Wine Me, Shine Me, Dine Me – Must do tour

Imagine spending an afternoon in the heart of Tennessee’s Appalachian culture—sampling spirits, tasting sweet wines, and enjoying a delicious lunch—all without the stress of driving or planning. That’s exactly what the “Wine Me, Shine Me, Dine Me” tour offers. This three-hour, 45-minute guided experience in Pigeon Forge takes you on a journey through the region’s famous distilleries and wineries, with a focus on authentic flavors and local stories.

What we love most about this tour is its combination of knowledgeable guides who know the area inside out and the relaxed, intimate atmosphere. It’s a chance to learn about Tennessee’s spirit-making traditions—moonshine, whiskey, and local vodka—while also enjoying some unexpected surprises, like a sit-down lunch from local vendors. A big plus is the seamless logistics—everything from transportation to tasting is organized, so you can focus on having fun.

However, it’s worth noting that the tour does involve standing during tastings, which might be tiring for some. Also, all participants must present a valid ID for tasting, a small but important detail. This tour is ideal for curious travelers eager to explore Appalachian spirits without the hassle of driving, especially those who appreciate a mix of history, culture, and good company.

Who this tour suits best:

If you’re in Pigeon Forge and want a relaxed but engaging way to experience local spirits and wines, this tour ticks all the boxes. Perfect for groups, couples, or solo travelers who value authentic tastings, friendly guides, and a well-paced itinerary.

Key Points

• Enjoy three hours of guided tastings at two distilleries and a winery.
• Transportation and lunch are included, adding convenience and great value.
• Learn about Appalachian spirits with a passionate, knowledgeable guide.
• The tour is designed for most travelers, with a maximum of 20 participants.
• A good mix of alcohol, local culture, and friendly atmosphere.
• Perfect for those who want a fun, hassle-free day with time left for evening plans.

Exploring Pigeon Forge’s Spirits and Wines

This tour is a smart pick for those who want to explore Tennessee’s famed alcohol scene without the fuss. It’s designed around convenience and authentic experiences, making it suitable whether you’re a spirits aficionado or just curious about Appalachian traditions. You’ll meet at a central location in Pigeon Forge, where your guide, Jenn or Mike, will welcome you and set the tone for a day of fun and learning.

The first stop: Pigeon Forge winery

Your journey begins with a visit to a local winery known for its sweet wines—the kind that evoke that comforting Southern charm. We loved the way this stop showcases Tennessee’s reputation for sweet wines, but with enough variety to please even dry wine enthusiasts. The tasting here is quick—around 30 minutes—but it’s enough to get a good sense of the region’s offerings. One reviewer noted, “They had us stand for all the tastings. It would’ve been nice to have more time after the tastings to sit and have a full drink of our favorite,” highlighting that the pace is brisk but efficient.

The thrill of the Mountain Mile

Next, the tour moves to The Mountain Mile, a lively hub of local shops and eateries. Here, you’ll shift gears to a more luxe experience. Riding in a high-top van or limo bus, you’ll get a taste of the area’s vibrant spirit scene, from vodka to moonshine. Jenn and Mike pride themselves on taking you to “where WE shop,” avoiding tourist traps and focusing on authentic, local spots. This approach resonates with travelers who prefer discovering hidden gems rather than cookie-cutter tourist experiences.

Distillery visits: grain to bottle

The highlight of the day is the visit to a favorite local distillery. Here, you’ll sample spirits made from scratch—grain to bottle—offering a genuine insight into the craftsmanship behind Tennessee’s spirits. Expect to taste vodka, moonshine, and whiskey, with over 36 flavors of moonshine available at the second location. Several reviews praise the personal touch: “Jenn was an amazing tour guide and I loved the personal relationship she had with each location. Each bartender was extremely nice, kind, and educated us on each drink we tasted.”

A hearty, quality lunch

Lunch is not an afterthought here. Instead, it’s an impressive sit-down meal at Junction 35, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Many travelers appreciated that this wasn’t a bagged lunch but a real meal, adding to the overall value. One reviewer raved, “The meal you receive at Junction 35 is delicious! More samples than you will get anywhere!”

