tasting experience, often described as more intimate than typical tasting rooms, allows you to savor the local flavors while enjoying the company of fellow travelers.

Guests often mention that the winery’s selection is impressive, with a good range of wine types to suit different palates. The staff here are knowledgeable and friendly, creating a welcoming atmosphere. If you’re a wine lover looking for a bit of sophistication amid your holiday fun, this stop is a definite highlight.

The Grand Finale at Sugarlands Distilling Company

The last stop is a behind-the-scenes tour of a working distillery at Sugarlands. This is where the experience really elevates beyond ordinary tastings. In about an hour and a half, you get an inside look at how moonshine is made, guided by someone who is both informative and enthusiastic about the craft.

What’s particularly fun about Sugarlands is the opportunity to sample actual moonshine cocktails—not just straight spirits—and to do a moonshine flight tasting of several varieties. Guests have raved about the entertaining guides, like Payton, who make the experience lively and memorable. It’s a chance to learn about the process, ask questions, and appreciate the craftsmanship behind these spirits.

Overall Experience and Value

Throughout the tour, all tastings are included—moonshine, wine, and cocktails—making it a straightforward, no-surprise experience. Some reviews point out that the tour offers better value than simply visiting the locations independently, especially considering the VIP access and front-of-line advantages.

The small group size (up to 12 travelers) ensures a more personal experience, and the mobile tickets make it easy to meet at the designated starting point. The tour is accessible for most travelers, although it requires walking and standing, and is not recommended for children under 21.

What Travelers Are Saying

Many guests leave glowing reviews, emphasizing the friendliness and knowledge of the guides. For example, one reviewer noted, “Wild Bill and Payton supplied extremely entertaining tasting experiences,” highlighting the importance of engaging guides in making the tour memorable. Others appreciate the quality of the spirits and wines, with comments like, “Our bartender Wild Bill was amazing,” and “the tastings at Sugarlands were very good.”

A few reviews offer constructive feedback: some feel that the tastings could be done independently and that the guided element might be unnecessary, especially at the first two stops. One guest pointed out that they visited only two locations with a short walk between, and no wine stop occurred, leading to the perception of being overcharged. Still, these opinions are balanced out by the overall positive sentiment and the value of the insider access.

Practical Considerations for Travelers

• The tour lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes and involves walking about 0.7 miles, with some standing. It’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate activity.
• Tips and gratuities are not included, so consider budgeting extra for your guides.
• The tour departs from 520 Parkway, Gatlinburg, and is near public transportation, making for easy access.
• Weather can impact the experience—if it’s rainy or stormy, check with the provider about rescheduling.
• The tour isn’t suitable for those under 21 or with mobility issues, so plan accordingly.
• While most travelers find the cost of $51 to be fair, some feel it’s a bit pricey for what essentially are tastings, but the VIP access and behind-the-scenes elements are often cited as worthwhile extras.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you love craft spirits and wines, enjoy learning about local traditions, and want a fun, social atmosphere, this tour delivers. The insider access at Sugarlands and the chance to sample a variety of drinks in a relaxed setting make it more than just a tasting — it’s an engaging experience. For those who appreciate guides with personality, like Wild Bill or Payton, the entertainment factor is definitely a plus.

However, if you’re more interested in independent tastings or prefer a more leisurely pace without guided commentary, you might find this tour somewhat hurried or unnecessary. It’s best suited for travelers who want a guided, all-inclusive experience with a lively group, and who value the convenience of VIP treatment.

Overall, with excellent reviews and a consistent 5-star rating, this tour offers a memorable way to explore Gatlinburg’s spirits scene, blending education, entertainment, and authentic local flavor in one well-paced package.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for someone who cannot walk long distances?
It requires walking about 0.7 miles and standing for up to 3 hours, so it might not be ideal for those with mobility issues.

Are all tastings included in the price?
Yes, your ticket covers all wine and moonshine tastings at each location, plus a special moonshine cocktail.

Can I participate if I am under 21?
No, this tour is not recommended for those under 21 as it involves alcohol tastings.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at 520 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738.

Is tipping included in the price?
No, tips and gratuities are not included and are at your discretion.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book about 40 days ahead, as it’s popular and often fills up.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, the tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Can I reschedule or get a refund if I cancel?
No, this experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended given the walking involved, and dress appropriately for the weather.

In essence, this Gatlinburg wine and moonshine tour offers an engaging, well-organized way to taste and learn about local spirits in a friendly setting. If you’re after a lively, educational experience with insider access, this is a visit worth making.