Gatlinburg: Moonshine & Wine Walking Tour with VIP Tastings

Summary

Small-batch spirits, laughter, and real stories in Gatlinburg

You’ll taste Gatlinburg’s boldest moonshines and local wines side by side with new friends, get rare behind-the-scenes access at working distilleries, and hear real stories from your local guide. Expect laughter, surprises (and maybe a little fire in your chest), plus all tastings and a moonshine cocktail included.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to laugh so much before noon. The first sip of that 135-proof moonshine in Gatlinburg actually made my eyes water (in a good way), and our guide—Jamie, born-and-raised here—just grinned like he’d seen it a hundred times. There’s something about the way he told stories: not rehearsed, just honest, like when he pointed out the old copper stills and said his granddad used to sneak out back “for quality control.” The air smelled sweet and sharp at the same time—kind of vanilla but also something like corn mash? Hard to describe until you try it.

We wandered from one distillery to another, each one tucked between souvenir shops and candy stores. At the winery stop, there was this moment where I almost forgot we were on a tour at all—everyone just chatting over glasses of blackberry wine (I spilled a bit trying to swirl it; nobody cared). Jamie explained how these places survived Prohibition days by making “medicine” or hiding barrels in church basements. He even let us peek into a back room where the real work happens—pipes rattling, everything humming quietly. I liked that part best. It felt… well, kind of special to be let in on it.

The last tasting was a flight of moonshine flavors I’d never heard of (apple pie was my favorite, though peanut butter is still haunting me). We finished with a cocktail that tasted both fiery and smooth—honestly, I’m not sure how they pull that off. By then, everyone was swapping stories like old friends. The walk itself isn’t long—maybe three-quarters of a mile—but somehow it felt like we’d gone further than that. Maybe it’s just the buzz or maybe it’s being treated like you belong for a few hours. Either way… yeah, I still think about that view down the main street as dusk started creeping in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — VIP moonshine and wine tasting tour

• Taste moonshine from 35 to 135 proof
• Walk to winery for VIP wine sampling
• Tour working distillery behind scenes
• Sample moonshine cocktails and final tasting

Top questions

How long is the Gatlinburg moonshine & wine walking tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours from start to finish.

Are all tastings included on this walking tour?

Yes, all wine and moonshine tastings plus one cocktail are included.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Can I join if I’m under 21?

No, this experience is not recommended for travelers under 21 years old.

How far will we walk during the tour?

The total walking distance is approximately 0.7 miles at a moderate pace.

Do you visit more than one distillery?

Yes, you’ll visit multiple distilleries plus a winery during the tour.

Is lunch or food included?

No meals are included; only drink tastings are provided.

Will we see working stills or production areas?

Yes, you get exclusive behind-the-scenes access to working distilleries not open to regular visitors.

What’s included

Your ticket covers guided walking through Gatlinburg’s top small-batch distilleries and winery stops, VIP-level access to production areas usually closed to visitors, generous tastings at every location (over 15 flavors), plus a signature moonshine cocktail—all led by an experienced local guide who shares stories along the way.