The final stop: a diverse winery and moonshine spot

The last part of the tour combines both a winery and a moonshine distillery at the same location. With over 36 flavors of moonshine, you’ll be able to sample a wide variety of spirits—something that many guests found delightful. Jenn’s attentive planning and friendly approach mean you’ll feel relaxed and well cared for. As one guest put it, “Jenn sent us helpful suggestions and took care of our purchases. It was a relaxed, unrushed day.”

What Travelers Say

The positive reviews abound, with many commenters highlighting the guide’s knowledge, the quality of the tastings, and the overall value. “Jenn is the best,” says one reviewer, “they do all the work, they pick you up and drive you to each spot, and the meal is delicious.” Others appreciate the atmosphere, noting the friendly bartenders and authentic local flavors.

A common theme is the good value for money. At $74 per person, the tour includes transportation, tastings, and a meal—many guests feel this is a fair deal considering the variety and the personalized service. The limited group size (up to 20 people) ensures a more intimate experience, allowing for conversation and questions.

Practical considerations

The tour lasts just under four hours, leaving plenty of time in the evening for dinner or other activities. Because most tastings are small samples, it’s perfect for those who prefer to taste without feeling overly full or tipsy. Remember, a valid photo ID is required for tasting, so don’t forget your driver’s license or passport. The tour operates rain or shine, with a full refund offered if canceled due to bad weather.

Transportation & Logistics

The pick-up point is conveniently located in Pigeon Forge at Teaster Lane. The transportation is private, comfortable, and designed to keep the group together, which enhances the social aspect of the tour. The small group size helps keep things relaxed and manageable.

The tour is booked on average 29 days in advance, so it’s wise to secure your spot early, especially during peak travel seasons. The tour provider, Smoky Tours, is highly rated for their professionalism and friendly service.

Price and Value

At $74 per person, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. It includes multiple tastings, a hearty lunch, private transportation, bottled water, and the expertise of guides who are passionate about sharing local culture. Compared to the cost of individual tastings or dining out, this package provides an efficient, enjoyable way to experience the area’s spirits and wines with minimal hassle.

Who Should Consider This Tour

If you’re a traveler who enjoys tasting local spirits in a relaxed environment, this tour is ideal. It’s especially suited for those who prefer an organized experience that combines education, fun, and good food. The tour’s pace and structure make it accessible for most ages and physical abilities, but standing during tastings might be tiring for some.

It’s also perfect for groups of friends, couples, or solo travelers who want to meet like-minded enthusiasts. If you’re planning an evening out afterward, leaving time for dinner or exploring in Pigeon Forge is easy, thanks to the short duration.

The Sum Up

The “Wine Me, Shine Me, Dine Me” tour in Pigeon Forge offers excellent value through its combination of authentic tastings, local cuisine, and engaging guides. With a focus on Appalachian spirits and wines, it provides a genuine taste of Tennessee’s rich alcohol traditions without the stress of driving or organizing logistics. The small group size and personalized service make it a warm, friendly experience—perfect for travelers who want to learn, taste, and relax.

This tour is best suited for those who appreciate good company, are curious about regional spirits, and want a hassle-free way to indulge in some of Tennessee’s best flavors. If you’re looking for an authentic, fun, and well-organized way to spend part of your time in Pigeon Forge, this experience is hard to beat.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my ID?
Yes, a physical valid photo ID is required to taste the spirits. Expired IDs are not accepted, so carry your driver’s license or passport.

Is transportation included?
Absolutely, the tour provides private transportation in a comfortable high-top van or limo bus, making the day seamless and stress-free.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours 45 minutes. This leaves plenty of time afterward for dinner or other evening activities.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes. The tour is weather-dependent, but if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 20 travelers, ensuring a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers tastings at two distilleries and a winery, a delicious lunch, bottled water, and private transportation. Gratuities are not included.

In summary, this tour balances authenticity, fun, and comfort. It’s a chance to explore Tennessee’s spirits without the fuss, making it an ideal choice for curious, social travelers.