A tasting room featuring numerous varieties of handmade wine borne from local fruit might not be what you expect to discover as you’re browsing the storefronts in downtown Gatlinburg, but you should succumb to your curiosity and check it out. Tennessee Homemade Wines has quickly become a favorite spot for visitors and locals alike because of their commitment to producing unique, delicious sweet wines, and the staff’s welcoming southern hospitality.
The first thing to keep in mind is that you aren’t going to walk into the Tennessee Homemade Wines tasting room and see a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon like you would in California wine country. They produce sweet table wines, which are made from a variety of different fruits and feature distinctive flavor notes.
Some of their notable offerings include:
Blueberry Bammer
This smooth wine captures the balance of sweetness and tartness that summer blueberries are famous for
Old Apple Recipe
This recipe for apple wine has been passed down through the family for a century, and it produces a clean and crisp finish
White Knuckle Grape
It may be slightly sweeter than traditional wine, but its grapes pack a punch of flavor
Midnight Red Muscadine
A true southern classic; muscadine wine has been a staple in the region for centuries, and this edition honors that tradition while pushing the bar in terms of flavor
You can taste the pride in these and every variety produced by Tennessee Homemade Wines. The recipes and methods are based on the traditions and ingredients of the Appalachian region, and they celebrate the diversity of fruits that have been important to its people for generations. The fruit used in the winemaking process is sourced from several different local farms, so you can be confident that when you buy a bottle, you are truly tasting the essence of the Smoky Mountains, and supporting local growers.
Tasting sips are always free, so don’t hesitate to wander in and try something, even if you aren’t planning on buying a bottle (although it will be hard to resist!). Tennessee Homemade Wines is also a family-friendly establishment, so you don’t have to pass it by if you’re exploring the downtown area with your kids.
Aside from the delicious wines, the best reason to visit Tennessee Homemade Wines is to experience their unparalleled customer service. The staff members love to introduce their guests to new wines and flavors, and they are experts at guiding you through the tasting process whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a novice. So feel free to tell them a little bit about what you’re looking for, or just put your trust in their hands; they definitely won’t steer you wrong.
Insider Tips:
If you want to bring some of their delicious wine home but don’t want to worry about transporting it, consider joining their wine club. There are currently four different tiers, and each tier has specific perks and discounts. You’ll thank yourself later when you have sweet, handcrafted wines delivered to your door four times throughout the year.