Top Rated Wine and Shine Walking Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Gatlinburg and enjoy a good drink, this walking tour of local distilleries and wineries might just be the highlight of your visit. Advertised as a small-group adventure with VIP perks, it promises a chance to learn about moonshine culture, sample a variety of spirits and wines, and enjoy some behind-the-scenes access. With a spotless 5.0-star rating from hundreds of reviews, it’s clear many travelers find this tour both enjoyable and worth the price.

What we especially like about this tour is how it balances education with fun. The knowledgeable guides provide insights into the history and process of moonshine making, which adds context to the tastings. Plus, the VIP treatment—like skipping lines and exclusive access to a working distillery—is a real plus. On the flip side, some reviews suggest that parts of the experience may be more about tasting than the tour itself, and some feel the overall price is a bit high for what’s included. Still, if you’re a fan of spirits or wine, this tour offers a lively and authentic taste of Gatlinburg’s local alcohol scene.

This experience is best suited for travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace, are curious about spirits and wine, and enjoy small group settings with personalized attention. It’s also ideal if you want to combine fun with a bit of learning, and don’t mind walking about a little over a mile in total.

Key Points

• The tour includes tastings at three different locations, with all samples included.
• You get behind-the-scenes access at a working distillery, which many find memorable.
• It’s guided by knowledgeable hosts who keep the experience lively and informative.
• The small group size ensures personal attention and opportunities to ask questions.
• The tour lasts roughly three and a half hours, making it a manageable, fun outing.
• Many reviews highlight the quality of the spirits and wines, along with the entertaining guides.

What to Expect on the Tour

The tour kicks off at the Tennessee Shine Company in Gatlinburg, where you’re treated to an impressive tasting of moonshine flavors that span from creamy 35 proof to a potent 135 proof “off the still.” The guide explains how these spirits are crafted, which adds some context to the sweet and fiery samples you’ll sip. The variety is notable, and many reviewers praise the quality and range of flavors. One guest pointed out, “Wild Bill at Tennessee Shine and Payton at Sugarlands supplied extremely entertaining tasting experience. As well very good quality of the shines and bourbon.” That’s a common sentiment—expect a lively, personable host who’s passionate about what they do.

After that, a short walk takes you to Little Bear Winery, where the atmosphere shifts from the fiery moonshine to more refined wine. Here, you’ll enjoy a VIP-style sampling experience, with multiple wines to taste. The winery’s hospitality and selection have garnered praise, with visitors describing it as “amazing” and “a true VIP experience.” The setting is welcoming, and it’s a good chance to enjoy some lighter, fruitier flavors in a cozy environment.

The final stop is at Sugarlands Distilling Company, where the experience gets even more exclusive. A behind-the-scenes tour reveals how a working distillery operates—an aspect many find fascinating. Your knowledgeable guide shares insights into the distillation process, and you’re offered the chance to sample actual moonshine cocktails. One reviewer summed it up, saying, “Wild Bill at Tennessee Shine and Payton at Sugarlands supplied extremely entertaining tasting experience.” The tour here lasts about an hour and a half, giving you plenty of time to soak in the process, chat with staff, and enjoy your last flight of moonshine.

The Experience in Detail

The tour’s core appeal lies in its carefully curated tastings. At Tennessee Shine, you’ll sample flavors that run from sweet to fiery, with a variety of proof levels. This gives you a good understanding of how moonshine can vary dramatically in flavor and strength—an eye-opener for those new to spirits or for connoisseurs. Being able to try multiple samples in one sitting, especially with VIP treatment that might include skipping lines, adds great value.

The visit to Little Bear Winery offers a change of pace. You’ll enjoy a more relaxed tasting, sampling wines that include reds, whites, and possibly some fruit-based options. The personal attention from staff, as highlighted by guests, makes this part of the tour stand out. Many reviewers appreciate the “true VIP experience,” noting the guided tastings and friendly atmosphere.

The final stop at Sugarlands Distilling Company is a combination of education and entertainment. The behind-the-scenes tour is especially valuable—it’s not just about tasting but understanding the craft behind the spirits. The chance to sample actual moonshine cocktails, rather than just straight spirits, adds a fun twist. The experience here is often described as “not to be missed,” especially for those interested in how moonshine is made.

Practical Details: What You Should Know

The tour lasts approximately three and a half hours, making it a substantial but not overwhelming activity. It begins at 520 Parkway in Gatlinburg, a convenient central location. The group size is typically small—up to 12 travelers—which allows for more personalized interaction. That’s especially helpful if you’re keen to ask questions or get recommendations from your guide.

Cost-wise, at $51 per person, the tour is priced similarly to what you might spend on tastings by visiting each location on your own. The advantage here is the added perks like front-of-line access, guided commentary, and a structured experience that ensures you see all three spots without the hassle of navigating on your own. Your ticket includes all tastings, a moonshine cocktail, and the behind-the-scenes tour at Sugarlands. Tipping isn’t included, so if you get great service, a gratuity is appreciated.

While most travelers find this experience fun and worth the cost, a few mention that some aspects—like the tastings—could be done independently without a guide. One review pointed out, “You can walk into any of these and do a tasting on your own,” which might make some feel the added cost isn’t justified for the guide’s walking service alone. Still, the VIP treatment, exclusive access, and the social aspect make this a more lively experience overall.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for spirits and wine aficionados who appreciate guided tastings and behind-the-scenes access. It’s also well-suited for groups who enjoy socializing in small, friendly environments. If you prefer structured experiences with knowledgeable hosts who keep the mood lively, you’ll find this tour very satisfying.

It’s a good choice for travelers who don’t mind walking about a mile total and standing for up to three hours. If you’re traveling with someone under 21, keep in mind that the tour is not recommended for minors. Also, if you’re looking for a quick, casual tasting without much guide interaction, you might find this tour a bit more than you need.

Summary

The Top Rated Wine and Shine Walking Tour in Gatlinburg offers a well-rounded experience for those interested in local spirits and wines. It shines in its friendly guides, quality tastings, and behind-the-scenes access—whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned spirits lover. The small group format ensures a personal touch, making it more engaging than simply visiting the locations alone.

While some may question the value compared to doing tastings independently, many reviews confirm that the VIP benefits and guided experience justify the price. The mix of educational content, friendly hosts, and ample samples make it a fun, memorable outing that captures the spirit of Gatlinburg’s alcohol scene.

For travelers who enjoy a relaxed, social, and flavorful adventure, this tour delivers more than just tastings—it offers a true taste of Gatlinburg’s local craftsmanship. It’s especially suited for those who want to learn, laugh, and leave with a few new favorites in their hand.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people who don’t walk much?
The tour involves walking roughly 0.7 miles and standing for up to three hours. It’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate walking and standing.

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 skip the tour and just visit the places on my own?
Technically, yes. Some reviews note that you can walk into these spots and do tastings independently. However, the tour offers VIP perks like skipping lines and behind-the-scenes access, which many find valuable.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a more personal and engaging experience.

Is this tour suitable for minors?
No, it’s not recommended for travelers under 21, since it involves alcohol tastings and cocktails.

What if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

To sum it up, the Top Rated Wine and Shine Walking Tour in Gatlinburg provides a lively, educational, and tasty journey through the area’s spirits and wines. Its combination of behind-the-scenes access, top-notch tastings, and friendly guides makes it an excellent choice for those seeking an authentic and enjoyable local experience. Perfect for social groups, curious drinkers, or anyone wanting to add a flavorful chapter to their Gatlinburg trip.