Gatlinburg: Wine and Moonshine Walking Tour With Tastings

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a hub for those eager to enjoy the rich history and vibrant culture of Appalachian spirits. The Gatlinburg: Wine and Moonshine Walking Tour offers an engaging 3.5-hour adventure that delves into this captivating world. Participants can expect custom tastings at a working distillery, an exploration of the region’s storied past, and VIP treatment at a local winery. With scenic walks and hands-on cocktail crafting, this tour promises a unique glimpse into the enduring legacy of Tennessee’s wine and moonshine traditions. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or simply curious, this experience could unlock a new appreciation for the art of artisanal distillation.

Key Points

• A 3.5-hour immersive experience featuring custom tastings, VIP winery treatment, and cocktail crafting in the Appalachian region.
• Explore the unique flavors of Appalachian wine and moonshine, including a behind-the-scenes look at the distillation process.
• Gain insight into moonshine’s historical significance and enjoy a VIP winery visit showcasing Tennessee’s sweet wines.
• Craft a personalized cocktail from on-site spirits at a distillery, concluding the tour.
• Moderate walking and standing required, with a minimum age of 21 and no participation for pregnant women.

Tour Overview and Details

The Gatlinburg Wine and Moonshine Tour offers a 3.5-hour immersive experience, priced from Kč1,218 per person.

This English-language tour is wheelchair accessible and allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests will check-in at a covered pavilion, then visit a working distillery for custom tastings, a local winery for VIP treatment, and conclude at another distillery with a homemade cocktail.

The tour includes guided activities, tastings, and the winery experience, but excludes transportation to the meeting point and personal expenses.

Participants must be 21 or older and able to walk moderate distances and stand for up to 3 hours.

Experience Highlights

Savory unique flavors of Appalachian wine and moonshine await guests on this tour. Visitors will get a behind-the-scenes look at the distillation process and enjoy custom tastings at local distilleries and wineries.

The tour provides insight into the history and production of moonshine. Guests will also experience a VIP winery visit featuring Tennessee’s sweet wines.

The highlight is crafting a cocktail from on-site spirits at a second distillery. This well-rounded experience blends education, exploration, and indulgence, offering an authentic taste of Appalachian spirits and culture.

Itinerary

Upon check-in at a covered pavilion, guests receive an overview of Appalachian wine and moonshine history.

They then visit a working distillery for a custom tasting lineup.

Next, they take a short walk to a local winery for VIP treatment and a wine selection.

As they stroll along, they’ll learn about moonshine’s historical significance.

The tour concludes at another distillery with a homemade cocktail, and guests may even get an exclusive tour.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a guided exploration, tastings at the distilleries, a VIP experience at a local winery, and a homemade cocktail.

Participants can expect a behind-the-scenes look at the distillation process and insight into the history and production of Appalachian wine and moonshine.

However, the tour excludes personal expenses and transportation to the meeting point.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or individuals under 21 years old, and participants should be prepared for moderate walking and standing for up to 3 hours.

Participant Restrictions

Although the Gatlinburg Wine and Moonshine Tour offers a unique and immersive experience, it may not be suitable for all participants.

The tour requires moderate walking, up to 0.7 miles/1.1 km, and standing for up to 3 hours. Plus, participants must be at least 21 years old, as the tour involves sampling alcoholic beverages.

Pregnant women are also not permitted on the tour for safety reasons.

It’s important for potential participants to carefully consider these physical and age requirements before booking the tour to ensure they can fully enjoy the experience without any limitations.

Appalachian Wine and Moonshine History

Rooted in the rich heritage of the Appalachian region, the history of wine and moonshine production in this area dates back centuries. During the colonial era, early settlers leveraged the region’s abundant natural resources to craft unique spirits, laying the foundation for a vibrant distilling culture. This tradition continued through the 19th and 20th centuries, with moonshine becoming deeply intertwined with Appalachian identity and livelihoods. Today, a new generation of artisanal producers are reviving these age-old practices, blending tradition with modern techniques to offer visitors a dynamic taste of Appalachian terroir. The table below highlights key milestones in the history of Appalachian wine and moonshine:

Era	Notable Developments
Colonial	Early settlers craft unique spirits
19th-20th Centuries	Moonshine becomes part of Appalachian culture
Modern Day	Artisanal producers revive traditional practices

Custom Tasting Lineup at Distillery

After gaining insight into the rich history of Appalachian wine and moonshine, the tour moves on to the first stop – a working distillery.

Guests will enjoy a custom tasting lineup, with the opportunity to learn about the distillation process firsthand. The knowledgeable guide will walk participants through the various spirits, sharing tasting notes and production details.

This behind-the-scenes experience provides a unique perspective on the craft of distilling. Guests can expect to sample a selection of the distillery’s signature products, gaining a deeper appreciation for the art and science involved in creating high-quality moonshine and other spirits.

VIP Winery Experience and Cocktail Crafting

Next, the tour moves on to a local winery where guests are treated to a VIP experience.

At the winery, participants can look forward to:

• A guided tasting of the winery’s signature sweet Tennessee wines
• An exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the wine production process
• The opportunity to curate a personalized wine selection to take home

After the winery, the tour continues with a scenic walk while learning about the historical significance of moonshine.

The experience concludes at a second distillery, where participants craft a custom cocktail using the on-site spirits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Bring Our Own Snacks on the Tour?

The tour’s details do not mention allowing participants to bring their own snacks. It’s best to check with the tour operator if outside food and drinks are permitted to avoid any issues during the experience.

Are Pets Allowed to Join the Tour?

The tour does not allow pets to accompany participants. For the safety and comfort of all guests, only service animals are permitted. Please leave your furry friends at home for this wine and spirits experience.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

There is no minimum group size requirement for this tour. Individuals can book and join the tour regardless of the size of their group. The tour accommodates both small and large groups without any restrictions.

Can We Purchase Additional Tastings or Bottles During the Tour?

Participants can purchase additional tastings or bottles during the tour. Pricing and availability for these add-ons may vary, so it’s best to check with the tour operator in advance. Additional expenses are not included in the tour price.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Local Residents?

Local residents may be eligible for discounts on the wine and moonshine tour. Travelers should inquire about any resident or local discounts when booking the tour. Discounts are subject to availability and tour operator’s policies.

Recap

This immersive Gatlinburg tour offers an unparalleled glimpse into Tennessee’s rich wine and moonshine heritage. Participants will delight in premium tastings, learn the distillation process, and craft their own cocktails – all while enjoying scenic walks and engaging historical insights. Whether a connoisseur or simply curious, this 3.5-hour experience is a must for those 21 and older seeking a unique adventure in the heart of the Smokies.