Pigeon Forge: Moonshine & Wine Tour with Tastings & Local Guide

Summary

Moonshine sips, Tennessee wines, laughter with locals on winding Smoky roads

You’ll ride through Pigeon Forge & Sevierville with a local guide, stopping at up to eight different spots for moonshine, wine, whiskey, rum, vodka, and cider tastings—plus plenty of laughs along the way. Expect stories from real locals, new flavors (some surprising), and a genuine taste of Tennessee warmth that lingers long after you head home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I signed up for this moonshine & wine tour in Pigeon Forge mostly out of curiosity (and maybe a little bit because my cousin dared me). The van smelled faintly like pine needles and something sweet as we piled in, and our guide, Jamie, started cracking jokes before we even left the parking lot. She grew up around here — you could tell by the way she waved at folks along the main drag in Sevierville. It felt more like tagging along with a friend than anything official.

The first stop was a winery where the air was cool and smelled like apples and oak barrels. I tried a white that tasted crisp and kind of tart — not what I expected from Tennessee wine, but honestly? I liked it. There was a cider stop too, which surprised me. Jamie explained how cider’s getting big here now, especially in fall. I probably embarrassed myself asking if it was “hard” or not (it was), but no one seemed to mind.

By the third place — another winery tucked behind some trees — everyone loosened up. A guy behind the counter poured us something red and bold; he called it their “front porch sipper.” We laughed about that for a while, imagining old-timers watching storms roll in over the mountains. Then came the real deal: moonshine tastings. If you’ve never tried proper Tennessee moonshine straight from the stills… well, it’s got a kick that sneaks up on you. My throat burned just enough to remind me I was alive. Jamie told us stories about her granddad running shine back when it wasn’t exactly legal; she winked so maybe some of it was true.

We hit up eight places total — more than I thought possible in four hours without feeling rushed. There were moments between stops when everything outside looked soft and green through rain-speckled windows, and I felt oddly calm even though my cheeks were warm from all those sips. At one point someone tried to say “Sevierville” right (it’s “Severe-ville,” not “Sev-ee-er-ville,” apparently) and half the van cracked up.

I still think about that last taste of honey moonshine — sweet but sharp, almost like summer lightning if that makes sense. If you’re thinking about doing this day trip from Pigeon Forge for the moonshine & wine tour, just go hungry (seriously) and bring your best fake Southern accent for fun. The people make it as much as the drinks do.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Moonshine and wine tasting tour

• Stop for wine tasting
• Stop for cider tasting
• Stop for wine tasting
• Taste some of Tennessee's best wine
• Moonshine and wine tasting stop
• Visit Smith Creek Moonshine

Top questions

How many stops are included on the Pigeon Forge moonshine & wine tour?

The tour includes up to 8 different tasting locations throughout Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.

What types of drinks are included on this tasting tour?

You’ll sample moonshine, wine (both red and white), cider, whiskey, rum, and vodka during the experience.

Is transportation provided between stops?

Yes, transportation between all tasting locations is included in your tour.

Are food or meals included on this tour?

No meals are provided; guests are advised to eat before joining since only drinks are served during tastings.

Is there an age requirement for this tour?

The minimum age is 21 years old for all participants due to alcohol tastings.

Does this day trip operate in bad weather?

The tour runs in all weather conditions except when deemed hazardous; dress appropriately for rain or shine.

Do I need to bring anything special?

A photo ID is required for all participants to verify age before tastings begin.

Can service animals join this moonshine & wine tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this experience.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes transportation between each stop in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville plus guided tastings of local moonshine, wines (red and white), ciders, whiskeys, rums, and vodkas—all led by a local guide who shares stories along the way.