A Flavorful Glimpse into Appalachian Alcohol and Culture

The Wine Me, Shine Me, Dine Me tour is a 3.5-hour adventure through some of Tennessee’s most beloved distilleries and wineries. Led by the friendly husband-and-wife team, Mike and Jenn, this experience combines tasting, storytelling, and regional cuisine in a way that’s both fun and educational. Starting from a central meeting spot at a coffee shop near Teaster Lane, you’ll visit several spots that showcase the area’s craft spirits and wines, all while learning about Appalachian traditions.

What we love about this tour is its focus on authenticity and local craftsmanship. You get exclusive access to tastings that aren’t open to the general public, along with discounts at some stops, making it a better value than many similar tours. Plus, the highlight of enjoying a fresh, locally sourced lunch adds a genuine taste of regional flavors.

A small consideration is that the tour sometimes exceeds its maximum group size—one reviewer noted 17 instead of 12 participants—which can slightly affect the intimate feel. It’s a relaxed, laid-back experience best suited for those curious about Southern spirits and appreciative of local culture. If you’re interested in learning about Appalachian moonshine, local wines, and regional cuisine all in one go, this tour could be just the ticket.

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Key Points

Authentic Appalachian spirit tastings including moonshine, moonshines, and sweet muscadine wine
Locally sourced lunch highlighting regional flavors and ingredients
Exclusive access and discounts at well-known distilleries and wineries
Educational storytelling about Appalachian culture and history from friendly guides
Small group atmosphere (sometimes slightly over capacity) for a more personalized experience
Duration of 3.5 hours fits well into a day’s itinerary with manageable pacing

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An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour begins at Lot F behind the Residence Inn, a convenient meeting point with clear coordinates (35.80028, -83.56237). From there, a short 10-minute coach ride takes you into the heart of the local distilling scene. The initial meeting at a local coffee shop sets a relaxed tone, where guides Mike and Jenn provide a quick overview of the itinerary, building anticipation for the tastings to come.

Visiting a Grain-to-Bottle Distillery

Our first stop is a renowned local distillery known for crafting spirits directly from local grains. This “grain to bottle” approach appeals to those who appreciate transparency and craftsmanship. Here, we sampled a variety of vodkas, moonshines, and whiskeys, each with distinct flavors that reflect the ingredients and methods used. The experience is not just about tasting but understanding the process behind each spirit.

One reviewer mentioned, “The tastings were and lunch were awesome!” highlighting how engaging and satisfying the experience can be. The facility’s location and the opportunity to try multiple spirits give you a good sense of Tennessee’s craft-distilling scene.

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Enjoying a Locally Sourced Lunch

Next comes a well-earned break with a lunch featuring regional, locally sourced ingredients. This meal isn’t just filler—it’s a highlight, offering a taste of Tennessee’s culinary traditions. The fresh flavors and regional specialties give you a real sense of place, turning the tour from just tasting into a full sensory experience.

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Winery Visit and Moonshine Sampling

Post-lunch, the tour continues with visits to a family-owned local winery, where you’ll discover the sweet and often country-famous Muscadine wines — a true Southern specialty. The wines are celebrated in country songs and enjoyed by locals, making this a memorable stop.

Following that, you’ll explore another moonshine distillery in the woods, where you can sample a playful Choco MOOOO-SHINE or the potent 135-proof Straight Off the Still. The latter packs a punch, so be prepared for a true Appalachian moonshine experience.

Final Stop: Heritage Moonshine Distillery

The last stop is a heritage-owned moonshine distillery, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the history and tradition of Appalachian moonshining. Tasting a range of moonshines, from sweet to fiery, helps you understand why moonshine remains a cultural icon in the region.

Exclusive Tastings and Discounts

Thanks to the guides’ relationships with these distilleries, you’ll enjoy exclusive tastings and discounts—a real perk that adds value to the tour. These deals might include discounts on bottles or special tasting experiences not available to walk-in visitors.

Practical Aspects and Group Size

The tour includes transportation via coach, with brief stops and a schedule designed for a relaxed pace. One minor point to note, as Holly from the reviews mentioned, is that sometimes the group exceeds the planned 12 people—17 in her case—which can make the experience feel less intimate. Still, the guides are friendly and knowledgeable, making it easy to ask questions and get personalized attention when possible.

Why You’ll Love This Tour

This tour is perfect if you’re curious about Southern spirits, want a taste of Appalachian culture, and enjoy regional cuisine. It strikes a good balance between educational storytelling, tastings, and culinary delights. If you like small-group tours with exclusive access to local producers, this is a solid choice.

It’s especially suited for those who want to understand the cultural significance of moonshine, wine, and whiskey in Tennessee, rather than just sample products. The guides’ friendly demeanor and local knowledge make the experience all the more rewarding.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Travelers seeking an authentic Appalachian experience will find this tour rewarding. It’s great for foodies and drink enthusiasts interested in regional drinks, as well as anyone wanting a local, behind-the-scenes look at Tennessee’s craft distillation scene. If you’re flexible with group sizes and appreciate informative guides, you’ll likely enjoy this journey.

However, those looking for a more intimate or quiet experience might want to double-check the current group sizes or ask about the maximum capacity. Also, those with a keen interest in more whiskey-focused tastings might find moonshine-heavy offerings a bit sweet or playful — as one reviewer noted, “more moonshine than whiskey,” which might be a pro or con depending on your preferences.

The Sum Up

This Wine Me, Shine Me, Dine Me tour offers a well-rounded, authentic look into Tennessee’s Appalachian alcohol traditions. It combines tastings, local cuisine, and cultural stories into a manageable and enjoyable half-day experience. The focus on exclusive tastings and local craftsmanship makes it a worthwhile choice for those eager to understand and taste the region’s unique flavors.

If you’re traveling with friends or family interested in regional spirits, love discovering new tastes, or simply want to learn more about Appalachian culture and history, this tour checks many boxes. It’s a good value considering the number of tastings, the included lunch, and the personalized insights from guides who genuinely care about sharing their home region.

For those who want a relaxed, flavorful, and educational outing, this tour is a stand-out pick in the Pigeon Forge area — a genuine taste of Tennessee’s spirit and soul.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, making it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing or relaxation.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Lot F, behind the Residence Inn at the coordinates 35.80028, -83.56237, near Teaster Lane.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes a short 10-minute coach ride between stops, making it convenient to visit multiple locations without worry.

Are the tastings suitable for non-drinkers or those with dietary restrictions?
While specific accommodations aren’t mentioned, the focus is on spirits and regional wines, so non-drinkers might want to clarify with the provider beforehand.

Can I buy bottles at the distilleries?
Yes, exclusive discounts are offered at select stops, which may include bottles for sale—a nice bonus for taking some Tennessee spirits home.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive for visitors with mobility needs.

How large are the groups?
The tour aims for 12 participants, but at least one review noted a group of 17, so small group intimacy could vary.

What’s included in the lunch?
A fresh, locally sourced meal that highlights regional ingredients and flavors—part of the authentic experience.

Is there any age restriction?
The information provided doesn’t specify age restrictions, but as it involves alcohol tastings, participants should be of legal drinking age.

What makes this tour different from other local experiences?
It offers exclusive tastings, personal stories from guides Mike and Jenn, and a focus on Appalachian culture and craftsmanship—creating a memorable, authentic experience.

Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast, a curious traveler, or simply seeking a taste of Tennessee’s local traditions, this tour offers a genuine, flavorful window into Appalachian life without breaking the bank or taking up your entire day.