Craft brews, fine wines, and unique spirits abound in Gatlinburg, which provides a range of tasting opportunities to please connoisseurs and casual samplers alike. Beyond delicious samples, the area’s top breweries, wineries, and distilleries offer wonderful ambiance, capturing the essence of what makes this Smoky Mountain community special. With so many wonderful options available, however, it can be tough to know where to start. We recommend the following top destinations:
Sugarland Cellars
With complimentary wine tastings seven days a week, there’s never a bad time to visit Sugarland Cellars. Located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, Sugarland Cellars is one of five different wineries included on the Rocky Top Wine Trail. The winery’s partnership with local eateries such as the Park Grill, ensures that you can bring your own Sugarland Cellars wine bottle in to enjoy with dinner — without paying a corkage fee. Otherwise, stop in at the winery for a complimentary tasting or to learn more during an intriguing tour.
Gatlinburg Wine Cellar
The new kid on the block, Gatlinburg Wine Cellar has only been around since 2017 — but the already beloved Smoky Mountain destination has managed to make a name for itself with one-of-a-kind wines. Favorites include the 2019 Birthday Cake and Apple Pie creations. Other specialties include the Bears Head Niagara and the signature Cotton Candy wine. The service is as sweet as the wine, with staff members always on hand to help you determine which selections are most likely to satisfy your unique tastes.
Tennessee Homemade Wines
Capturing the essence of local wine culture, this memorable location moves beyond expected grape-based beverages to highlight the power of other fruits. Strawberry, blackberry, and apple wines offer intricate flavors that you’ll find immediately appealing. You will quickly fall in love during your tasting, which will have you feeling compelled to invest in a bottle (or two) to bring home.
Bootleggers Homemade Wine
Like Tennessee Homemade Wines, Bootleggers incorporates a variety of fruits into its signature wines. Committed to using only natural ingredients, the sisters behind this local winery hold true to Appalachian traditions that have produced quality wines in and around Gatlinburg for generations. Stop in to sample several flavors, but be forewarned: you won’t leave empty-handed.
Mountain Valley Winery
Home to a variety of different German and French-inspired wines, Mountain Valley Winery is one of several stops on the delightful Rocky Top Wine Trail. Make sure to try the rhubarb wine, one of Mountain Valley’s specialties. If rhubarb’s not your style, you’ll easily find something to love among the many award-winning selections offered here. Take a tour of the vast wine cellar to discover what, exactly, makes Mountain Valley so special.
Goodwater Winery Gatlinburg
Couples looking for an unforgettable experience will be in for a treat with a catered picnic at Goodwater Winery. A group of two can select three items off the menu and pair them with a bottle of Goodwater’s fabulous wine. Top selections include Everything Peachy, Goodwater Raz, and Rebecca’s Red. The winery’s casual environment offers plenty of laid-back appeal for those looking to kick back and relax.
Little Bear Winery
Little Bear Winery offers big flavor with a signature two-berry wine, which combines blueberries and blackberries into a refreshing creation. Located in the heart of downtown, you’ll love hopping from shop to shop before you peruse the vibrant wine selection at this tasting experience. With free tastings available, you can decide if this memorable blend is right for you — or if a rhubarb wine is more to your liking. Interested in taking some home? You can get some delicious wine shipped to you, or simply feel free to buy some in the store.
Ole Smoky Barrelhouse
Ole Smoky Barrelhouse specializes in white oak barrel-aged whiskey — and with drinks like Tennessee Mud, Cookies and Cream, and Salty Watermelon available, there’s something for every kind of whiskey drinker. If you partake in the tour, you will learn just what goes into making something as unusual as Cookie Dough whiskey. If nothing else, you’ll appreciate the delightfully rustic decor.
Gatlinburg Brewing Company
The Gatlinburg Brewing Company blends the best of mountain charm with the sophistication of modern brew culture. The result? A refined, yet unfussy environment where beer snobs and casual drinkers alike can feel perfectly at ease. Stop in to try one of several uniquely-named brews, along with a pizza or other tasty treat. If you typically struggle to choose just one beer, feel free to order a flight — but don’t be surprised if you follow with a full glass of your favorite selection.
Doc Collier Moonshine Distillery
William “Doc” Collier and his family have been crafting moonshine for generations. Their finest creations await your drinking pleasure at Doc Collier Moonshine Distillery. The Moonshine Brandy is a particular favorite among locals, who also appreciate special concoctions such as Root Beer Float, Peach, and a variety of seasonal creations. On a hot day, you’ll want to try your moonshine in slushy form for a truly refreshing experience.
Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery
The Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler is America’s most-visited distillery for good reason: folks can’t get enough of this Tennessee staple. A wide variety of concoctions guarantee that there’s something for every kind of drinker. From lighter Butter Pecan and Maple Cream drinks to Blue Flame and White Lightnin’ selections, the distillery’s signature flavors will make an immediate impression.
Sugarlands Distilling Company
Step back in time at the Sugarlands Distilling Company, where you’ll be greeted by a memorable barn interior featuring reclaimed wood. Quaint features such as a back porch and a moonshine-running truck amplify the location’s down-home vibes. The main attraction, however, is the moonshine, which is sure to delight. Feel free to sample the distillery’s vast range of flavors, which include everything from apple to butterscotch and even peppermint. Your small tasting fee can be used as a voucher on distillery purchases — and you’ll definitely be impressed enough to invest in your favorite moonshine flavors.
Tennessee Cider Company
If you prefer hard cider to other alcoholic beverages, you will adore the Tennessee Cider Company. Capitalizing on the growing cider trend, this Gatlinburg original offers a wide selection of fruity favorites. Free sips are available for customers who just can’t decide which cider they want to take home in a growler.
Tasty drinks are never far away when you visit Gatlinburg. Carve some time into your schedule for a laid-back distillery, winery, or brewery visit — you won’t regret it.
